Osteopathic Approaches to Chronic Pain: Integrative Strategies for the Whole Person – 1 AOA Category 1-A Credits

Provided by an AOA-accredited Category 1 CME sponsor, this activity is eligible for AOA Category 1-A credit and includes instructor interaction; questions submitted by email will receive a response within 48 hours. Chronic pain is one of the most common and clinically demanding problems osteopathic physicians manage, and patients are looking for care that improves function, not just symptom scores. This course equips DOs with an evidence-based, osteopathic framework for evaluating and treating chronic pain using modern pain science, osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), and integrated biopsychosocial and structural assessment. Participants will explore current chronic pain models and updated pain neurophysiology, then translate that knowledge into practical clinical application. You will learn how to select and integrate OMT approaches alongside interdisciplinary, nonpharmacologic strategies to reduce pain burden, support self-regulation, and improve daily function across a range of chronic pain syndromes. Designed to align with osteopathic principles and real-world practice demands, this training strengthens clinical reasoning, enhances patient-centered care planning, and supports better outcomes over time.

This course offers osteopathic physicians a comprehensive exploration of current chronic pain models, the application of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), and the integration of biopsychosocial and structural evaluations. Participants will learn to apply these strategies to improve function, reduce pain, and enhance patient outcomes across a range of chronic pain syndromes.

Chronic pain is one of the most pervasive challenges in clinical practice. Evolving understandings of pain neurophysiology and the growing emphasis on non-pharmacologic, interdisciplinary care demand continued education in evidence-based strategies that align with osteopathic principles.