I’ve tried PT before and it just made me worse!

There are a multitude of Physical Therapy approaches. We utilize a hands on manual therapy approach and utilize a hot pool if needed. Most of our patients who have previously had a bad experience with Physical Therapy are delighted with the results in our clinic. Physical Therapy appears to work best when its timing is coordinated with other kinds of treatment. So as to minimize inconvenience to you, Physical Therapy sessions are conducted in our clinic whenever possible.

I’m not crazy so why should I see a shrink?

We utilize the services of a psychologist (not psychiatrist) with special expertise in chronic pain and in the treatment of patients with medical problems. The psychologist can help you by teaching biofeedback relaxation therapy, help you deal with stress and improve how you cope with the disabling effects of chronic pain.

Why might I need a Sleep Study?

Poor sleep markedly increases suffering. There is increasing evidence to suggest that poor quality sleep increases our susceptibility to chronic muscle pain and our ability to cope with pain. Poor sleep has a major impact on our psychological status and our relationships with others. Frequently simple changes in lifestyle can help sleep considerably. When there is evidence suggestive of a primary sleep disorder, such as sleep apnea or restless leg syndrome we order a sleep study.

I’ve had shots before and they don’t work!

Some pain clinics undoubtedly over use procedures. We only perform procedures when we feel there is an excellent chance they will work. They form a part of a multidisciplinary approach to your pain. Most of our patients are pleasantly surprised at how little discomfort they feel during a procedure. When patients have severe muscle spasms, “shots” can hurt a lot; however we find that in such situations a few sessions of massage therapy in PT prior to procedures helps considerably.

Can I pick and choose what I want to do from your plan?

NO! Our experience is that patients who embrace a treatment plan, keep appointments and perform home exercises as instructed do very well.In contrast, those who want to pick and choose treatments, insist upon certain medications and fail to keep appointments will have disappoint- ing results. If you fall into the latter group then we will advise you that you are wasting your time and money, and you either need to change your approach and expectations or seek evaluation and treatment elsewhere. There is no doubt that most patients who want to get better and are looking for help will do well. Those on the other hand who “want to be made better” will be disappointed with their outcome. The difference between these groups is what YOU will do for yourself, the effort YOU will put in. The key is that the patient is the most important team member; you have to commit to treatment if you wish to do well.

What conditions do you specialize in treating?

We specialize in pain coming from the spine. Dr. Harries also has special interests in treating spine pain and in particular whiplash, and fractures of the spine resulting from osteo-porosis.

Are there any conditions you don’t treat?

As a result of experience we know that there are patients with some conditions that we are not going to be able to help patients in the long term. As a result we do not evaluate patients with abdominal \ pelvic pain, those with a drug addiction or unstable psychiatric conditions. Out of courtesy we are happy to evaluate patients with pain resulting from a malignancy but do not specialize in this. We would suggest that patients with cancer related pain see a physician with a particular interest in malignant pain; we would be happy to provide you with contact information for such a physician.

Aren’t pain clinics just for drug addicts?

Sadly there are “pain clinics” in Kentucky which exist primarily for the distribution of narcotics. Chronic narcotic usage does not help pain in the long term; in fact it makes it worse! We are focused upon the rehabilitation of individuals with chronic pain so that they can improve their function as much as possible. Drug abusers are wasting their time coming to see us.

Do you only treat chronic pain?

No. We are delighted to evaluate patients with acute pain related to the spine. Clearly if you have simply pulled a muscle then there is no need to see a specialist immediately. If the pain persists beyond seven days you may benefit from seeing us, particularly if you have pain from an irritated or compressed nerve in the spine. If you have new onset leg pain that extends below the knee and a “slipped disk” is suspected then we have several treatment options for you that may save you from having to undergo surgery. A large percentage of “slipped disks” will in fact go away on their own in time. If we can keep you comfortable using specialized procedures then avoiding surgery is a real possibility. The sooner we see you the more likely we are to be able to help you in this situation.