NonDrug Pain Management Ideas: Pet Therapy

In this short video, Sandy Sentivany-Collins, RN, and Carly, a Golden Retriever working with our pediatric pain management service, are highlighted for their work at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford. Carly is an official member of the Packard staff and understands a number of languages. Sandy and Carly's work provides extraordinary support to the kids and families at this hospital.

Pet therapy is good for all age groups. In November 2009 Science Daily reported on a study of using pet therapy for adults undergoing joint replacement therapy. According to the study, those who used pet therapy in their treatment required 50 percent less medication that those who did not. You can read the article in its entirety by clicking here.

If you don't have your own dog or cat, perhaps you know someone who would share with you. Animals love unconditionally and their is much to be gained from their companionship besides pain management. This is one of the most rewarding things life has to offer!

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Living with Chronic pain hits the big screen!

Been to the movies lately? Jennifer Aniston is on the big screen in a recent release titled "Cake." Her character, Claire is a victim of chronic pain...she belongs to a support group, where all of the members are coming to terms with the suicide of one of their members. Of course, she also takes pain medication and addiction is another of her problems...and of course there's more! I guess I am writing this post just to bring readers' attention to the fact that Hollywood has become aware of the crisis that is chronic pain. This movie is a testament to that. People that don't have to live with this kind of pain don't fully understand the whole story. Maybe this movie will shed some light on the issues. Here is the official trailer for the movie: Sources: prweb;NorthJersey.com;YouTube

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Everyday pain management ideas

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