Pain Management & Non-Opioid Alternatives

Comprehensive pain management mandated in 20+ states. Multimodal strategies, non-opioid options, and special population considerations.

8 Units

Early Units (Foundation)

Building Skills

Advanced Concepts

Capstone/Synthesis

The Biopsychosocial Pain Model & Assessment

This unit introduces the biopsychosocial model of pain assessment, contrasting it with outdated biomedical approaches. Clinicians learn to evaluate biological mechanisms, psychological factors, and social determinants that shape pain experience and guide evidence-based treatment planning.

20 minutes

Multimodal Pain Management Strategies

This unit examines multimodal pain management, which combines pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions targeting different pain mechanisms. Clinicians learn to design synergistic treatment regimens that optimize analgesia while minimizing adverse effects and opioid consumption.

20 minutes

Non-Opioid Pharmacological Options

This unit provides a comprehensive review of non-opioid pharmacological options for pain management, including NSAIDs, acetaminophen, anticonvulsants, and antidepressants. Clinicians learn evidence-based prescribing strategies that match medication mechanisms to pain types while minimizing adverse effects.

20 minutes

Interventional Pain Procedures Overview

This unit surveys interventional pain management procedures that target specific anatomical pain generators. Clinicians learn evidence-based indications, patient selection criteria, expected outcomes, and potential risks for common interventional techniques from epidural injections to neuromodulation.

20 minutes

Integrative Approaches: PT, CBT & Acupuncture

This unit explores integrative pain management approaches including physical therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and acupuncture. Clinicians learn to incorporate non-pharmacological interventions that address pain mechanisms, enhance function, and promote self-management while complementing medical treatments.

20 minutes

Acute vs. Chronic Pain Management Protocols

This unit contrasts acute and chronic pain management, examining distinct pathophysiology, assessment strategies, and treatment protocols for each. Clinicians learn to optimize acute pain control while implementing preventive strategies, and to address the complex biopsychosocial factors maintaining chronic pain.

20 minutes

Special Populations: Pediatric, Geriatric & Pregnant

This unit addresses pain management considerations for special populations including children, older adults, and pregnant or lactating patients. Clinicians learn population-specific assessment techniques, medication safety profiles, and modified treatment protocols accounting for developmental, physiological, and risk factors.

20 minutes

Pain Management Quality Metrics & Documentation

This unit examines quality metrics and documentation standards for pain management. Clinicians learn to measure meaningful outcomes, maintain comprehensive records meeting regulatory requirements, and implement quality improvement initiatives that enhance patient care and safety.

20 minutes

Learning Progression

This course is designed to be taken sequentially. Earlier units establish foundational concepts that later units build upon. While you can explore units in any order, following the numbered sequence provides the most coherent learning experience.