Sunday, September 14, 2008

clinical effects of es

Pain relief
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
Sensory TENS (high-rate TENS)
Used mostly in acute phase of pain or postoperatively
Pain reduction due to spinal gate mechanism
Depolarization results in a tingling sensation
Desirable to avoid muscle contraction
Motor TENS (low-rate TENS)
To treat subacute pain or trigger points
Targets the motor pain modulation theory
Pain relief may be delayed in comparison to that with sensory TENS
Pain relief lasts longer than with sensory TENS
Noxious TENS
Pain relief through central biasing mechanism
Commonly used with point stimulators
Portable TENS
Units are battery operated and can be self-administered
Clinician presets phase duration and pulse rate
Interferential stimulation (IFC)
Used for pain relief, increased circulation, and muscle stimulation
Applies two medium-frequency currents simultaneously
Waveforms of the two are superimposed on each other, which causes interference
Interference creates a “beat” mode
Wedenski’s inhibition—cutaneous nerve inhibition
Sweep frequency—feature available on some units that causes a rhythmical frequency change to reduce accommodation
Uses four electrodes in a quadripolar configuration
Allows for centralized concentration of current
Maximized by electrode placement so that intensity is perceived in area of pain
Can be used with other modalities
Premodulated interferential method easier to set up, but differs slightly
Bipolar electrode configuration
Currents are mixed in the machine, not the tissues
High-voltage stimulation (HVS)
Must be able to transmit a voltage of at least 150 V
Must use a twin-peaked monophasic current
High peak, but low average current provides deep penetration of a comfortable current
Used for pain control, edema reduction, tissue healing, and reduction of muscle spasm
Key feature of this unit is ability to be used with appendage submersion treatments
Muscle reeducation
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES)
Goal of treatment is to elicit a strong muscle contraction through stimulation of the alpha motor nerve
Can be used to slow disuse atrophy in innervated muscle
Assists neuromuscular function by enhancing force capacity (ability of muscle to contract) versus true “strengthening” of the muscle
Electrically produced contractions cause greater fatigue than physiological contractions
Duty cycle (rest time) must be imposed
Uses of galvanic current
Iontophoresis
Ions in solution are transferred through the intact skin via an electrical potential (like charges are repelled)
Uses DC generator
Most commonly used to suppress inflammation and pain
Treatment guidelines not well defined
Difficult to quantify amount of medication delivered into the tissues
Treatment should be physician prescribed
Safe application requires proper equipment and observation of cautions and contraindications
Direct stimulation of denervated muscle
Can occur secondary to trauma
Upper motor neurons—injury results in permanent paralysis; lower motor neuron is still intact and stimulation can still occur through the nerve
Alpha motor neurons—can regenerate, and active control of muscle can be restored
Electrical stimulation does not reinnervate, but maintains the contractile proteins in the muscle
Microcurrent
Effects and benefits
Evidence is limited
Only application shown to be effective is in treatment of slow-healing skin lesions
Summary
Electrical stimulation that crosses the skin to excite a nerve is considered TENS—transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation.
Many types of units are available to the clinician, allowing many parameters and waveforms to be manipulated in order to achieve a treatment goal.
The clinical uses of electrical stimulation include pain management, muscle stimulation for alpha motor nerve, stimulation of denervated muscle, iontophoresis, edema reduction, and wound healing.
Electrical stimulation in any form of TENS (sensory, motor, noxious, portable, and interferential) is used primarily for pain relief.
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is used primarily to reeducate muscle contraction of the strengthening muscle.
Iontophoresis is used primarily to decrease inflammation, pain, or both.

haemophilia

This is the html version of the file http://www.hemophilia.ca/en/pdf/11.0/Pain_ang.PDF.Google automatically generates html versions of documents as we crawl the web.
Page 1
ROADMAP FOR
MANAGING
PAIN
PASSP RT
to well-being
empowering people with bleeding disorders
to maximize their quality of life
Page 2
Roadmap for Managing Pain
The Canadian Hemophilia Society (CHS) exists to improve the quality
of life of persons with hemophilia and other inherited bleeding
disorders and to find a cure.
The CHS consults qualified medical professionals before distributing
any medical information. However, the CHS does not practice
medicine and under no circumstances recommends particular
treatments for specific individuals. In all cases, it is recommended that
individuals consult a physician before pursuing any course of treatment.
The CHS would like to acknowledge those people who contributed to
the development of Roadmap for Managing Pain.
Jenny Aikenhead
Physiotherapist, Alberta Children’s Hospital, Calgary, AB
Maureen Brownlow, RSW
IWK Health Centre, Halifax, NS
Nancy Dower, M.D.
Walter Mackenzie Health Sciences Centre, Edmonton, AB
Sophia Gocan, R.N.
Member, CHS National Programme Committee, Ottawa, ON
Ann Harrington, R.N.
St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON
Heather Jarman
Pharmacist, St. Joseph’s Health Care, London, ON
D. William C. Johnston, BMedSC, M.D., FRCS(C)
Orthopedic Surgeon and Site Medical Director of the University of
Alberta Hospital, Edmonton, AB
Peter Leung, M.D.
Pain Management Service, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON
Pam Wilton, R.N.
Vice-President, Canadian Hemophilia Society
Clare Cecchini
Program Coordinator, Canadian Hemophilia Society
David Page
Blood Safety Coordinator, Canadian Hemophilia Society
Supported by Baxter BioScience
For further information please contact:
Canadian Hemophilia Society
625 President Kennedy Avenue, Suite 505
Montreal, Quebec, H3A 1K2
Tel:
(514) 848-0503
Toll Free: 1-800-668-2686
E-mail:
chs@hemophilia.ca
Website: www.hemophilia.ca
Note: Bleeding disorders affect both men and women.
The use of the masculine in this text refers to both.
ISBN 0-920967-50-7
Page 3
Roadmap for Managing Pain
1
Table of Contents
Introduction ......................................................2
The impact of pain on the family......................2
Pain – the fifth vital sign....................................4
The role of the comprehensive care team in
pain management............................................6
Advocating for better pain management ........7
The use of analgesic..........................................8
Physiotherapy –
another approach to pain management ........9
Orthopedic and surgical management of pain ..11
Complementary and alternative approaches
to pain management ....................................12
Conclusion ......................................................14
Resources ........................................................14
Page 4
2
Roadmap for Managing Pain
INTRODUCTION
“It is difficult to convey how chronic pain totally invades
and affects all aspects of your life. It is a constant
inescapable entity. And it is difficult to make others
understand. Everyone has endured pain, but not the kind
of pain that you must live with 24 hours a day, 7 days a
week, day and night.”
- a 50-year-old man with hemophilia
This eloquent statement was made by a person with
hemophilia interviewed during an informal survey on the
impact of pain.
It reinforces the message that pain experienced by people
with bleeding disorders is not well understood, assessed or
treated. Forty percent of the people interviewed reported
having pain all the time. Children also have pain and often
have difficulty describing the level of their pain. Many adults,
especially those with chronic joint damage, say that pain is
the major element affecting their quality of life. Yet it is only
recently that attention is starting to be paid to this serious
problem.
The most common reasons given for not taking medication
are that…

pain isn’t considered bad enough

side-effects are a problem

access to a pain specialist is difficult.
The goal of this booklet, Roadmap for Managing Pain, is
not to provide all the answers on pain management. Rather,
it is intended as a guide, showing some of the different routes
to take, some of the signposts along the way and, hopefully,
destinations which provide some comfort and relief.
Just as importantly, it aims to encourage open discussion
of pain and to help people realize that suffering in silence is
not the best way to cope.
THE IMPACT OF PAIN ON THE FAMILY
People who live with hemophilia
and other bleeding disorders are
veterans in the acute care of bleeds.
They are, however, strangers in the
uncharted waters of effective pain
management. For many years, pain
has been seen as an unavoidable
part of the condition—something to be suffered, often alone
and in silence.
Often, people are reluctant to complain. They have built
an arsenal of weapons to deal with pain, including doing their
best to ignore it. There are signs, however well a person
hides it, that a person is dealing with pain, for example…
Page 5
3
Roadmap for Managing Pain

mood changes

a reluctance to communicate and interact
with others

increased irritability

inability to concentrate

difficulty sleeping

a decreased interest in favourite activities

a lack of appetite.
“My pain has progressed significantly in the last few years.
It has an impact on most aspects of my life. My ability to
climb stairs, walk distances (especially on uneven ground),
type at the computer, hammer a nail and open a jar, to
mention only some examples, have all been affected.
On days when the pain is extreme, it can have a negative
impact on my mood and it affects those around me.”
– a 35-year-old man with hemophilia
In the longer term, ineffective pain management may lead to…

missing school or work

missing out on social and family activities

feelings of futility and hopelessness.
Pain is an almost invisible presence. Yet it casts a net
beyond the person who is directly affected. In fact, pain has
never been suffered alone. Family members have always been
aware of the suffering, although limited in their resources to
deal with it. They are affected by the pain of a family member
in a number of ways—emotionally, socially, academically, finan-
cially and spiritually—depending on the family situation of the
person with the bleeding disorder.
“When I’m in pain, I tend to express it by complaining
verbally—to tell the truth, by screaming. My family
doesn’t like to see me suffer and they do their best to
comfort me and distract me. My mother gives me my
Niastase and also morphine for the pain if necessary.
My sister tries to watch TV with me. My father talks to me
about hunting and fishing, which I’m crazy about, and we
often look at magazines together.”
– a 13-year-old boy with a factor IX inhibitor
Families in the bleeding disorder community have
developed ways of dealing with the condition by…
• educating themselves about their particular
situations
• being open in working with the members of
the comprehensive care teams
• learning to do home treatments
• developing internal strengths
• being creative in dealing with problems
• maintaining a sense of hope for the future.
These positive coping abilities now need to be
applied to the new frontier of pain management.
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Roadmap for Managing Pain
PAIN – THE FIFTH VITAL SIGN
Most health care providers and patients are used to having
the four routine vital signs— blood pressure, pulse rate,
temperature and respiratory rate—recorded at every
assessment. Yet the most common reason for seeking medical
care is pain. In 1995, the term, “fifth vital sign”, was coined,
suggesting that that pain must be measured and treated.
What then is pain? A medical definition is: “An
unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated
with actual or potential tissue damage, or described in terms
of such damage.”
A person with hemophilia, however, describes pain in
these words.
“I experience pain daily. It can be mild or severe. It can
be relentless. It can sometimes be unpredictable.
I associate my pain with an imaginary companion I like to
call the dragon. This dragon travels with me all day,
every day. He makes it his point to remind me when I am
doing something destructive by breathing his heat and
making me uncomfortable. As I like being active, I would
hate to see the trouble I might get into if I could silence
this dragon completely.”
- a 35-year-old man with hemophilia
Pain in hemophilia is usually of two types:
Acute pain is usually due to bleeding into joints and
muscles and, more rarely, the after-effects of surgery.
Chronic pain is associated with joint degeneration or other
long-term complications of hemophilia.
Pain is always subjective—it is the person with pain who
decides if there is pain or not—and always unpleasant. And
it is an emotional experience. When pain becomes chronic,
the actual injury, and even the physiological responses, may
not be visible.
Why assessing and managing pain is so important
There are many roadblocks to the humane and competent
assessment and management of pain.
• Patients and health care providers often differ
culturally and socially.
• Treatment for chronic pain may be unavailable,
unaffordable or not covered by health insurance.
• The variability and unpredictability of pain in people
with bleeding disorders may lead to an adversarial
relationship between patients and health care providers.
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Roadmap for Managing Pain
Recognizing pain as the fifth vital sign puts assessment at
the forefront, and allows the patient and family to create an
alliance with the health care providers against suffering.
The aim of pain control within the first few hours of a
bleeding episode is relief of suffering. Unrelieved pain can
actually interfere with healing and turn acute pain into a
chronic problem.
With chronic pain control there is the added aim of
maintaining daily function. The final goal is a balance
between the efficacy of pain relief, the side effects if any,
and being as functional as possible.
All modalities of pain management—physical,
pharmacological and psychological—should be incorporated
into the therapeutic plan, if beneficial. Then, there is no fear
of the agony of the next episode because the patient can
assume “control”, and knows back-up plans are in place.
Fortunately, there is already a major shift in attitudes
toward pain medications. Not so long ago, there was a
reluctance to prescribe pain killers because they might cause
addiction or interfere with recovery. Research has shown that
the risk of clinical addiction is overestimated and, in fact,
quite rare at the dosages used for pain management. What’s
more, recovery takes place faster when pain is properly
managed.
How pain is measured
Unlike its vital sign counterparts, there is no gadget to
measure pain—it must be evaluated by asking questions
and observing behaviour. These are some helpful tools:
For children aged 3 and older, a range of tools is avail-
able for self-reporting and behaviour observation; children
from approximately age 5 are able to reliably complete a
VAS (Visual Analog Scale) score. One useful tool might be
the “Face Scales”.
Pain has sensory, emotional, motivational, cognitive, and
behavioural dimensions. Hence the individual’s subjective
response must override the clinician’s bias. Every patient
deserves the most effective treatment, not what the
provider feels he/she should have.
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Roadmap for Managing Pain
6
THE ROLE OF THE COMPREHENSIVE
CARE TEAM IN PAIN MANAGEMENT
In various ways, all of the comprehensive care team
members are involved in the assessment and management
of pain.
The person with the bleeding disorder and, in the case
of a young child, his/her parents, are at the centre of the
process. They need to be able to recognize bleeds early
and know the difference between pain from acute bleeds
and from chronic conditions.
“I now know I have to get treatment as soon as possible
when I think I am bleeding. Sometimes I think I can get
away without treatment and I wait before telling my
mother. This is often how the pain gets very bad…
but not always.”
- an 8-year-old boy with hemophilia
The nurse coordinator can ensure that pain is assessed
and treated by the appropriate team member. In
managing both acute and chronic pain, good bleed diaries
are most helpful. So are pain diaries to record preceding
events, intensity of pain, activity level, interventions and
response to treatment.
The hematologist can develop a management plan for
both acute and chronic pain which could include
medication. If you do not live close to the Hemophilia
Treatment Centre (HTC), your family physician will need to
be involved. In some parts of Canada, HTCs are located in
large health centres, which include pain management
teams whose members have specialized knowledge in the
management of all aspects of pain.
The physiotherapist can make various recommendations
for treating acute or chronic pain. The overall goal is to
prevent secondary complications due to pain, such as tight
musculature or poor mobility.
The social worker can help the patient manage the life
complications that occur due to pain.
Comprehensive care teams in pediatric and adult
centres often have close working relationships with
rheumatology and orthopedic teams whose expertise can
be called upon to treat pain. Treatments such as joint
injections, synovectomies or joint replacements are some
of the options.
People with pain, and their families, need to be aware
that pain is a manageable condition. It doesn’t need to
be suffered in silence.
Discuss it with your
clinic team and work
out a plan that suits
you.
ADVOCATING
Page 9
Roadmap for Managing Pain
7
FOR BETTER PAIN
MANAGEMENT
“My physician told me she never realized how much
pain people with hemophilia had until she went to a
CHS workshop on pain management. She couldn’t
believe how well her patients hid the pain.”
- a 50-year-old man with hemophilia
Advocacy is a process of promoting a cause on behalf of
oneself and/or others. An advocate is someone who works
through that process.
You are your own best advocate but, depending on the sit-
uation, the role of advocate can be played by almost anyone.

a family member—spouse, parent or sibling—
or close friend

a nurse, especially the nurse at the HTC

a physiotherapist

a social worker.
The HTC is part of a network of clinics across Canada and
therefore the comprehensive care team has an established net-
work of expertise it can tap into for help in difficult situations.
You may need to seek help from experts in the field of pain
management. It is sometimes difficult to get a referral to a
specialist because many people, including physicians, simply
do not understand the extent of the pain. In addition to the
hematologists at the HTC, a family physician can also facilitate
a referral. It is always preferable to have your family physician
and/or your hematologist working with you. So, in all likeli-
hood, you will need to convince these people of your need for
expert help.
Fatigue, immobility, frustration and anger are common in
patients with chronic pain, making it difficult to communicate.
When pain persists, confidence and respect for health care
professionals can quickly erode.
Effective advocacy can help you communicate competently in
a calm, yet assertive way, working with health care providers to
develop an effective pain management plan.
Effective communication strategies
Take a buddy - A family member or a friend who knows your
situation well can help you to have confidence and to be more
open about your situation.
Prepare ahead - Write down key points before the visit.
Be knowledgeable - Be ready to provide information about
your pain. Use resources such as this booklet to know your
options.
Be proactive - Ask to discuss your pain management. Propose
a solution if you think you have one.
Speak up! Be assertive! - State what the problem is and what
concerns you have. It won’t always help to “grin and bear it”.
Page 10
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Roadmap for Managing Pain
Listen - Listen carefully to what the physician says. Don’t be
afraid to ask him to explain if you’re not sure you understand.
Stay calm - You may feel frustration and impatience because
of the pain. Staying calm can be difficult, but it is important.
Repeat yourself if necessary - If you find your concerns are not
getting addressed, calmly repeat your problem and insist that
you are serious about finding a solution.
Be polite and courteous, yet firm - The health care providers
are trying to do their jobs to the best of their abilities, but may
have little experience treating chronic pain.
Focus on the problem, not the people - You want relief from
pain—that is the problem at hand. Focus on finding a solu-
tion, and not on any difficulties you are having getting help.
Use “I-statements,” not “you-statements.” - Focus on how you
feel and what you need, not on any disputes with health care
providers.
THE USE OF ANALGESIC
“I never considered myself one to take drugs
to manage pain, at least not in the obvious
sense like taking Tylenol, because I rarely do
this. But I do have a strategy and do in fact take drugs
to manage my pain. I infuse with clotting factor on a
prophylactic basis to prevent bleeds and thereby prevent
episodes of pain. I take Celebrex®, not everyday as I
should, but when I start to feel constant nagging pain
or know that I will be involved in activity the next day.”
- a 35-year-old man with hemophilia
Most patients with acute pain can obtain relief with the
careful use of common drugs such as acetaminophen
(Tylenol®) or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
The new COX-2 inhibitors (Celebrex®, Vioxx®) have less
effect on platelet function than ibuprofen, which was often
used for patients as the NSAID of choice. The addition of opi-
oids, such as morphine, can increase the control of severe
pain, depending on the individual patient.
If oral medication is ineffective, intravenous (IV) therapy is
an option. Opioids can be given by IV bolus, or by continu-
ous administration for even more control.
“At the hospital the pain management team put me on
a pump so I could administer extra doses of morphine
myself when I felt pain. I didn’t have to ask for and
wait to get my painkiller. It was also very useful when I
started to move around again with the help of my phys-
iotherapist. I manage my pain and can do my exercises
better.
- a 13-year-old boy with a factor IX inhibitor
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Roadmap for Managing Pain
Many people worry that opioids are addictive or could
lead to abuse. While there are no guarantees against this,
physicians take all possible precautions. As long as the
amount used is for pain, then the chance of addiction is
quite low. Short-term use for acute bleeds or surgery is
very unlikely to lead to addiction.
Addiction is not the same as tolerance. When people
use opioid pain medication, their bodies become accus-
tomed to the dose. One may need to increase the amount
to get the desired effect. Changing to a different medica-
tion can sometimes avoid the increase.
Poorly treated pain is detrimental to patients. Poor pain
management produces abnormal pain behaviour and may
even cause patients to seek out street drugs because they
are afraid of not being able to manage severe pain.
Marijuana is probably better to reduce nausea, improve
appetite and promote sleeping. Its use must be individual-
ized. For most patients it is not the magic drug. Legal
access to marijuana is difficult.
When the patient is traveling, the physician can provide
a specific letter detailing the medications and the amount
needed. He/she may even set out a suggested plan of
medication for mild and severe bleeds. This will help the
physician in another city to manage the pain. It will also
provide evidence at borders that a person is authorized to
carry these medications.
There are many useful medications for controlling pain.
In all cases, the type of analgesic and the route of adminis-
tration must be tailored to the individual patient. What’s
more, the underlying health problem must be managed by
knowledgeable health care workers.
PHYSIOTHERAPY – ANOTHER
APPROACH TO PAIN MANAGEMENT
The Pain Service at the Hospital for Sick Children always
recommends appropriate exercise to our patients. We
know that exercise makes the body release chemicals,
called endorphins, that not only make us feel less pain,
but also make us feel good. It’s something you can
control and do for yourself.
- Dr. Michael Jeavons, Psychiatrist,
Hospital for Sick Children’s Pain Service
An exercise or fitness program improves…
• Muscle strength - Stronger muscles tire less easily, which
results in extra support and protection for the joint and
reduces the stress and strain that can cause pain.
• Joint range of motion - Improved mobility of the joint
results in better alignment of the joint and decreased stress
on its surrounding structures. Exercises help reduce
stiffness and, by improving movement, may alleviate pain.
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Roadmap for Managing Pain
• Flexibility - Joint contractures and/or muscle
shortening may result in pain. These respond
well to stretching exercises. Improved flexibility
also decreases the chance of muscle bleeds.
• Coordination and balance - The development
of these skills results in a quicker response to a
sudden movement and a decreased chance of
further injury to the joint.
• Confidence and peer acceptance - Exercising
allows sharing with friends. Participation and
success bring confidence.
• Feelings of well-being and decreased anxiety -
Mental stress and anxiety are known to influence
sleep patterns, muscle spasm, the frequency of
bleeds and increase sensitivity to pain. Exercise
can decrease feelings of stress.
• Release of endorphins - Endorphins are natural chemicals
produced by the body and act as a damper to the
sensation of pain. Their production is thought to be
influenced by exercise, heat, cold, positive attitude, some
physiotherapy electrical modalities, relaxation and
medications.
• Endurance and weight loss - Cardio-vascular exercises
increase endurance and strength and therefore reduce
stress on the joints. Weight loss may occur, which also
decreases pressure on the joint surface.
“Sometimes applying ice helps a bit. I have several
orthotics I can use to immobilize the affected joint if
the bleeding is in the joint. I also use crutches or my
wheelchair when I have to. Because I had many
hemorrhages, I didn’t go to school for a few years.
I have been back at school since September 2002 and
I love it. I have a lot less bleeding because I am more
active and my muscles are stronger.”
- a 13-year-old boy with a factor IX inhibitor
A physiotherapist at the HTC can assess the pain and
assist in choosing an exercise or activity program. Ask the
physiotherapist about these other ways to reduce pain.
• Non-electrical treatments such as hot packs, ice,
hydrotherapy, splinting, foot orthotics and acupuncture
• Electrical modalities such as Transcutaneous Electrical
Nerve Stimulation (T.E.N.S.) and ultra-sound
Recommended activities for people who suffer from the
pain of arthritis related to hemophilia are those that have
low impact on the joint but allow mobility, strengthening and
cardio-vascular exercise. They include:

swimming and aquacise

T’ai Chi

yoga

bicycling

walking, dancing, bowling and hiking.
Page 13
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Road for Managing Pain
For more information, see the Passport to Well-Being
module entitled: Destination — Fitness.
ORTHOPEDIC AND SURGICAL
MANAGEMENT OF PAIN
Orthopedic interventions can be very effective in managing
pain. Acute pain from recurrent bleeding into target joints can
be helped by procedures such as synovectomy. Chronic pain
from an irrevocably damaged joint can be relieved by
procedures such as joint replacement. All invasive procedures
must be performed under the protection of factor
replacement. The hemophilia doctor must be involved to
ensure that adequate levels of replacement are provided for
the appropriate time post-operatively. Factor replacement
may be recommended prior to post-operative physiotherapy
sessions.
Synovectomy
Removal of the swollen synovium (synovectomy) can
decrease recurrent bleeding into a target joint and
reduce pain. Three techniques can be used:
Radioactive synovectomy - A radioactive isotope is
injected into a target joint. Within the joint, the
radioactivity reduces the amount of swollen synovium.
Arthroscopic synovectomy - Using small surgical
incisions a tiny camera is inserted into a joint to guide the
removal of the synovium through the other incisions. This can
be used for ankles, knees and elbows.
Open synovectomy - The joint is opened surgically and the
synovium removed.
Joint replacements
Chronic joint damage produces pain and decreased range
of motion. When the pain is severe and interferes with the
activities of daily living, joint replacement is an option. Knee
and hip replacements are the most common. Elbow, shoulder
and ankle replacements are done less commonly due to the
complexity of the joints.
Before the elbow replacement in 1999, I was in
tremendous pain continuously for a period of about
8 months to the point of having to stop working.
– a 49-year-old man with hemophilia
The damaged joint and adjacent bone are removed and
replaced with plastic and metal components (knee) or with a
metal ball and a plastic cup (hip). Pain control is critical during
the recovery period so that early mobilization and physiothera-
py can occur. Most people are left with a pain-free joint.
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Roadmap for Managing Pain
12
Other surgeries
Other surgeries that might be considered to manage pain
from damaged joints are:
• Removal of small bony growths around the joint margins
(cheilectomy)
• Fusion of the joint to leave a painless immobile joint
(arthrodesis)
• Removal of the radial head to improve rotation of the
forearm
• Removal of the ball part of the femur to allow a fibrous
union to develop. This may be done if a hip replace-
ment fails
• Removal of a wedge of bone from the femur or tibia to
realign the leg and reduce pain (osteotomy).
Less invasive options
Injection of a corticosteroid into an affected joint can be
used in the short to medium term to decrease inflammation
and pain. This could be used while awaiting surgery.
“Ultimately, the operations—replacements and
fusions—were godsends and did relieve the pain. I
do not run or skate and I avoid stairs like the plague,
but my wife and I play golf—I still have a slice—and
I am able to enjoy travel and visit family and friends.”
- a 43-year-old man with hemophilia
COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE
APPROACHES TO PAIN MANAGEMENT
“When I’m at home, I find that my dog helps me a lot
to manage my pain. I see a huge difference since he
became part of our lives. ”
- an 8-year-old boy with hemophilia
Complementary and Alternative Health
Care (CAHR) are therapies that are
considered outside of mainstream medical
practices.
A complementary therapy, such as
aromatherapy to help lessen a person’s
discomfort following surgery, is used together with
conventional medicine. In contrast, alternative medicine, such
as a special diet to treat cancer instead of undergoing surgery
that has been recommended by a conventional doctor, is used
in place of conventional medicine.
While there is scientific evidence supporting some CAHC
therapies, for most there remain unanswered questions
regarding safety and effectiveness. As these therapies
become better understood and validated with sound scientific
research, some CAHC therapies will become integrated into
traditional medicine.
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Roadmap for Managing Pain
13
Types of complementary and alternative health care therapies
CAHR therapies can be divided into five categories, or
domains:
• Alternative medical systems including homeopathy,
naturopathy, traditional Chinese medicine and
Ayurveda
• Mind-body interventions including patient
support groups, meditation, prayer, biofeedback,
humour therapy, and therapies that use creative
outlets such as art, music or dance
• Biologically-based therapies using substances
found in nature, such as herbs, foods, and
vitamins
• Manipulative and body-based methods
including chiropractic or osteopathic manipulation,
reflexology and massage
• Energy therapies including qi gong, Reiki and
Therapeutic Touch.
The value of complementary and alternative health care
therapies in reducing pain
It is important to ask yourself what you expect from CAHC
therapies. While you may not be able to find relief for your
pain, some CAHC therapies may be able to provide you with
indirect benefits.
Consider the potential benefits before starting a treatment.
Monitor how you feel as a result of the treatment. Then make
a decision about whether to continue it.
The safety of complementary and alternative health care
therapies
To protect yourself from potential risks involved when using
CAHC therapies, be sure to:
• Discuss all of your CAHC practices with your physician
and other health care providers. Ensure the therapy you
are considering will be safe when taking into account your
current health status.
• Try to gather information from sources that look at both
sides of a therapy—those who oppose and those who
support the therapy. Consult publications and web sites
that stem from governments, recognized medical
organizations, well-known scientific sources or academic
institutions.
• Be cautious about any of the claims that you come
across.
• Seek out only fully competent and licensed practitioners.
Ask individuals about their training and experience. Check
with provincial or territorial Ministries of Health.
Page 16
Roadmap for Managing Pain
14
Some CAHC products contain powerful pharmacological
substances which can be toxic on their own, or when used
with other medications. Some can affect the ability of your
blood to clot. This is especially dangerous for a person with a
bleeding disorder. Some substances known to negatively
affect clotting are…

black cohosh

cat’s claw

feverfew

garlic

ginkgo biloba

pau d’arco.
CONCLUSION
For many, the pain of acute bleeding is the most vivid
memory of living with a bleeding disorder. Thanks to better
treatment, such episodes are much rarer today, but still a
reality, especially for those with an inhibitor. The long-term
consequences of bleeding, however, mean that many adults
are living with damaged joints and
the burden of chronic pain. For
many years, this pain went largely
unrecognized or was accepted as
unavoidable. Today, we know a
roadmap for pain management
must be drawn so that people can
find their way to some relief.
RESOURCES
1. Pain – The Fifth Vital Sign, Canadian Hemophilia Society, 2004,
www.hemophilia.ca
2. The Pain Management Book for People with Haemophilia and Related
Bleeding Disorders, Hemophilia Foundation Australia and the World
Federation of Hemophilia, Treatment of Hemophilia Series, Number 22,
April 2000, www.wfh.org
3. All About Hemophilia – A Guide for Families, Canadian Hemophilia Society,
2001, www.hemophilia.ca
4. Hemophilia Today, Canadian Hemophilia Society, www.hemophilia.ca
5. Handbook for Physical Activity Guide, Health Canada, www.hc-sc.gc.ca
6. Health Canada’s Office of Natural Health Products, www.hc-sc.gc.ca
7. Canadian Health Network, funded by Health Canada, www.canadian-health-
network.ca
8. Canadian Health Portal, links to provincial or territorial Ministries of Health,
www.pcs-chp.gc.ca
9. NCCAM, the U.S. Federal Government’s lead agency for scientific research
on complementary and alternative medicine, www.nccam.nih.gov