OTAC Webinar Series

Beyond Symptom Management: Root-Cause Approaches to Chronic and Neuropathic Pain
Shara Ogin, OTR/L, GCFP®, CEAS

Shara Ogin is an Occupational Therapist with 25 years of clinical experience, primarily in outpatient settings. She is also a certified Ergonomist with five years of practice and a certified Feldenkrais® practitioner since 2002, bringing an integrative, systems-based approach to her work.

She is the author of three books, including A Quick Guide to Easing Pain in the Workplace & Beyond, and has developed multiple educational resources, including DVDs, online programs, and over 50 open-source instructional videos focused on pain reduction and movement efficiency.

For the past 15 years, Shara has hosted Feldenkrais® retreats in nature and offers advanced trainings and seminars for practitioners.

Title: Beyond Symptom Management: Root-Cause Approaches to Chronic and Neuropathic Pain
Overview: Despite the effectiveness of occupational and physical therapy in improving function and reducing pain intensity, many patients with chronic conditions complete a full course of treatment yet continue to experience persistent symptoms.

In this presentation, Shara introduces root-cause approaches to pain management that address symptoms through neuromuscular re-education.

A core premise of this session is that many clients with chronic pain remain symptomatic due to the overuse of smaller muscle groups and the under-activation of larger muscle groups essential for daily functioning — such as typing, cooking, standing, reaching, and walking.

Compounding this is the reality that many clients operate in a state of sympathetic nervous system dominance, marked by anxiety, worry, and a persistent fight-or-flight response that further disrupts coordinated, effortless movement.

To truly address chronic pain, we must retrain the nervous system to release inefficient, compensatory movement patterns and the over-contraction of muscles surrounding the pain site — replacing them with synergistic, effortless alternatives.

Equally important is addressing the ergonomic and postural factors that may be contributing to the pain in the first place — an area where OTs are uniquely positioned to make a lasting difference.

Attendees will gain a fresh perspective and practical tools to apply directly with patients—and may even leave the session with greater freedom of movement and improved alignment in their own bodies.

Time: 6:30PM 

Location: Virtual - webinar link will be sent via email after registration!
Cost: 

We’re enhancing OTAC member benefits by offering free  continuing education through two monthly webinar series hosted by OTAC and Aspire OT.
See our event calendar for upcoming webinars!