The MGH Orthopædic Hand and Upper Extremity Service recently introduced the Multidisciplinary Arm Pain Program to integrate the best of both traditional and mind/body medical care. The program combines surgical and non-surgical musculoskeletal care and treatment by certified hand therapists with behavioral medicine practices, such as relaxation techniques and the cultivation of positive illness concepts, to not only treat patients’ physical ailments, but also optimize their quality of life. Patients also benefit from a close collaboration the program maintains with other MGH services –  including Behavioral Medicine, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Orthopædic Surgery and Occupational Therapy Services.

The program presently is establishing a relationship with the Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine at MGH, which joined the hospital in 2006. “Recent studies of the brain reveal that changes in thought process can directly affect pain sites in the brain,” says Ronald Kulich, PhD, attending psychologist at the MGH Pain Center. “It’s critical for caregivers to work as a team so that the patient can effectively improve function and reduce pain where possible.”

The Multidisciplinary Arm Pain Program is led by David Ring, MD, PhD, medical director and director of Research for the MGH Orthopædic Hand and Upper Extremity Service. For more information, e-mail Ring at dring@partners.org. To schedule an appointment, call (617) 724-3953 and specify the Multidisciplinary Arm Pain Program.