Pain can be a complex and overwhelming experience, especially for children and adolescents. The way we think, feel, and act can all influence our perception of pain. The Gate Control Theory of Pain offers a helpful metaphor to explain this relationship, making it a powerful tool for clinicians to use with young patients.
This handout, based on the gate theory, provides a clear and engaging way to teach patients and their families about pain management. It frames pain as signals that travel through a “gate” in the spinal cord before reaching the brain.
Understanding the Pain Gate
- When the Gate is Closed: Fewer pain signals get through to the brain, and the pain feels less intense.
- When the Gate is Open: More pain signals get through, and the pain feels stronger.
The key message for patients is that they have power over this gate. What they think, feel, and do can make a difference in helping to close the gate and reduce pain.
Things that Help Close the Gate
This handout provides practical strategies that can help reduce pain. These strategies are aligned with evidence-based pain management techniques and include:
- Physical interventions: Using heat packs, gentle massage, stretching, and physical therapy.
- Mindfulness and relaxation: Practicing relaxation techniques, guided imagery, or using coping skills to manage stress.
- Behavioral strategies: Doing activities you enjoy.
Things that Can Open the Gate
The handout also identifies factors that can make pain feel worse. These include:
- Physical factors: Not exercising or moving enough, or doing too much activity at once.
- Emotional and psychological factors: Feeling worried, scared, or angry, and thinking about pain all the time.
- Lifestyle habits: Dehydration and lack of sleep.
This handout serves as an excellent educational tool for clinicians to use in sessions. By working with their care team, patients can learn what helps close their pain gate and feel more in control of their pain.