Chronic Pain Management in Primary Care: Adaptive Sports in Medicine

Authors

Lindsey A. GleasonFollow

Files

Date

2025

Abstract

Chronic pain affects over 50 million adults in the U.S., contributing to reduced quality of life, poor mental health and increased healthcare utilization. Primary care physicians (PCPs) play a critical role in managing chronic pain through both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic means. While there is a need for more robust research on the impact of exercise on chronic pain conditions, data suggests that exercise is likely to result in improvements in pain and function through breaking the cycle of pain, sedentary behavior, and worsening disability. This project aims to connect patients living with chronic pain with Vermont Adaptive, a nationally recognized organization that empowers individuals with disabilities through inclusive sports and recreational programming. To streamline referrals, a dedicated EPIC dot phrase (.chronicpainadaptsport) has been developed, enabling PCPs to efficiently promote physical activity in a supportive, accessible environment.

Clinical Site

UVMMC Hinesburg Family Medicine

Keywords

Chronic pain, Primary Care, Adaptive sports, Pain management, Exercise therapy, Quality of life, Healthcare utilization

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Disciplines

Disability Studies | Medical Education | Movement and Mind-Body Therapies | Primary Care

Recommended Citation

Gleason, Lindsey A., "Chronic Pain Management in Primary Care: Adaptive Sports in Medicine" (2025). Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects. 1134.
https://scholarworks.uvm.edu/fmclerk/1134