STEPS: a Sensory Toolkit for Engagement with Pain Science

<p dir="ltr">STEPS is a Sensory-cognitive Toolkit for Engagement with Pain Science. This training workshop aims to help clinicians understand the theoretical background, utility, and practical applications of the toolkit. STEPS involves the novel approach of using experiential body illusions, including the Anne Boleyn illusion (producing the visuotactile integration misperception of an extra finger), as a vehicle to understanding how perception is formed in the brain. Pain is discussed as a protective perception, susceptible to the same perceptual inferences and distortions as other forms of awareness. The 'pain buffer' is used describe the concept that pain is the brain alerting us to perceived threat, rather than tissue damage itself, and that pain is not an accurate indicator of damage to the body. Sensory and cognitive reframing are introduced as a way to interpret sensations differently, encouraging people with persistent pain to engage with evidence-based treatment approaches. Evidence for the acceptability and utility of STEPS is presented, along with practical clinical applications.</p><p dir="ltr">© the authors</p>