Outpatient Amplified Musculoskeletal Pain Syndrome (AMPS) Treatment Services

The majority of children seen at the Center for Amplified Musculoskeletal Pain Syndrome will begin treatment with outpatient services with follow-up in our pain clinic every 3-4 months.

Outpatient treatment for amplified musculoskeletal pain syndrome (AMPS) includes:

• Recommendations for individual outpatient psychotherapy services (individual therapy, family therapy). Learn about the value of psychology for AMPS patients.
• A program of aerobic exercise and introduction of desensitization techniques.
• In many cases, a recommendation for an appointment with our physical and occupational therapists, who have vast knowledge in the treatment of amplified pain. They will evaluate your child, develop an individualized exercise plan to follow at home, and discuss other healthy lifestyle options for age and skill-appropriate exercise. See PT/OT frequently asked questions.

Outpatient treatment may also include:

• Structured outpatient physical and occupational therapy services.
• Creative arts therapy such as music or art with the goal of practicing relaxation techniques and improving coping skills. Learn about Creative Arts Therapies.
• School re-entry planning for children with AMPS who miss school or are out of school receiving in-home instruction. The recommendation is often to transition back into the school environment as part of treatment. Our social worker will work with you and your child’s school to coordinate a detailed transition plan and ensure that school re-entry goes as smoothly as possible.

If your child with AMPS is not making adequate functional progress over time, we may recommend treatment in our therapeutic hospital treatment program, which offers hours of intensive treatment daily as part of a Day Hospital program (where patients go home each night) and as inpatients, for families who live further away or patients who need 24/7 support.