Andrew L. Martin, PsyD I vividly remember my first relaxation exercise. I was a psychology intern, co-facilitating a fibromyalgia psychotherapy group at the Navy hospital in San Diego. My supervisor led the group in a breathing exercise, and I got caught up in the exercise with the group members. A few minutes later, I was… Read more »
Category: Mindfulness
Treating Chronic Pain from Spinal Osteoarthritis
Did you know that Spinal Osteoarthritis is the number one cause of lower back pain in those over the age of 50? While it is most commonly seen in the lower back, it can also occur in the neck. This is the kind of arthritis that is known as “wear and tear” arthritis and typically… Read more »
OSC to Welcome New Pain Psychologist in January 2021
Dr. Andrew L. Martin, PsyD works directly with the Interventional Pain Management Team as their Pain Psychologist. He comes to OSC after serving 20 years as an active-duty Navy clinical psychologist, where he specialized in psychotherapy for chronic pain, trauma, depression, and anxiety. Dr. Martin utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, and other mental health… Read more »
The Psychology of Pain
Emily A. Ludwig, PsyD Pain is the most common reason that patients come to see a physician at OSC, where they treat musculoskeletal conditions of the body. Pain can affect a person’s ability to participate in certain activities, work, how well they sleep, and their relationships with others. As a Pain Psychologist on the OSC… Read more »
I’ve Been Diagnosed with Fibromyalgia (FMS) - What Should I Know?
Jenny L. F. Andrus, MD Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) can be a confusing and frightening diagnosis. Patients often get this diagnosis after having been seen by many different specialists. They’re often confused and frustrated by the lack of clarity surrounding the cause or the treatment. This diagnosis is more of a description of your problem rather… Read more »
Why Do I Have More Pain During Self-Quarantine at Home with my Family?
Emily A. Ludwig, PsyD Picture this…your entire family, sitting around the kitchen table, all warm and snuggly, drinking hot cocoa. Everyone is smiling and laughing as your kids take turns talking about how they love spending time at home with you. You’ve got chocolate chip cookies in the oven and a pot of homemade… Read more »
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Emily A. Ludwig, PsyD One of the most useful tools I employ when helping patients is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or CBT. It uses Cognition (thinking) to affect change in Behavior (actions) and, with practice, can become a truly life-changing tool for patients who are struggling with depression, anxiety, chronic pain, substance abuse, etc. CBT has… Read more »
Dr. Cal Robinson Lectured at 2018 International Pain Management Conference in Vienna, Austria
OSC’s Dr. F. Cal Robinson was invited to lecture at 6th Edition of The International Conference on Pain Management, held March 26-28, 2018 in Vienna, Austria. The theme of this year’s conference was: “Unique Pioneering Research, strategies and approaches in Pain Management” which brings together professionals particularly interested in the Pain Management research work and… Read more »
Self-Care: Why is it important?
By Cal Robinson, PsyD This article is the second in a series about self-care, in which we will cover the various areas in life that require self-care. I will also provide suggestions on how to create your own self-care plan. Let me explain why self-care is important. Self-care refers to the activities and practices that… Read more »
April’s Community Lecture Features Dr. Cal Robinson and Mindfulness for Chronic Pain
Approaching Chronic Pain with Mindfulness Join Dr. F. Cal Robinson, PsyD, MSPC as he discusses how thoughts, emotions, and behaviors influence one’s relationship with chronic pain, by complicating the pain experience. Mindfulness offers a way to learn how to respond to pain as one embraces the fullness of life. The overarching goal of mindfulness is… Read more »

