Therapies and Treatments involved in the Chronic Pain Management Program
The Chronic Pain Management Program is a multidisciplinary four-week, daily treatment program designed to help individuals with chronic non-malignant pain. Pain services are provided in a multidisciplinary format by a clinical psychologist, physical therapist, nurse and doctor. Because these disciplines are in one department, assessment and treatment services are comprehensive and integrated.
The primary purpose of the program is to help patients remove or reduce disabilities and cope more effectively with pain-related problems.
Treatment involves three components, which occur simultaneously:
- Daily exercise programs and physical activities are tailored to your individual needs and gradually increased. The exercises are designed to maximize your brain’s ability to change (neuroplasticity). Chronic pain can lead to changes in the brain, which, in turn, can affect the body in undesirable ways.
- Current medications are evaluated. The physician will design a medication program to gradually reduce and eventually eliminate the narcotic medications currently used in relation to chronic pain. These medications provide chemicals the brain would normally produce on its own. Eliminating pain medications encourages the brain and nervous system to make these chemicals.
- Psychological and social issues related to or caused by the pain are identified and treated. General topics will be covered in a group setting, while individual sessions address the participant’s specific needs. These therapies are designed to calm the emotional centers of the brain, which can reduce the impact of stress on pain.
Physical therapy and physical reactivation
The primary goal of this part of the program is to improve physical function to a level consistent with your age, medical and physical status. The emphasis is on teaching you how to function best in your home, work and leisure activities.
Physical therapy interventions include flexibility programs, cardiovascular exercise and manual therapy. You also attend seminars on topics related to physical pain management, such as activity pacing, avoiding inactivity, retraining overactive nerve tissue and developing an appropriate home exercise program.
The initial measurements of flexibility, endurance and activity performance are used as a baseline to track and measure your improvement. Activities and exercises are adjusted based on initial and weekly reevaluations. The individual and physical therapy staff document changes and take part in physical therapy treatment goals and decisions. Exercise programs are completed individually and in groups. Individual physical therapy sessions are scheduled with each participant to address specific needs.
Medication management program
At the beginning of treatment, the effectiveness and potential side effects of your pain medications are thoroughly evaluated. Medication tapering plans will be designed and implemented with the goal of reducing pain and any medication-related functional issues.
Medications for other conditions, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, are not changed during the program and continue to be managed by your primary doctor.
The program staff provides basic nutrition education, as some foods can affect stress levels, fat storage and inflammatory responses.
Psychological and social considerations
All psychology services are provided by licensed psychologists. Treatment includes both individual and group sessions. Psychologists address pain and stress management, family relationships, interpersonal communication and emotional issues related to chronic pain.
You will learn to identify sources of stress related to your pain and develop strategies to adjust your thinking and use relaxation techniques.
Psychologists may also work with your family to help them support healthy, active behaviors. Because many individuals with chronic pain experience depression or anxiety, individual sessions are designed to help improve your mood.
Read additional details related to the program, along with the schedule, attendance rules and what to wear, etc.