Pain Self Management Program
What is the Pain Self-Management Program?
This is a twelve-day, interdisciplinary group program consisting of up to 8 men and women. Our goal is to use the skills of psychology, physiotherapy, and occupational therapy to help you feel better and to learn to cope in a better way with chronic pain. The way we do this is to teach you a variety of strategies that you can use to help yourself.
We understand what you have lost. Because of pain, you have forgotten what it feels like to feel good physically and emotionally. You may have lost the freedom to come and go as you wish, work at your job, and enjoy your family and friends. You probably don't remember the last time you had a good night's sleep; maybe you wonder what's happened to your memory and concentration.
We cannot take away your pain; we do not offer a traditional medical treatments or cure. But together we can assist you in making some changes that will let you return to the things that are most important to you.
Your pain may be inevitable, but misery is optional!
Who can benefit from this program?
This program is for people who have not benefited from various treatments in the past and who wish to learn non-medical ways of managing pain.
When is the Program?
We meet 3 days per week for 4 weeks on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for the morning group, or from 12:30 to 4:00 p.m. for the afternoon group.
Where is it held?
We meet in the Pain Management Unit on the 4th Floor of the Dickson Building which is located at the Victoria General Hospital site of the QEII Health Sciences Centre.
What kinds of things do we do in the Program?
We begin each session with "Fun & Fitness". This consists of light aerobic activity and modified exercises for strengthening and stretching muscles. During the rest of each session, Program staff offer advice and instruction on a variety of topics and encourage group discussion. Although we have a schedule, we try to adapt what we do to meet the needs of the group. Topics include:
- Relaxation training
- Pacing activities
- Managing mood
- Doing household tasks more efficiently
- Learning effective communication
- Improving sleep habits
- Improving memory and concentration
We also invite guest speakers to the group, including a dietician, pharmacist, vocational counsellor, and someone from the metro self-help group. Sometimes we enjoy the therapy pool (nice and warm) for relaxation and a little fun. Some of our activities are just for fun because we think learning how to have fun again is an important part of managing pain.
What is different about this Program?
Unlike other treatments, you will not have anything done to you. Instead, you will take an active part in deciding what you need to do in order to make your life more manageable despite continued pain. When you finish the program, you will have a new plan for more successfully living with pain.
What do I have to do?
To benefit from this program you must:
- be ready and willing to try new non-medical ways of coping
- agree to be on time and attend all sessions
- agree to practice new skills, keep records, and follow your progress
- be willing to take part in group discussions
- help us evaluate the program by filling in some questionnaires
- be ready and willing to improve your physical fitness
Previous Group Members Said:
"I would again like to thank you... Although I will never be rid of my pain, I now know I'm not alone and there is support out there for me."
"I enjoyed every aspect of this program. My first thoughts of the program were very, very negative. Now all I can say is they were the 12 most productive days for me in a long, long time."
"I really feel this program has given me a little light at the end of a long tunnel when I was in complete darkness. Thank you with all my heart."
"You all made me feel comfortable enough to speak out and ask questions which I normally don't do in a crowd. The professionals were all great and very understanding."
