Standard Pain Management Program in Canada

What is the Pain Self-Management Program

(QEIIHSC,Halifax,N.S)

This is a 12-day program which can help you to develop positive strategies for managing pain so that you can experience a healthier, more enjoyable lifestyle despite pain.

Pain is usually a signal or warning that harm has been done to our bodies. After our bodies have healed, the pain usually stops. Sometimes, however, pain continues after the healing has finished, disrupting our lives.

By learning new, more positive ways to manage pain, and by developing a more rewarding lifestyle, we can improve our ability to self-manage pain.

Who can benefit from this program?

This program is for people who have not benefitted from various treatments and wish to learn new ways of managing pain.

When is the program?

We meet three mornings per week (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) from 9:00 am. to 12:30 pm. for four weeks.

Where is it held?

Currently, we meet in Room 264 on Ward 4 West of the Victoria Building. Once a week we use the pool on the 4th floor of the ACC (Dickson Building).

What kinds of things do we do in the program?

First, we spend time identifying the kinds of problems that people with pain face. Together, we work out some individual goals to work toward and the steps needed to reach these goals. These may include things like managing mood, improving sleep habits, improving communication with family and friends, doing household tasks more efficiently, starting an exercise program, and identifying new leisure activities.

Part of each morning is spent learning and practising light exercises for strengthening and stretching muscles. Part of our time is spent in group discussions where we talk about topics like:

using relaxation strategies to manage stress and pain.
pacing activities.
how self-talk affects our pain.
changing our environment to work more efficiently.
communicating our needs clearly and effectively.

Sometimes we invite other people to speak to the group about special topics. They may be from nutrition, medicine, the community, or they may be other people with pain who have ideas to share. Once a week we use the pool (nice and warm) for relaxation and a little fun. Some of our activities are just for fun because we think fun is an important part of managing pain.

Although we have a schedule, we try to adapt what we do to meet the needs of the group. There is a maximum of eight people per group.

What is different about this program?

Unlike other treatments, in this program you will not have anything done to you. Instead, you will take an active part in deciding the goals you want to work toward. You will practise new skills and keep records of what you do to follow your progress. When you finish the program you will have a plan to continue with.

What do I have to do?

be ready and willing to try new ideas.
agree to attend all sessions.
agree to keep records to follow your progress.
be willing to take part in discussions.
help us evaluate the program by filling out some questionnaires.

Who's who?

Doug Cane, Ph.D. Psychologist
Myrna King, B.Sc. Occupational Therapist
Sheila Morrison, B.Sc. Physiotherapist

Telephone: (902) 428-2196

The Victoria General Hospital is a
scent-free environment.  Please do
not wear scented personal products
when you visit the hospital.
                                    
                                    QEIIHSC  
                                    Victoria General Hospital
                                    Halifax, N.S. Canada

Pain Self-Management Program An interdisciplinary program developed and provided cooperatively by the Departments of Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, and Psychology December 1995

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