Chronic Pain Self-Management
The Chronic Pain Self-Management Program (CPSMP) is a six week workshop for those living with chronic pain. Over the course of the sessions, participants will learn about:
- Techniques to deal with problems such as frustration, fatigue, isolation, and poor sleep
- Appropriate exercise for maintaining and improving strength, flexibility, and endurance
- Appropriate use of medications
- Communicating effectively with family, friends, and health professionals
- Nutrition
- Pacing activity and rest
- How to evaluate new treatments
Examples of chronic pain conditions are: chronic musculo-skeletal pain (such as neck, shoulder, back pain, etc.), fibromyalgia, whiplash injuries, chronic regional pain syndromes, repetitive strain injury, chronic pelvic pain, post-surgical pain that lasts beyond 6 months, neuropathic pain (often caused by trauma), or neuralgias (such as post-herpetic pain, and trigeminal neuralgia), and post stroke or central pain. The CPSMP may also benefit those who have conditions such as persistent headache, Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome, diabetic neuropathy, or those who experience severe muscular pain due to conditions such as multiple sclerosis.
What People are Saying
I was not sure if this class was for me or not at first. I have many physical conditions, and pain, that cause me to just sit around most of the time. It is so refreshing to have remedies that my doctor can approve before calling the pharmacist if truly needed. My confidence has been restored in my God given gifts.
Program Details
Settings/Facilities
Community settings such as senior centers, churches, libraries and hospitals
Duration
Two and a half hours, once a week, for six weeks
Program Costs
For fees, please see the SMRC website. Other costs include training of leaders, manuals for leaders, and participant materials.
Costs Include
Outcomes
The research studies found that, on average, people who have participated in the CPSMP have more vitality or energy, less pain, less dependence on others, improved mental health, are more involved in everyday activities, and are more satisfied with their lives compared to those who have not taken the program. The program has also been delivered and evaluated across 10 pain clinics in Ontario, Canada. Evaluation of the program found it to be beneficial for participants in terms of coping skills, education, and overall quality of life.
Materials
Staffing
Workshops are facilitated by two trained leaders, one or both of whom are peers with chronic pain themselves
Individual vs. Group
Small Group
Mode
Data Requirements
Languages
Annual report on number of workshops and number of people served.
