What is the Chronic Pain Self-Management Program?
The Chronic Pain Self-Management Program is one of the programs available for individuals living with chronic pain. Designed to take place over 6 weeks, the program helps individuals living with chronic pain learn skills that can help them better manage their chronic pain symptoms as well as their daily lives.
How is this program delivered virtually?
Offered virtually, participants can join from their homes via web.
Participants who have access to an electronic device (computer, smartphone or tablet) and internet connection will be able to join via Zoom Meeting.
Registered participants will receive an orientation session to join the virtual platform prior to the workshop start.
Who can attend?
Individuals over the age of 18 experiencing any of the following symptoms typically attend this program:
- Chronic musculoskeletal pain (such as chronic neck, shoulder, back pain, etc.)
- Whiplash injuries
- Chronic regional pain syndromes
- Repetitive strain injury
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Post-surgical pain that lasts beyond six months
- Neuropathic pain (often caused by trauma)
- Neuralgias (such as post herpetic pain, and trigeminal neuralgia)
- Post-stroke or central pain
- Persistent headache
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Diabetes and who have neuropathy
- Severe muscular pain due to conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis
- And/or someone who is the friend, family, and/or caregiver of someone experiencing any of these conditions
What happens in the program?
The same 8-10 participants meet virtually on a weekly basis for 2.5 hours at the same day and time. In an interactive environment that is facilitated by two trained individuals, participants discuss topics such as:
- Setting goals
- Making decisions to support life with chronic pain
- Planning and problem solving to manage chronic pain symptoms
- Planning to pace and rest for better management of chronic pain
- Communication skills to facilitate better understanding of chronic pain by others
- Principles of healthy eating
- Learning a strength and flexibility program
- Managing stress
- Managing medications
- Techniques for relaxation and better breathing
Participants take on an active role in the workshop. An example of a weekly activity is the use of a goal setting tool that participants learn about, called Action Plan. Participants make Action Plans each week and discuss them during the workshop.
Who leads the program?
The workshop is led by two individuals who also live with chronic pain. Our peer facilitators attend a four day training, receive ongoing coaching, are remunerated, and are part of an active community of practice.
Who developed the program?
The modified version of the virtual Chronic Pain Self-Management Program was designed and licensed by the Self-Management Resource Centre. It follows a standardized format that has been proven to help people learn to better manage symptoms.
It is considered to be a best practice program in chronic disease self-management, and has been implemented globally to empower people living with long term health conditions.