The Integrative Chronic Pain Program through the Clough Family Center for Rehabilitative and Sports Therapies treats individuals with persistent pain.
In the program, patients meet one-to-one with a physical therapist who has specific training in treating chronic pain. The approach is different than that used in standard physical therapy. The treatment plan is unique to the individual. Treatments may include in-depth education on how pain works, behavior change strategies, pain-specific mindfulness techniques, movement therapy, and lifestyle factor guidance (nutrition, sleep, and stress) as it relates to pain.
Generally, we see patients who have had pain for at least six months and have not progressed with other treatment approaches, such as chiropractic care, massage, acupuncture, standard physical therapy, medications, or even surgery.
For some, pain relief may be an attainable goal. For others, a more fulfilling life in spite of the pain may be a more attainable goal. The program may be particularly helpful for those that have pain that behaves in any of the following ways:
- Pain that moves, spreads, or is in multiple areas of the body
- Pain that changes based on stress/environment — for example, less pain on the weekend or on vacation
- Pain that started around the time of a stressful event
- Painful areas that are particularly sensitive to touch, or respond to weather changes or diet changes
- Pain that stops you from doing an important life activity
Those who tend to do the best are open to the idea of a mind-body approach and are comfortable hearing about an approach that challenges the status quo.
Here’s what you’ll do and practice in the program:
- Learn how pain really works in the body
- Learn movements to make you more resilient in your body
- Learn how to spot danger messages, unhelpful thoughts, and persistent behaviors that reinforce pain
- Experience mindfulness and other tools to quiet the “danger/alarm” system
- Work toward doing activities that are valuable to you
- Identify lifestyle factors (sleep/nutrition) that may be contributing to your pain
For more information, ask your provider if the program could be right for you or contact Steve Lisowe, PT, directly at slisowe@emersonhosp.org.
