Pain Rehabilitation Center in Minnesota

Two-Day Pain Rehabilitation Program

The Two-Day Pain Rehabilitation Program provides patients with chronic pain an overview of skills for self-managing pain. It focuses on helping people whose pain cannot be cured to learn which aspects of their pain and life they can control. Ideal candidates are patients who struggle with chronic pain that adversely affects their functioning and mood, or whose life, personal, and work abilities are in decline. Candidates for the two-day program may also not be able to attend the three-week program because of the time limitations or financial concerns.

The two-day program uses a cognitive-behavioral model to teach techniques for self-managing pain, while preventing any further decline in function and any increase in medication usage or reliance on medical care. The program teaches concepts that include:

• Conservative medical and pharmacologic treatment
• Stress management
• Learning to differentiate acute and chronic pain
• Minimization of pain behaviors
• Relaxation training
• Daily exercise
• Moderation
• Coping with the emotional aspects of chronic pain

The program is held twice per month, on Monday and Tuesday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. During an evaluation process prior to entering the program, Pain Rehabilitation Center staff will help you decide whether the three-week or two-day program would be more beneficial to you.

Goals

Strategies and goals for improved quality of life and improved daily functioning include:

• Learn stress management and relaxation techniques
• Improve communication in interpersonal relationships
• Return to work, leisure or social activities
• Learn appropriate use of pain medications
• Minimize pain behaviors
• Create exercise goals
• Learn moderation techniques
• Reduce reliance on health care professionals
• Improve ability to self-manage pain

Treatment Team

Treatment is directed by a physician who specializes in pain management, and also involves a team that includes clinical nurse specialists, nurses and mental health therapists. All have expertise in pain management.