Chronic Pain Management Group Treatment Program

Chronic pain is difficult to define or describe. Generally, it means pain that does not respond to the usual forms of medical management, that is, it does not go away. Having pain that persists can create a number of problems. For example, simple movements seem more difficult and may make a person become less active. Sleep may be interrupted. A person may be less patient and may start running into problems at home, at work or both. A person may feel hopeless, depressed, frustrated or angry. All of these difficulties and others as well can be part of a chronic pain problem.

There are no easy answers for people with chronic pain. Coping with a chronic pain problem requires patience, hard work and a willingness to change how things are done. It also requires change and understanding on the part of the family, as well as the involvement of skilled health professionals.

What are the goals of the Chronic Pain Management Group Treatment Program?

Patients achieve these goals by learning and implementing a variety of self-management strategies that they will continue to use on their own following participation in the program. These strategies do not take the pain away or cure the pain, but rather improve the patients’ ability to manage pain levels and progressively improve activity levels at home and in the community.

A written Pain History Questionnaire is completed by the patient following the Information Session. Once the Pain History Questionnaire has been completed and returned, patients undergo a medical assessment by a physiatrist at The Rehabilitation Centre.

Patients are scheduled to attend the Assessment/Education Week which occurs in a group format of up to 5 participants. This week runs Monday to Thursday from 12:30 p.m.- 4:00 p.m.

During the Assessment /Education Week, patients' suitability and readiness for pain management will be assessed. This week also gives patients exposure to the chronic pain management philosophy and an opportunity to interact with other patients who have chronic pain. Patients who do not continue further will be provided with alternate recommendations.

A typical chronic pain management program is three weeks in duration but may be extended when indicated. The program hours are Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 2:00 pm. The program occurs in a group format with up to 12 participants.

What is expected of patients?

Patients are expected to participate actively in their program and to commit to attending daily. This includes attending all sessions and doing the readings and activities on the off hours. Patients will be required to practice learned strategies at home with their family and friends.
Note: Patients who have difficulty reading or have other literacy issues can be accommodated within the program.

What is expected of patients’ families?

There are family sessions held in the evening that are an important aspect in the success of pain management. It is recommended that spouses and other significant people in the patients’ lives be involved to understand the chronic pain philosophy and the strategies required to cope with and manage chronic pain.

What if a patient lives too far away to commute everyday?

Some patients are able to stay with friends or family members who live in the Ottawa area. Others have been provided funding from WSIB or their Insurance Company to cover the costs of accommodation, transportation and meals. A summary of costs and phone numbers regarding accommodation is available on request.

What if a patient wants to be assessed for the program?

Physician referral is required. Please mail or fax any information which is pertinent to past assessment/investigation of the patients pain problem when sending your referral (e.g. assessment reports by surgeons, neurologists, rheumatologists, psychologists, psychiatrists plus X-ray, MRI, CT scan, bone scan, bone density, EMG/NCS reports).

Physicians can refer patients in the following ways:

1. Online at www.ritts.ca

2. Fax or mail a letter requesting a Physiatry assessment for participation in the Chronic Pain Group Treatment Program to:

Chronic Pain Management Group Treatment Program
The Rehabilitation Centre - Admitting Department
505 Smyth Road
Ottawa ON K1H 8M2
Fax: 613-733-8336

Note: We have only the Group Treatment Program at the Rehabilitation Centre.

If the patient is not interested in our Group Program, and wishes only a physiatry assessment, you may wish to consider evaluation by a physical rehabilitation specialist in the community. For a list of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation specialists, search the database on the Web site of the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Ontario (click on Doctor Search -- Advanced Search)

What other Pain Management services are offered?

The Ottawa Hospital Pain Clinic. For a list of Pain Clinics across Canada, please see the Canadian Pain Society Web site.

What if the patient is a Quebec resident?

As RAMQ will not pay for the Chronic Pain Management Group Treatment Program, Quebec patients must have third party funding. Please provide the client's WSIB or insurance company case # and the name and number of the case manager with your referral.

Chronic Pain Management Group Treatment Program

What is Chronic Pain?

What are the goals of the Chronic Pain Management Group Treatment Program?

Who are the members of the Chronic Pain Management Program team?

Who is eligible?

Who is not eligible?

How does the Group Treatment Program work?