Chronic Pain Program
Chronic Pain Program
Our unique multidisciplinary Chronic Pain Assessment and Treatment program consists of 10 modules/phases.
Shoreham's Chronic Pain Clinic was designed with the assistance of several health care specialists, including physiotherapists, chiropractors, physiatrists, neurologists, orthopedic surgeons, personal trainers, massage therapists, psychologists, neuropsychologists and social workers. In addition to physical, emotional and cognitive disorders, our team is sensitive to psychosocial stressors. These may lead to job loss, withdrawal from social roles within the family and community, and loss of enjoyment of leisure activities. Evaluating a chronic pain condition from a purely one-dimensional biological perspective is very limiting. In a chronic pain assessment, an accurate multifaceted diagnosis is necessary and would leave into an appropriate treatment plan. We call it:
Biopsychosocial Assessment of Chronic Pain
In contrast to traditional methods, the new health therapies use a multidisciplinary approach which includes biological psychological and social factors rather than purely biological approaches.
Phase 1
Physical Theraphy - Chiropractic Treatment, 20 minutes, 2 sessions per week for 8 weeks
Therapy includes Activator techniques, Graston techniques, Myofascial release, Trigger point therapy and spinal extremity mobilization.
Phase 2
Psychological Cognitive Emotive Phase
The client is helped to gain insight into his/her chronic pain through 20 minutes, 2 sessions per week for 8 weeks through individualized treatments. Client will be able to:
a) Control whatmechanism is in place in order to exercise control over his/her pain.
b) Find strategies to elicit relaxation (imagery, listening to music, medication, self-hypnosis)
Phase 3
Physiotherapy, 20 minutes, 2 sessions per week for 8 weeks
Staff evaluates pain and movement patterns, strength, joint range of motion, reflexes, sensation and cardio respiratory status. In this phase, relevant x-rays, laboratory tests and medical records are evaluated. The aim is to work in partnership with the client to plan individualized goals and treatment programs. Some specific areas covered include: improvements in muscle imbalances and alignment, reduction of pain and stiffness, acupuncture, TENS (electrical nerve stimulation).
Phase 4
Group Therapy, 20 minutes, 2 sessions per week for 8 weeks
Group Therapy is different from individual therapy. Group experiences benefit people in many ways. The client learns that he/she is not alone in experiencing psychological adjustment problems and learns from the positive and negative vicissitudes of others. In addition, it allows the client to better understand how people from different backgrounds deal with their impairment and may learn new techniques through interaction with others.
Phase 5
Image Rebuilding Phase, 15 minutes, 2 sessions per week for 8 weeks
A poor self-image can literally prevent the client from setting and achieving goals that could make life fulfilling. Although the outer stuff does not, and cannot, give a client a truly healthy self-image, it is, nevertheless, an important factor. An Improved self-image may provide the confidence in our ability to think and ability to cope. A positive self-image may help the client assert needs, achieve values and gain confidence to be successful and happy. Through a goal-oriented and tailor-made approach, the client is helped to make positive changes in a warm and supportive environment.
Phase 6
Diet and Nutrition, 15 minute sessions, 2 times per week for 8 weeks
This area will also involves orthomolecular and homeopathic advice and counseling. Nutritional snacks are provided. Recommendations are made to extend learning cell for home use. We will also provide TENS units, Epson Salts, phytonutrients, meditation tapes, breathing exercises as homework responsibilities.
Phase 7
Solicitude Phase Psycho-social intervention, 15 minutes session, 2 times per week for 8 weeks.
This area covers the client's ability to interact with others i.e. family members, friends in the belief that they could be solicitious in response to his/her pain; e.g. helping out with chores. Therapy is directed to family members who play a role in determining therapeutic success. A supportive and healthy family reinforces a client's activity and encourages the client to adopt an enabling role.
Phase 8
Laser Treatments
Laser treatments of acute soft tissue pain syndromes showed a dramatic response in our patients. Anecdotal evidence points to many successes in pain relief, including chronic pain.
Phase 9
The Magnetic Field Mat
The Magnetic Field Mat is based on the science of physics, utilizing the principle of the earth's magnetic fields and its pulsating electromagnetic field. It allows penetration directly to the cellular level. Reported effects are pain, swelling, tissue acidification, improved circulation, metabolism and wound healing have been recorded in our center. The maximum use time recommended, under supervision for the whole body, is 8 minutes twice daily.
Phase 10
Bio Feedback includes
Relaxation tapes whereby music is used to enhance the meditative techniques, by encouraging relaxation and the release of stress and tension from the body. With a calm and steady mind, the patient is able to focus on relief from aches and pains and achieving recovery.
