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Pain Management Team

Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all

It can be beneficial to seek the guidance of a pain management team to achieve the best possible outcome for your pain condition. The team consists of various healthcare professionals, tailored to the complexity of your condition. Be sure to inquire with your healthcare provider about the assistance they can offer to help you reach your goals.

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Health Professionals: roles in your pain co-management

Your primary care physician (PCP) is the central figure in your healthcare team. It is crucial to establish open communication with your PCP and work together in managing your pain. Your PCP can assist you with the following important tasks:

  • Collaborating with other healthcare professionals in your pain management team to ensure well-coordinated care.

  • Setting realistic goals for work, recreational activities, and exercise.

  • Referring you to other specialists who play a crucial role in your care.

  • Providing assurance about your treatment plan.

  • Encouraging you to stay active and engaged.

  • Determining if pain medication or procedures are suitable for you and how they align with a holistic approach to treating pain.

  • Talking to your employer and other healthcare professionals on your behalf.

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Your physiotherapist can provide guidance on the following:

  • Safely and effectively starting to move and exercise with pain.

  • Identifying the best exercises for your unique situation and specific components of each type of exercise.

  • Creating a schedule for movement and exercise.

  • Developing a feasible pacing schedule with you to avoid pain flares and help you resume your daily activities.

  • Offering suggestions for activities you can do at home to save time and money.

  • Utilizing manual and evidence-based treatments that address your pain problem.

  • Using scientific outcome measures to track your progress and show the benefits of your pain management approach.

  • Coordinating with other healthcare professionals to ensure a comprehensive approach to your pain management.

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Clinical psychologist can play a critical part in your pain management by:

  • Helping you to learn new ways of approaching pain

  • Helping you better manage low mood, anxiety and distress

  • Helping guide you towards more helpful coping approaches

  • Helping you learn more positive ways of thinking about pain and guiding you about staying active in a positive way.

  • Helping you to organize a better sleep pattern – better sleep usually means better pain control and more productivity (work, exercise and socialization)

  • Your clinical psychologist can also communicate with your other health professionals, making sure your management is well-integrated

  • Helping you to learn simple relaxation and meditation strategies that can manage pain and improve how you function

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Dietitian
If you have had persistent pain and have not been moving and exercising, you may have increased your weight. Sometimes medications can increase your weight. Your dietician can help assist you to:

  • Develop a nutritional plan, that combined with your paced movement and exercise, will help you increase your activity and reduce your weight safely

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Occupational Therapist  
You may need to see an occupational therapist to discuss additional pain management options. Your occupational therapist can help you with:

  • Setting and reaching your goals

  • Practical tips to effectively restore your function

  • Pacing activities 

  • Finding practical ways of staying active at work or in your occupation

  • Transitioning back to work

  • Referring you to additional health professionals

  • Liasing with your pain team

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Using a pain team

When it comes to managing pain over a prolonged period, pain teams have proven to be a valuable resource. By taking a holistic approach that considers physical, emotional, and psychological factors, pain teams can help patients achieve long-term relief and improve their overall quality of life

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Pain Specialist

You may need to visit a specialist in pain medicine to explore more pain management options.. Your pain specialist can help you with:

  • Advice about pain medications (it is important to ask the specialist about the benefits and harms of medications and procedures

  • Encouraging you to stay active, using paced movement and exerciseespecially if you have new medications or a procedure

  • Supporting you to use a cognitive-behavioural approach to your pain management

  • Referring you to additional health professionals

  • Guiding you about different or new treatments which may be of benefit

  • Liaising with your pain team

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