Mailed Kits with Telephone Support - Living Well with Chronic Pain

Please note that this event is self-directed reading plus 6 support calls, once a week on Fridays from 10:00am to 11:00am for six weeks, running February 5 to March 19 (no session on February 26).

Because of the way that we are funded, those living in Southeastern Ontario will be given priority. A week or so before the sessions start, any remaining spots will then be available to those living elsewhere.

You will be mailed a kit containing all of the materials normally presented in a 6-week in person Living Well with Chronic Pain Workshop. Each week will begin with a 45-60 minute teleconference call between you (and up to 5 other people) and a Leader. The Leader will talk you through the more important topics, guide you in completing your homework, and answer any questions. You would then have the week to complete the expected reading and activities at your own convenience and pace.

Except in the case of an emergency, it would be the same individuals and Leader on each weekly call. The tool kit contains:

• The Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Pain book
• The Relaxation for Mind and Body CD*
• The Moving Easy Program exercise CD with accompanying booklet*
• A self-test to help decide how to use the materials
• Tips sheets on the most important self-management tools.

*If you do not have a CD player, an MP3 version can be requested.

The Living Well with Chronic Pain Workshop provides information and skills to those living with chronic pain, helping them better manage their condition and achieve their best health and wellness.

This FREE workshop is for adults of all ages experiencing a wide range of chronic pain conditions such as musculoskeletal pain, fibromyalgia, repetitive strain injury, chronic regional pain syndrome, post stroke or central pain, neuropathic pain, among others.

Participants report improvement in their lifestyle and general health, as well as improved symptom management and better communication with their doctors. They also spend less time in the hospital compared to those who have not taken the workshop.

This workshop is an evidence-based self-management program originally developed at Stanford University and currently supported by the Self-Management Resource Center.

Session 1

• Overview of self-management
• Debunking myths
• What is chronic pain?
• Making action plans (all sessions)

Session 2

• Feedback/problem solving
• Fitness/exercise
• Pacing activity and rest
• Using your mind to manage symptoms

Session 3

• Feedback/problem solving
• Using your mind to manage symptoms
• Difficult emotions
• Fatigue/sleep

Session 4

• Communication
• Healthy Eating

Session 5

• Using your mind to manage symptoms
• Medications
• Depression

Session 6

• Using your mind to manage symptoms
• Communication
• Making treatment decisions
• Working with your health care professional
• Future plans