1. Healthy Living with Chronic Pain
6-Week Evidence-Based
WELLNESS WORKSHOP
YOUR ORANIZATION HERE
Developed by Stanford University
Licensed BY Wisconsin Institute for Healthy Aging

2. Once a week for consecutive six weeks 2.5 hours each session
Goal: help people reduce their pain and other related symptoms
WHEN?
10 – 16 participants
Interactive, supportive, group dynamic.
Led by two trained facilitators – peer-to-peer
HOW?
People who have chronic pain issues
A family member/friend/caregiver
WHO?
6 week workshop that meets once a week for 6 consecutive weeks for about 2.5 hours each week
We like to keep our groups at about participants to create a nice group dynamic. We close off new participants AFTER the 2nd week to keep that group cohesion strong.
They are peer led by 2 individuals, a least one of which has chronic pain themselves or a close connection to.
These leaders are trained in the highly scripted material that was developed by the Stanford Univ. – this is to keep the program in the highest level of EBP. But Leaders still bring their personality and the group interaction brings the flavor.
If the leader has professional background they must leave that hat off at the door and come in strictly as a peer. What studies find is when profs lead a group participants will learn more, but if a peer leads, participants DO more. And the latter helps maintain long-term behavioral change.
The workshop is for anyone who has chronic pain issues to learn tools help reduce pain.
Family members, friends, and caregivers are also encouraged to come. Living with a someone who has chronic pain has it’s own affects. It’s important for those to understand what this individual is going through and not only give support but foster accountability. Often seen as a spouse attending to absorb the knowledge.
Textbook: Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Pain
CD: Moving Easy Program
Participants sharing and learning together
TOOLS:

3. Overview
Strategies to interrupt pain “messages” being received by the brain
Multiple tools to decrease pain and better manage symptoms
Moving Easy Program: Sequence of 26 gentle moves of flexibility and motion

4. “Toolbox” Emphasis on: Emotional health Evaluating treatments
Balancing activity & rest
Communication skills
Relaxation techniques
Create a pain profile
Partnering with care team
Fatigue management

5. Session One Workshop Overview What is Pain? Mind & Body Connection
Getting Quality Sleep
Introduction to Action Plans

6. Session Two Feedback on Action Plans Dealing with Difficult Emotions
Intro to Physical Activity
Better Breathing & Relaxation
Fatigue Management
Making an Action Plan

7. Session Three Moving Easy Program Pacing & Planning
Feedback on Action Plans
Moving Easy Program
Pacing & Planning
Evaluating Treatment
Making Decisions
Making an Action Plan

8. Session Four Moving Easy Program Healthy Eating Communication Skills
Feedback on Action Plans
Moving Easy Program
Healthy Eating
Communication Skills
Problem-Solving
Making an Action Plan

9. Session Five Moving Easy Program Medications & Chronic Pain
Feedback on Action Plan
Moving Easy Program
Medications & Chronic Pain
Depression Management
Positive Thinking
Stress & Relaxation
Making an Action Plan

10. Session Six Partnership: Working with the Health Provider and System
Feedback on Action Plans
Partnership: Working with the Health Provider and System
Communicating about Pain
Weight Management
Looking Back and Planning for the Future

11. Techniques Used
Brainstorms: Quickly generate many group ideas Non-judgmental Everyone is encouraged to participate
Problem Solving and Decision Making: Work together toward a solution Find the solution that works best for you
Action Plan: Accomplish weekly short-term goals

12. Sample Action Plan Something YOU want or decide to do Action Specific
Achievable within the week
Answer the questions:
What? (your action)
How much? (portion, time, distance)
When? (day of the week / time of day)
How often? (number of days or instances this will occur)
Confidence level 7 or more (on a scale of 0 – 10)

13. Celebrate Success ↓ Reduced pain ↑ Increased Vitality/energy
For individuals who completed the 6-week program:
↓ Reduced pain
↑ Increased
Vitality/energy
Independence
Mental health
Involvement in everyday activities
Life satisfaction and Self-efficacy
↑ Improved coping skills, education, and overall quality of life
Proven outcomes

14. Thank you!
Picture
Contact info
Workshop info
Participant testimony?