Living Well with Chronic Pain
What is Living Well with Chronic Pain?
Chronic pain is often defined as any pain lasting more than 12 weeks.
Whereas acute pain is a normal sensation that alerts us to possible
injury, chronic pain is very different. It persists, often for months
or even longer.
Having a chronic pain can make life a challenge but you can learn to live well.
Living Well with Chronic Pain classes will help you discover practical ways to live better and healthier.
Participants learn about effective, non-pharmacological strategies for symptom management and general wellness by using action-planning, brainstorming and problem-solving to identify and pursue goals for health and life.
Each session includes six, two and a half hour, classes for a small group led by two trained facilitators.
This nationally recognized program was developed by Stanford University Program Administrator, Kate Lorig.
During the class, participants learn:
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Techniques to deal with frustration, fatigue, pain, isolation and poor sleep
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Exercises for maintaining and improving strength, flexibility and endurance
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Appropriate use of medication
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How to communicate effectively with family and health care professionals
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Proper nutrition
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How to evaluate new treatments
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Pacing activity and rest
Who Should Attend Living Well with Chronic Pain Class?
The program was designed to benefit community-dwelling older adults who:
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Have a primary or secondary diagnosis of chronic pain (e.g., pain lasting longer than 3 to 6 months or beyond the normal healing of an injury)
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Have chronic musculoskeletal pain (e.g., LBP), fibromyalgia and/or neuropathic pain
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Are able to engage in group discussion
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Feel socially isolated and/or depressed due to pain
This class is not appropriate for individuals who will disrupt group dynamics or for those acutely incapacitated by severe illness or physical limitations.
To find out more information about these services call the Minnesota Aging Pathways at (800) 333-2433.
