Pain Management Program

Information

Pain Management Program Outcome Report

Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital's Pain Management Program relies on a team of clinicians who specialize in treating chronic pain with individualized treatment regimens. We understand that chronic pain is a psychophysiological syndrome requiring a functional, behavioral treatment approach. Our program is intensive, outcome-focused and cost effective.

The pathophysiology of chronic pain is much different from that associated with acute pain. Most people who suffer an acute injury recover within three months. People who have not recovered after this time, however, may enter into cycle of excessive use of health care services and litigation. An estimated 27 million Americans suffer from chronic pain. The annual cost of treating this condition is approximately $100 billion. Lower back pain is the most prevalent form of chronic musculoskeletal pain among injured workers, accounting for more than 32 percent of compensation for injuries.

What is Chronic Pain?

Chronic pain is pain that persists long after the initial pathologic process has been resolved. It is defined by three basic criteria:

Pain that continues long after injury or lasts longer than the usual expected time for healing to occur.
Pain that interferes with daily life and/or prohibits the ability to work
Pain that has not subsided after multiple interventions, such as medications, physical therapy or surgery

Our Treatment Approach

Bryn Mawr Rehab pain specialists develop a customized treatment plan based on evaluation results. Desired outcomes may range from improving independence at home or returning to work, to reducing reliance on medical interventions, such as emergency room visits, medications and surgeries. A typical program ranges in length from eight to twelve weeks and may include:

Medical Management: Under the direction of a physiatrist, patients learn new ways to manage their pain while reducing reliance on medication. Psychiatric consultation is also available.
Physical Conditioning: Patients learn to combine stretching and strengthening exercises with cardiovascular conditioning. The goal is to establish a home exercise program to maintain the goals achieved in therapy.
Psychological Services: Individual and group counseling, as well as biofeedback, teach patients skills to help them handle daily stress, cope with pain, and enable them to return to a functional lifestyle.
Education: Education for body mechanics, injury prevention and nutrition is an integral part of the program.
Functional Activities: As clients become more active and better able to manage their pain, the treatment focus shifts to functional activities. This may include goals for successful return to work and/or household or community activities.
Aquatic Therapy: Bryn Mawr Rehab has an on-site, therapeutic pool. The special properties of warm water combined with physical exercise help facilitate recovery.
Case Management: An internal case manager facilitates open, ongoing communication among the treatment team, the insurance company, the employer, and the individual allowing the patient to stay focused on recovery.