Adult Outpatient Programs and Services Pain Management Program

Adult Outpatient Programs and Services

Pain Management Program

Chronic pain syndrome is defined as a complex condition that involves multiple causative and perpetuating factors. Chronic pain can interfere with every aspect of daily life and can be debilitating. Each individual's response to chronic pain is influenced by a combination of physiological, physical, social, cultural and economic factors. The philosophy of the JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute's Pain Management Program is to utilize an intensive interdisciplinary team treatment approach to address all of these factors.

This program is designed to maximize a patient's functional capacity. Treatment is focused on providing each patient with the necessary tools to independently manage their symptoms and regain control of their lives. Emphasis is placed on the patient's active participation in identifying and meeting goals and the carryover of newly learned skills into daily activities.

Each patient receives individualized occupational and physical therapy that is based upon needs identified during the evaluation process. Patients are educated in proper body mechanics and work simplification in order to increase endurance for specific tasks. Also, an emphasis is placed on educating patients to manage their own pain. Decreases in pain may be achieved through improved fitness, flexibility, endurance and the identification of pain triggers and the subsequent modification of activities to avoid increased symptoms.

A psychologist works with both the patient and family. Utilizing a cognitive behavioral framework, treatment focuses on teaching patients to live fuller lives with increased understanding of their pain and the application of tools to help control and manage their own pain. This is achieved through individual and group sessions.

Social work intervention is based upon the individual needs of each patient and their family. Chronic pain can have disintegrative effects on families as well. It is in relation to others that the social worker provides intervention and guidance. The social worker provides support in the resolution of marital disequilibrium, economic hardship, vocational concerns and deteriorated social relationships.

Vocational services may be provided when appropriate in order to develop realistic vocational/educational plans. Recreation therapy may also be called upon to integrate recreational modalities into daily activities in order to maximize function and to facilitate the use of pain management techniques in a variety of real life settings.

A physiatrist serves as the program's physician. This physician provides medical management and team direction to coordinate the multiple services detailed above. All other physician services, such as psychiatry and anesthesiology, are available on a consultative basis.

For additional information, please call: (732) 321-7707.