Pain Management Programme

What is a Pain Management Programme?

A Pain Management Programme (PMP) is a group based self-management approach for people living with chronic pain.

You are welcome to bring a partner or carer along with you.

The group is informal and friendly, yet run by professionals. We encourage questions, comments and feedback throughout the sessions, but it is not group therapy, and people can just listen if they wish. Nobody will be put on the spot.

How long does the Pain Management Programme last?

The PMP runs over EIGHT weeks and each session lasts for 2 1/2 hours. We also plan to follow patients up after 3 months or so following completion. The sessions are run by an inter-disciplinary team, which includes a member of our psychology team, a nurse specialist and a specialist physiotherapist. A range of techniques and strategies are discussed at the PMP to help you manage your pain in a helpful and independent way.
There are timetabled breaks during each session and we encourage people to move about as much as is required for their individual needs. We do not expect people to sit for the duration. Seating supports are recommended for use and you are welcome to bring along anything you may have to make your experience more comfortable e.g. hot water bottle, cushion and refreshments

What topics are covered on a Pain Management Programme?

During the PMP we explore pain physiology (the science of pain), the concept of self-management, Nutrition and hydration, relaxation and stress, pacing and activity management, acceptance (coming to terms with long term pain), pain and relationships, sleep, exercise and movement, and flare ups.

You will be given a booklet containing information from the sessions and further reading suggestions.

What if I can’t make a session?

It is important that you attend all parts of the PMP, as each session contains a lot of valuable information. If, having confirmed your attendance at a PMP, you cannot make the first week’s session, you will be asked to attend the next PMP in your area, as it can be disruptive for new people to join the group on week two. We require a minimum of 48 hours’ notice for cancellations in order to offer the place to another patient. Patients are invited to a maximum of 2 programmes. If neither of these can be attended, you will be sent back to you referring clinician for further discussion and removed from the waiting list unless the PMP was to conclude your pathway, in which case you will be discharged from the service at this point.

What happens when I complete a Pain Management Programme?

What happens after the PMP would normally have been discussed at the appointment with your clinician when the shared-decision was made to refer for the PMP. At the final session you will have the opportunity to talk to a member of the team about your care pathway if you are unclear.

Some feedback from others who have completed the programme…

• “Nice, relaxed atmosphere”
• “Very friendly team”
• “Gave me confidence”
• “Really enjoyable useful sessions”
• “Loved having regular breaks, made the day easier”

Your Feedback

We value your feedback on our service. Please feel free to speak to any of our staff or you may prefer to comment in writing to:

Community Chronic Pain Service Manager, Kent Community Health NHS Trust, Trinity House

110 - 120 Upper Pemberton, Eureka Park, Kennington, Ashford, Kent, TN25 4AZ

Contact us

Telephone: 0300 1231753   

Address:  Community Chronic Pain, Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust, 3^rd Floor,

Mill Lane House, Mill Lane, Margate, Kent, CT9 1LB