Pain programs have the goal to learn to cope with pain. They are not meant to treat the effects of chronic pain. Usually the physical fitness of people with chronic pain leaves to be desired. Because of the pain, people’s movement reduces and they become less active. This eventually worsens the individual’s fitness, impairing people even more in their daily functioning.

Explanation of the program

A pain program teaches you, in a thoughtful way, to perform exercises. By practicing, you improve your physical fitness. People with pain usually experience more stress. Pain physically translates to tense muscles. During the program you are taught to relax. Relaxed people in good physical shape feel better. To cope with pain, it is important to know exactly what pain is. You get information about pain and the factors that influence pain, based on your own circumstances. What role do these factors play and how can we change that? Moreover, your (possible) partner will also be involved in the program. They learn to respond to a relapse in an adequate manner. The goals of the treatment program are: Improvement of physical fitness; Decreasing tension; Improved functioning despite the pain.

Examination beforehand

Before you begin a pain program, an examination is performed by the physiotherapist and psychologist. They thoroughly examine you and assess if the program is useful to you. You will be asked to sign a contract stating the conditions for participation.

Structure of the program

The pain program lasts for 10 weeks, and multiple patients suffering from chronic pain take part. The program consists of the following parts:

• Learning relaxation techniques
• Improvement of physical fitness
• Classes about pain and how to deal with pain
• Hydrotherapy: moving in warm water
• Homework: exercises you have to do at home

After 6 weeks the treatment frequency is reduced, first to 2 times per week, and nearing the end to 1 time per week. In the 6th week there is a partner afternoon. Here your partner can get acquainted with the treatment.

During the completion phase agreements are made regarding the continuation of certain activities. It is, after all, very important you maintain the results yourself after the program ends.

A few weeks after the program ends there is a return day. The purpose of this day is to see how the advice works in daily practice.

For more information, please contact us at +90 (535) 221 1400. Please note that additional charges for parts of this program may apply.