Our physical therapists understand that people living with pain can be afraid to move, so they help patients overcome this fear. Our psychologists know that people with pain are often upset that they can’t always take part in their favorite activities, so they work with patients to find ways to get back to doing things they enjoy. In addition to the treatments noted above, your pain medicine doctor may refer social work and psychiatry services through UPMC Pain Medicine to help with other issues that may be affecting your pain.
What to Expect at a Total Chronic Pain Care Appointment
Please plan to arrive at least 15 to 20 minutes before your appointment. Arriving early will give you time to finish paperwork that will be used to make treatment decisions. Your appointments will last between 30 and 60 minutes.
Each member of our pain management team is working to help you to feel and function better. They will give you information and time to ask questions. They want you to leave your appointment with a good understanding of the services offered, so that you can decide whether a return visit makes sense.
Nonmedical Chronic Pain Treatments and Services
The following are nonmedical chronic pain treatments, social work, and psychiatry services available at UPMC Rehabilitation Institute:
- Occupational Therapy
- Physical Therapy
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
- Social Work
Learn about chronic pain rehabilitation and occupational therapy services supported by UPMC Rehabilitation Institute.
Total Chronic Pain Treatment Recommendations
After your first appointment with our pain management providers, they will present you with treatment recommendations. Sometimes they need more time to consider what to recommend and will follow up with you at a later date.
Their recommendations focus on your specific pain-related needs, and your treatment plan will likely involve a combination of services. Your feedback on these recommendations is welcome. In the event you do not agree with a treatment plan that is recommended, we will work with you to find a plan that suits your preferences.
Effectiveness of Total Chronic Pain Care
The journey to finding the best mix of treatments to treat chronic pain can be challenging. Fortunately, UPMC Pain Medicine and UPMC Rehabilitation Institute offer many pain treatment options. We will work with you to find what best suits your needs.
Improved pain management, functioning, and quality of life are realistic treatment outcomes of pain medicine. However, the total elimination of your chronic pain often is not possible. The goal of our pain medicine professionals is to help you achieve your best possible results. And because chronic pain management is first and foremost self-management, your level of involvement plays a critical role in your results.