The Program
The primary offering of the The Victoria Pain Clinic is our Ten Day Intensive Residential Program that serves clients who suffer from chronic pain, chronic stress, or stress related illness. It is most suited for those clients who have not responded well to conservative conventional medicine or who wish to explore an alternative to drugs or surgery. A large portion of our clients have had accidents or surgery and continue to experience problems after the normal healing period has elapsed (more than 3 - 6 months). Many of our clients are regular users of medication including opioids and take advantage of the ten days to reduce or eliminate their dependence on medication (under the supervision of the medical staff).
Program Description
The program runs for ten days, ten clients per program, twelve hours per day (with scheduled rest periods and frequent opportunities to move around). Every day includes two stretch and relax classes, a lecture, and group counselling. Four hours each day are devoted to individual therapy that includes biofeedback, acupuncture, stretch and spray, private counselling, and muscle-work/massage. Because of the high proportion of individualized therapy, the program is actually tailored to the specific needs of the individual client. Professional staff are on site and available 24 hours per day.
Food and lodging are on-site and are included in the program. Special dietary needs (e.g. low fat, vegetarian) can be provided for.
Why 10 days?
We have experimented with residential programs ranging from 5 to 28 days. For many clients one 10 day program followed by out-patient treatments in their home community is adequate. For those who need more intensive work, a second program with an integration period in between is usually more effective than a single longer program.
How Effective is the Program?
We believe that the results of our program compare very favourably with most other chronic pain programs. In one study of 50 clients, 70% were pain free or improved at 6 month follow up, and 60% were working (28% not working; remainder retired/unknown). In another study of 100 clients, at 4 month follow-up, 82% were pain free or improving, 68% were working. A recent follow up study of 57 clients found that most of the improvements that the clients experienced were maintained well after the program ended.
What therapies do you offer?
At the clinic, you can find a wide range of therapies most of which embrace a complementary or alternative approach.
How much does it cost
See our fee schedule for the ten day residential program.
What We Help Address
| Chronic Pain | Anxiety and Stress |
|---|---|
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Typical Day
| Activity Type | Duration | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Group | 8:30-9:00 | Stretching exercise (yoga based) |
| 9:00-9:30 | Relaxation (autogenic and progressive muscle) | |
| Individual Therapy* | 9:30-10:30 | Deep Muscle Work/Hellerwork |
| 10:30-11:30 | Biofeedback/relaxation/posture | |
| 11:30-12:30 | Stretch and Spray | |
| 12:30-1:30 | Lunch | |
| 1:30-2:30 | Dynamic Interactive Acu-bodywork | |
| Group | 2:30-3:30 | Lecture/demonstration (stress-pain cycle, message of pain, posture and movement, personal stress patterns, musculoskeletal armouring, acupressure, secondary gain, mind-body interaction) |
| 3:30-4:00 | Stretching (same as 8:30) | |
| 4:00-4:30 | Relaxation (same as 9:00) | |
| 4:30-6:30 | Dinner | |
| 6:30-8:45 | Evening Discussion (introduction, self responsibility, structural vs. non-structural causes of pain, art therapy, communications, visualization, relationships, functional and dysfunctional attitudes, self talk, self esteem) |
* sample day, other days would have counselling in lieu of one of these therapies.
Braving The Void