Patient information leaflets
The programme is offered by the Chronic Pain Service. It aims to help people learn about:
- what can influence pain
- ways to manage and cope with chronic pain
- achieving a better quality of life in spite of pain
Is this programme for me?
If you pain has:
- lasted for more than 6 months
- caused unwanted changes and losses in your life
- made you feel unhappy
- it is not expected to be changed by further medical treatments
Then this programme may be of benefit to you
Where would I have to go?
The programme is usually held in the Borders General Hospital, Chaplaincy Centre
How often are the sessions?
They are normally held one morning a week (Wednesday) for 9-12 weeks
What happens at the sessions?
The sessions are a mixture of educational talks, discussions and activities. These are carefully organised to help you learn to cope with your chronic pain in more positive ways.
You will learn about self-help methods that allow you to:
- understand more about pain
- practice self-management techniques
- improve your mobility and fitness
- adopt ways to set goals and pace yourself
- understand how thoughts and feelings can influence pain
What is expected of me?
We find that those who are willing to take part fully and actively in the programme make the most progress. This means that even if you don't feel comfortable speaking out in front of others that you still:
- commit to attending all the sessions, as skills taught each week build upon each other
- keep an open mind and try out new ideas and approaches
What is I have trouble sitting?
Everyone in the programme has chronic pain and we encourage everyone to move to make themselves as comfortable as they can be. It is normal for individuals to move about or stand for periods of time.
What if being around new people makes me nervous?
A lot of people are concerned about this before they come. We try to make our programme as relaxed as possible and keep the group size small. We never try to put anyone on the spot and give everyone who wants an equal chance to speak.
A word of caution
The programme does not offer a 'cure' in the conventional medical sense. We know that pain is a very complex physical and emotional experience.
This programme is about trying to learn how to control your pain rather than the pain controlling you, your life and your relationships.
Team members
Highly Specialised Physiotherapist
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Specialist Occupational Therapist
Clinical Psychologist
Expert Patient Volunteers
Contact Details
If you have any questions or wish any further information, please contact:
- the Pain Clinic Secretary on
tel:01896 826 323 - or the Clinical Nurse Specialist on tel:01986 826 335