Pain
and PEAK Rehabilitation Programs
Oh, my aching back! (or neck, or shoulder, or knee). Those
who suffer from pain are in good company. Millions of Americans
do everyday. That’s why we’re here. For those
who show no response to conventional medical treatment, we
offer a variety of solutions including medication management,
counseling, biofeedback, manual therapy, ergonomics and much
more for improved function and comfort. Chances are we may
offer just the relief you’ve been looking for.
Identifying chronic pain sufferers
RehabPros’ Pain Program offers hope for chronic pain
sufferers. An expert staff of doctors, therapists, and psychologists
thoroughly evaluates each case, using a behavioral approach
to the management of chronic pain. A thorough evaluation is
the key to identifying the appropriate patients for treatment.
Performance Enhancement through Activity &
Knowledge (PEAK)
For those with non-chronic pain, our PEAK program is designed
to get you back to normal life activities via a prioritized,
interdisciplinary team approach.
Who can be referred?
- Those who continue to have pain beyond the normal healing
process (PEAK<6 months>Pain).
- Those who have pain that has not responded to treatment.
- Those who show signs of depression or anxiety.
- Those who experience a functional decline related to their
pain problem. For instance, an inability to return to work
or difficulty in carrying out daily activities.
- Those who over-use medications or the healthcare system.
Who can refer patients?
Entering the program requires a referral. Healthcare professionals,
insurance companies or managed care system may refer patients
to the Pain and PEAK Programs. A telephone call or written
prescription begins the process, after which an information
packet is sent out to the patient.
First things first: Patient assessment
Each patient is given a comprehensive evaluation to determine
his or her medical and psychological status as it relates
to their pain problem. A pain evaluation requires two half-day
visits (or one full day), by the patient and his/her spouse.
The PEAK evaluation is usually one half-day visit. After evaluation,
the managing physician, psychologist, physical therapist,
and internal case manager discuss assessment results, imaging
results, and psychological testing to determine the best course
of action. Treatment recommendations are then made as well
as a cost projection. Any professional involved in the patient’s
referral and/or treatment process is welcome to attend the
team meeting provided the appropriate release is on file.
Treatment and follow up
The ultimate goal of the Pain and PEAK Programs is to help
each patient attain a more productive lifestyle and reduce
their degree of reliance on the healthcare system. The programs
vary in length and intensity, depending upon each individual’s
needs.
Progress is reviewed weekly by the treatment team. We encourage
participation of outside professionals to provide the most
comprehensive care possible. The managing physician creates
a team-meeting summary, which is sent to the referring party
and the primary care physician.
A follow-up visit is scheduled 8 weeks later to evaluate
progress and address developments after completion of the
program.
The “Pros” of RehabPros
Our team approach is the preferred treatment for chronic
pain sufferers so that our specialists can treat the pain
and all its consequences. Research finds this intervention
to be highly cost effective with superior outcomes. Patients
can expect to increase their physical function, independence
and pain control, while decreasing their use of medications,
levels of distress and use of the healthcare system.
Meet our staff, and you’ll be impressed by their level
of expertise and willingness to serve you. They are members
of the American College of Pain Medicine, Midwest Pain Society,
American Psychological Association and American Pain Society.
In addition, our staff has presented nationally on pain management.
You’ll also notice, as an added bonus, that they are
genuinely nice people too!
Outcomes
The goals of the programs are to improve functioning and quality of life of patients with chronic pain. Below are the
average Evaluation and Discharge Scores of 275 patients (average age = 43.7 years; 67% female; average pain duration =
13.5 years) between November 2003 and September 2007 across several variables:
Functioning:
Despite the continued experience of chronic pain, patients improve their functioning to within the normal range of
functioning in the general population - indicated by the yellow "T" bar - in 5 of 7 areas of living, with meaningful
improvement across all areas.
Pain & Control:
- Pain: On average, patients reduce their pain by 25%
- Control: On average, patients feel twice as much control over their pain at discharge
Depression
- All patients: Overall, patients endorsed moderate depressive symptoms.
- Depressed patients: 64% of patients endorsed at least mild depression (19 or greater), with an average score
indicating major depression (27 or greater).
** At discharge, depression was reduced to Within Normal Limits for both groups **
Pain Anxiety:
36% of our patients report above-average pain anxiety (scores higher than 55% of the chronic pain population) on
measures of fear, worry, physical anxiety and activity/pain avoidance. These patients reduced their anxiety by more
than half, significantly below average.
Contact Us
Any questions you might have regarding this unique program
may be directed toward members of our staff. We are always
happy to help, so feel free to contact us via any of the options
listed below.
The Pain and PEAK Programs of RehabPros
350 Lafayette St. SE, Suite 500
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503
(616) 233-3480 Fax: (616) 233-3481
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