Centre for Pain and Disability Management

Who we are

The Centre for Pain and Disability Management (CPDM) is an interprofessional, self-management rehabilitation program focused on the unique needs of people experiencing chronic pain.

Chronic pain is a long-term or persistent recurring pain that causes difficulty in day-to-day life. It
can impose severe physical and emotional stress and affect families. Chronic pain can also lead to further physical problems, frustrations and uncertainty about the future.

What we do

The Centre for Pain and Disability Management program is a five-week day program. In the program you will learn ways to better manage pain and improve overall functioning through active involvement in individual therapy, group education, and planning sessions.

The goals of the CPDM program are to:

  • Improve physical and emotional well-being;
  • Increase your understanding of chronic pain and medical issues;
  • Help you self-manage your pain;
  • Reduce reliance on medications for pain management;
  • Show you a variety of effective, useable pain management strategies;
  • Improve body mechanics to keep physical stresses to a minimum;
  • Improve your day-to-day functioning;
  • Reduce disability and increase control of pain; and
  • Provide an opportunity for family or close friends to participate in your rehabilitation.

Who we see

We see people 18 years or older experiencing long-term or persistent pain, who do not require further medical investigations or treatments, and who would benefit from a team approach to rehabilitation.

However, this program is not for everyone. Individuals who have ongoing medical investigations or treatments or are anticipating a cure for their pain are not suitable for this type of program.

This is also not the appropriate program for you if you have:

  • Unstable physical conditions;
  • Addictions issues;
  • Active suicidal ideation;
  • Aggressive behaviour and/or
  • Cognitive difficulties that would interfere with learning.

Our team

The CPDM team includes professionals from:

  • Nursing;
  • Occupational therapy;
  • Physiotherapy;
  • Psychology;
  • Psychometry;
  • Therapeutic recreation;
  • Social work;
  • Stenography/secretarial;
  • Consulting medical specialties; and
  • Consulting dietetics.

How to access this service

Most CPDM referrals come from physicians or other health professionals. We also accept self-referrals.

Referrals are placed on a wait-list and are seen in the order of the date of referral.

To refer to the program complete the CPDM Referral Form (PDF) and fax the completed form to 709-777-7046 or mail to the address below.

If you are referred to the CPDM program, you will attend a half-day screening assessment to learn more about the program and determine if it is right for you.

Where we are

Centre for Pain and Disability Management
Fourth Floor, Southcott Hall
Dr. Leonard A. Miller Centre
100 Forest Road
St. John’s, NL
A1A 1E5

How to reach us

Telephone: 709-777-7048
Fax: 709-777-7046

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Last updated: 2021-06-30