Overview
An Integrative Health approach to self-management of chronic pain incorporates cognitive behavioral therapies, progressive muscle relaxation, meditation, biofeedback, hypnosis, autogenic training, and other integrative practices. The approach also emphasizes clinician-patient communication and goal setting strategies.
Integrative Health emphasizes mindful awareness and patient self-care along with conventional and integrative approaches to health and well-being. The Circle of Health highlights eight areas of self-care: Physical Activity, Surroundings, Personal Development, Nutrition, Recharge, Family Friends, & Co-Workers, Spirit & Soul, and Mind and Emotions. The narrative found in Self-Management of Chronic Pain Overview shows what an Integrative Health clinical visit could look like and how to apply the latest research on complementary and integrative health to the self-management of chronic pain.
Please see the downloads section for more detailed clinician and patient information.
Disclaimer: This information is for general education. Please work with your health care practitioner to use it in the best way possible to promote your health.
Downloads:
For Clinicians
- Self-Management of Chronic Pain Overview
- Personal Health Inventory: Self-Management of Chronic Pain
- A Pain Flare Management Plan: Suggestions to Offer Patients
- Communicating about Chronic Pain: Instructions for Clinicians
- Diaphragmatic Breathing to Assist with Self-Management of Pain
- Goals Setting for Pain Rehabilitation
- Physical Activity in Chronic Pain: What Clinicians Need to Know
- Working with Pain-Related Thoughts
Exercises
- Writing a Personal SMART Goal
- ABCD Cognitive Restructuring
- Communicating About Chronic Pain
- Creating Your Own Cognitive Defusion Techniques
- Examining Your Thinking
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