An Evidence - Based Treatment Program for Reducing Pain - Related Disability
Recovery from a chronic health condition requires treatment of the whole person. Often the first change occurs when an individual’s active lifestyle is limited by pain, stiffness, fatigue, and stress. They may have to take time away from work, hobbies, and leisure activities. Medications may be required to help them cope with painful symptoms and their sleep may become disrupted. A cycle of worsening pain begins when tension and painful sensations lead to negative thoughts and emotions. Beliefs that they have damaged their body along with fears about their recovery can lead to a reduction in activity. Over time, physical and mental changes may occur that make an individual more sensitive to painful sensations and muscle tension, further limiting a person’s participation in an active lifestyle.
The Progressive Goal Attainment Program (PGAP) is a an evidence-based treatment program for reducing disability associated with pain, depression, cancer and other chronic health conditions. This program focuses on reducing barriers to recovery through daily structured activity scheduling, progressive reintegration into work and family life, and goal setting. A PGAP clinician provides support on a weekly basis, providing guidance, motivation, and direction how to resume activities and overcome challenges as an individual progresses through the program.
Success in the PGAP begins with a one hour consultation session to learn about the program and how it may help to maximize an individual’s abilities despite chronic pain or disability. During this visit an introductory video is shown which outlines the program and goals. This is also a good time to discuss how the PGAP can help identify strengths and skills which promote a return to function and wellness. People who commit to participation in the PGAP can expect up to 10 weeks of support, based on individual needs. Each weekly session is designed to support the unique needs of our clients based on their history and intake assessment.
The PGAP uses a variety of assessment tools to help understand what psychosocial barriers may influence an individual’s recovery. An individual’s experience of a chronic health condition is influenced by physical and psychological factors. Thoughts, feelings, and beliefs contribute in significant ways to the perception of pain, stress, and disability. The PGAP assessment process provides insight into these factors through a battery of questionnaires. The results of these tests help the PGAP clinician to better support the needs of an individual through an understanding of their risk factors to recovery. Some commonly tested factors include symptom focus, fear of movement (kinesiophobia), perceived injustice, depressive symptomatology, fatigue, and perceived disability. Results from the initial, mid-point, and discharge assessments are graphed and reported for ease of analysis and discussion.
For some individuals, completion of the PGAP program may be coordinated with a graduated return to work program. The skills learned throughout the PGAP may assist an individual to set realistic activity goals and schedule their day for optimal function despite continued pain and related symptomatology. For others who are not returning to work, the PGAP can help you to maintain a more active lifestyle through analysis of your activity patterns and preferences. The PGAP is delivered by clinicians all over the world and is widely recognized as a highly effective means to support functional restoration to individuals suffering from chronic pain and disability.