"Pain Management Programme 2017"

I undertook the twelve week pain management programme during the summer of 2017 which subsequently had a three and six month review to assess how the participants were utilising their new found knowledge. This course was conducted by Dr Campbell and Physiotherapist Claire.

As I commenced the first day of the course I was nervous, anxious and full of trepidation. This was coupled with my disconcerting thoughts of, “How will this course assist in managing my pain”. From the outset I was put at ease by the relaxed and informal approach by both Dr Campbell and Physiotherapist Claire who worked extremely well together and which I would class as excellent teamwork in achieving their Organisational goals. They both had excellent teaching methods which relayed the information in small increments which I found easy to understand and therefore relate to this information to assist in my pain management.

As the course continued I could see the group begin to gel and each individual had an understanding of how pain was affecting them and others. In depth coping strategies and setting reasonable and realistic goals by utilsing the SMART system was two of the topics that greatly increased my understanding of pain management.

I could continue to go on about the course but ultimately I would encourage anyone who has the opportunity to attend this course to do so as I have definitely reaped the benefits from it.

It goes without question that the knowledge, passion about pain management and empathy shown by Dr Campbell and Physiotherapist Claire was exceptional. I know that the public service has come under ever, increasing scrutiny but I feel that both Dr Campbell and Physiotherapist Claire should get the praise and recognition that they both deserve. I wish and hope that more public servants are of the same ilk.

I feel that additional recognition should go to Physiotherapist Claire who identified that I had some challenges ahead at the six month review which was the final stage of the course and she went way beyond her duty in alleviating the height of my challenges.