Living with Chronic Pain Forum in West Vancouver

What impressed me is that the University of Victoria and the Ministry of Health have teamed up to provide free programs throughout the province which teach participants how to self-manage chronic pain. These are taught by lay people who have/had chronic pain. The facilitators take a 4-day course to teach a 6 week course. All participants receive workbooks and anyone can participate even spouses/partners of those with chronic pain.

Dr. Naved Ali, a Physician specializing in addiction spoke about some of the symptoms of addiction and why some people more susceptible to addiction. Dr. Patrick McGowan outlined the benefits of BC’s Chronic Pain Self-Management Program, one was that often a patient is diagnosed with a medical condition and told to exercise, but without being given any guidance. This program gives people with chronic pain some tools to do this. Lifemoves Kinesiologists are experts in developing exercise programs for clients with medical conditions and injuries. Our clients often have chronic pain.

There are so many wonderful reasons to exercise in the water including supporting 70-100% of the body weight and the ability to use the water to create the level of resistance you need without added joint stress. A video that Susan Freeborn, Aquatics Personal Trainer showed during her talk about aquatic therapy clearly showed how easily people could move with the assistance of the water.

The big take home message is that lifestyle and exercise are two alternatives to medication to help you manage chronic pain.

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