Intensive Pain Program

Innervate Pain Management offers an intensive group based program.

The Intensive Pain Program (IPP) aims to provide participants the knowledge and skills to self-manage their pain and optimise their quality of life.  Innervate have been running group multidisciplinary programs since 2005.  The program is based on the latest evidence-based therapy and clinical research, reflecting the Agency of Clinical Innovation guidelines “Which Patient for Which Program?”

What does the Program Involve?

  • Three days per week over four weeks (9am – 4pm, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday)
  • Programs commence every 6-8 weeks throughout the year
  • Pre-program assessment, orientation, one month follow up, three month reassessment and review
  • Liaison with all stakeholders throughout Innervate’s engagement, final program day videoconference, reports at end of program / one month / three months post program
  • Communication Day with family or friends invited to attend
  • Group education and activity sessions
  • Individual reviews with physiotherapist, exercise therapist, psychologist or rehabilitation consultant
  • A typical day involves education before morning tea, exercise and activity in the middle of the day, relaxation and group activities after lunch.
Intensive Pain Program - pain management clinic
Intensive Pain Program Center
Intensive Pain Program Right

What is the Program Content?

  • Education about the science of pain, psychology of pain, physiology of pain, and evidence regarding different treatment approaches
  • Individual medication rationalisation program
  • Psychological training in thought management, acceptance and commitment, mood regulation, relationship skills
  • Practical skills to develop goal setting, pacing and flare management strategies
  • Physical retraining to improve movement strategies to return to leisure, daily tasks and work
  • Group based exercise, breathing, yoga, relaxation, mindfulness
  • Individual sessions with Pain Specialist Physician, Psychologist, Physiotherapist or Rehabilitation Consultant

In addition, the IPP provides specialised support to assist injured workers to understand the return to work system, and work with them to develop an individual strategy to achieve sustainable employment and financial independence.

Intensive Pain Program - pain management clinic
Intensive Pain Program - pain management clinic

Patient Outcomes - By the completion of the Intensive Pain Program

  • Reduced pain
  • Improved sleep
  • Improved confidence and strategies to self-manage pain
  • Reduced reliance on medication and other passive treatment strategies
  • Reduced fear of pain and movement
  • Reduced depression, anxiety, stress
  • Increased functional capacity including walking, lifting, bending, pushing, pulling, postural tolerances (sit, stand, drive)
  • Established SMART goals for the future
  • Improved ability to cope with tasks of daily living – shopping, cooking, cleaning, gardening
  • Return to leisure activities
  • Engagement in the community
  • Increased work capacity and identification of strategies to increase work duties or find new employment
  • Improved communication and relationships

Who is the Multidisciplinary Team?

  • Pain Specialist Physician
  • Clinical and Registered Psychologists
  • Physiotherapists
  • Exercise Physiologist
  • Rehabilitation Consultant
  • Occupational Therapist
  • Pharmacist
  • Dietitian
  • Breathing Therapist
  • Yoga Instructor
  • Local Volunteer Coordinator

The facilitators are highly skilled educators with years of experience teaching in clinics, workplaces, universities, schools and other vocational training settings.

Further Information

  • This program is currently available to participants funded by Workers Compensation, Third Party Insurers, DVA and DOD
  • Self-funded participants are eligible to attend.  Please ask our Program Coordinator for more details.
  • We accept direct referrals into the Pain Management Program from external medical practitioners, such as your local doctor, an insurer, a rehabilitation provider or another specialist.  Please fill out a referral form
  • We run 6-8 programs per year.
Please contact us 
E: reception2@innervate.com.au