Here are some of the questions most frequently asked about the 'RESTORE' pain management programs. If your query is not addressed here please contact us.
How does the 'RESTORE' program help a person deal with physical pain?
All 'RESTORE' participants have pain that has originated from a physical injury or illness. Recent advances in pain research have provided important understanding about the complexity of pain including how our body and brain produce pain responses. We now understand why pain can persist after tissues have apparently had adequate time to heal.
'RESTORE' provides an opportunity to learn about the processes involved in our body's perception of pain, how to influence these processes and of the ways to improve physical function.
Is 'RESTORE' only suitable for people who have had pain for a long time?
No, the 'RESTORE' program is suitable for anyone who has been diagnosed with chronic pain or has had pain for more than 3 months. In fact research has confirmed that the sooner people learn about the science of pain the better they are able to implement strategies to manage pain effectively.
Does other treatment have to cease while a person participates in the 'RESTORE' program?
No. 'RESTORE' complements treatments by assisting individuals to learn more about their pain. The 'RESTORE' team liaises with treating practitioners to ensure consistency in intervention goals.
Does 'RESTORE' replace Vocational Rehabilitation?
No, the 'RESTORE' program complements Vocational Rehabilitation by assisting participants to overcome barriers to returning to work, including by improving physical function and increasing confidence in capacity to return to work safely. This increases the likelihood of achieving a vocational outcome.
Is 'RESTORE' suitable for people with complex physical and psychological conditions?
'RESTORE' is very suitable for people who are experiencing multiple symptoms including mood disorders. Chronic pain is often characterised by the complex impact that is has on people's lives including on work capacity, physical fitness, general health and well-being, moods, sleep disturbance, medication side effects, family relationships and financial hardship. Through 'RESTORE', participants gain improved problem solving skills and develop realistic and achievable goals to make changes that will impact on the factors that are contributing to their suffering.
Is the 'RESTORE' program similar to the residential multi-disciplinary programs in major hospitals?
Yes and no. The 'RESTORE' program is based on up to date evidence-based practice from Australian and International programs. However in recognition of the importance of work in our lives, 'RESTORE' has a focus on content and therapy techniques that address the impact of pain on work capacity.
The 'RESTORE' program timetable is different to hospital-based programs; it includes 7 full days over a 7 week period. Individuals often benefit from further learning by participating in the 'RESTORE' Durability program, which involves 6 sessions over an 8 month period. This ensures that participants are supported in skill development over an extended period while remaining involved in their usual home and work lives.
