Oklahoma City VA Health Care System

Pain Rehabilitation Program

The Outpatient Pain Rehabilitation Program (OPRP) program is based on an interdisciplinary model of care for patients with chronic pain. The program uses multiple specialties and alternative approaches to manage pain. In addition to your current treatment plan, an individualized plan of care will be developed. You will learn new ways to manage your pain and improve your daily functioning. The goal for every Veteran in OPRP is to have a better quality of life.

WHAT TO EXPECT: Once accepted into the program, you will participate with 6-12 other veterans who also experience chronic pain. The program meets for three hours (10:00 a.m. to 3 p.m.) every Tuesday for a duration of 8 weeks. You may claim travel pay for each of the days you attend.

TREATMENT APPROACH: Each week, you will participate in group learning sessions, interactive recreational therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy.

SCOPE OF SERVICE: Veterans are referred by their PACT or provider with recommendations to receive Outpatient Pain Rehabilitation Program services. Veterans will then be screened to determine their medical stability, goals, and current limitations. THe purpose of this program is to provide information and skills-training to a group of Veterans who experience chronic pain. The Veteran will receive an individualized treatment plan based on the results of their assessment. The goal of this treatment plan is to help the Veteran improve their function and manage their chronic pain. The OPRP includes a team approach which has been shown to be an effective treatment for chronic pain. Treatment will be provided by clinicians who specialize in pain and pain-related problems.

TOPICS COVERED INCLUDE:
• Alternative Approaches to Pain Relief
• Relaxation
• Sleep Hygiene
• Tai Chi
• Chair Yoga
• Acupunture
• Healthy Eating and Nutrition
• Body Movement & Posture
• Family Systems & Communicating with Loved ones
• Information on Pain Medication
• Co-morbid Mental Health Issues
• Substance Misuse/Abuse

THE OPRP TEAM INCLUDES: Physicians, Psychologists, Recreational therapists, Pharmacists, Nutritionists, Physical/occupational therapists, Vocational rehabilitation counselors, and Chaplains. Studies show an interdisciplinary approach to pain management is effective in improving function, quality of life, and overall well-being.

If you are interested in the OPRP program, please contact your primary care provider to request a referral.

VETERAN TESTIMONIALS:

“As a veteran who’s been dealing with chronic pain for 15+ years, I thought I knew all there was to know about pain. Boy was I wrong. The OPRP not only refreshed some techniques on dealing with pain, but I also learned new physical techniques that are fun and help me.“

“Pain School provided insight of how you can take steps to manage pain. Because of what I learned in Pain School, I have made my life much easier.”

“The program helped tremendously in providing the use of the tools to cope with pain/problems. I found that methods learned helped in many aspects of my life, not just the pain.”