Group Programs

Self-management refers to the skills and behaviours that can help you live well with persistent pain. Participating in a self-management program will help you learn tools to:

• decrease stress and body tension
• develop a healthier lifestyle
• increase your ability to perform daily tasks
• become more confident in your ability to manage pain on your own

How do I know if I am ready? 

• you want to improve your quality of life
• you are tired of relying solely on medication for pain control
• you are willing to explore new possibilities in pain management
• you are willing to challenge old attitudes and beliefs
• you are aware that thoughts, emotions and behaviour can impact your pain
• you are eager to learn more about yourself and to do things differently
• you are open to learning more about current pain science and the active role you can play in desensitizing your nervous system

How do I attend? 

A referral to Island Health’s Pain Program is required. Once your referral is accepted, your referring provider will be notified and you will be added to our Pain Program’s waitlist (approximately 12 months).

The Royal Jubilee Hospital (RJH) and Nanaimo Regional General Hospital (NRGH) pain program offer different group classes. To learn more, please refer to the following regions:

Royal Jubilee Hospital

Every patient is registered for orientation – once registered, you will receive a phone call and an email with instructions for attending. 

For more information, please refer to RJH Self-Management Pathway or e-mail us at RJHPainSelfManagement@islandhealth.ca.

Please note that due to the increased demands in our program, the current waits time for Pain Foundations is approximately 12 months. 

Wait times for individual appointments with a psychologist or physiotherapist may take up to two years. 

For additional support, please review the RJH Pain Clinic, Supplementary Therapy and Rehabilitation Patient-Client Supports pdf. 

Nanaimo Regional General Hospital

Every patient is registered for orientation – once registered, you will receive a letter in the mail with the date, time, and instructions for attending. For more information please refer to ASCEND Pathway.