Orthopedics
Help for Chronic Pain Victims
While acute pain is sudden and alerts an individual about a possible injury, chronic pain is different. It is defined as pain that lasts six months or more. It may result from an initial mishap (sprained back), an underlying disorder (arthritis), or may even appear without a cause. For victims of chronic pain, days and nights are long and seemingly hopeless. St. Rita's Pain Education Rehabilitation Center (PERC) strives to help those with chronic pain learn to manage pain and to deal with the issues surrounding it. Chronic pain sufferers frequently face additional issues such as weight gain, depression, sleeping problems, social and financial struggles.

During the five-day a week program, a team of St. Rita's professionals helps patients regain their lives. The six-week program helps patients learn about pain management techniques, such as stretching or relaxation methods, or even how to pace one's day to avoid exhaustion. Other pain treatments may include hypnosis, pain patches and other medication therapies, or counseling. A variety of rehabilitation specialists are available to help with chronic pain management including a psychologist, vocational specialist, social worker, pharmacist, dietician and an addiction counselor.

A chronic pain support group meets every third Thursday of the month at St. Rita's Healthy Lifestyles Center in the Lima Mall with meetings beginning at 7:00 p.m. Meetings are open to anyone dealing with chronic pain.

For more information about St. Rita's Pain Education and Rehabilitation Center (PERC) or call (419) 226-9019 or (800) 230-7762.

Help for Chronic Pain Victims

For More Information
(419) 226-9019
(800) 230-7762
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