The following services are available for residents of the Saskatchewan who live with chronic or complex pain. Services are listed in categories of the 4 P's of Pain Management.
LiveWell with Chronic Pain Workshops
Chronic pain can be very difficult to live with and interfere with all aspects of your life. Learning skills to help manage your pain and improve your coping can help improve your quality of life. The LiveWell classes teach you skills to successfully manage - whether you've had pain for a few months or many years. You will also learn how to work with your healthcare team to better manage your pain. Learn more at the LiveWell Chronic Disease Management webpage or LiveWell With Chronic Pain brochure.
Contact Information:
LiveWell Chronic Disease Management Program
306-655-LIVE / 306-655-5483 (phone)
Rural Central Booking
1-855-250-7070 (toll free phone)
Clinical Health Psychology
Individual or group psychology services may be appropriate for some clients with chronic or complex pain. Learn more about services offered and the referral process in the Clinical Health Psychology section (pages 15-17) of the Chronic Disease Management programs and services catalogue.
Contact Information:
Department of Clinical Health Psychology
Room 223 Ellis Hall
Royal University Hospital
306-655-2341 (phone)
NEW Online Therapy Course
The Online Therapy Unit through the University of Regina is offering a FREE course to adult residents of Saskatchewan who live with chronic pain and experience depression or anxiety. This 8-week course contains 5 online lessons which cover strategies for coping with pain and deliver skills for effectively managing depression or anxiety symptoms. In addition to course access, participants will also receive weekly contact from a Program Guide, who can answer questions about the course material and provide support and encouragement.
To be eligible for the course, participants must have pain that has been previously assessed by a physician, be experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety, have access to a computer and the Internet, and be a Saskatchewan resident over 18 years of age. To learn more about the Pain Course go to www.onlinetherapyuser.ca or watch the following video that describes the course.
First Step Program - City of Saskatoon
Physical activity is an important treatment for people with chronic pain. Regular exercise can help improve function, reduce disability, and may also reduce symptoms such as pain and fatigue. The First Step Program is a partnership between the City of Saskatoon Community Services Department, Saskatchewan Health Authority, and LiveWell Chronic Disease Management Program. Participants receive exercise instruction that is tailored to their health concerns, and education about healthy living. There is a cost for this 3 month program. Contact the Program Coordinator for more information.
First Step Website
Program Coordinator at the Saskatoon Field House (306) 975-3121 or email.
Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation Program
Men and women with persistent pain related to pelvic floor dysfunction are seen for assessment and treatment by a physical therapist with specialized training. Physician referral is required to access this program.
Contact Information:
Department of Central Therapies, Saskatoon City Hospital
(306) 655-8208 (phone)
Other
- You may be eligible for publicly funded physical therapy treatment. See the Saskatchewan Health Authority Physical Therapy webpage for information on services and contact information.
- There are many private physical therapy, massage, acupuncture, or chiropractic clinics that provide individualized treatment for chronic pain on a fee-for-service basis. Check with your private insurance plan to see if you have coverage for these services.
- Exercise classes offered at city leisure centers, private gyms, and private healthcare clinics offer a range of programs to gradually build fitness levels.
- People with chronic pain are encouraged to build up to the recommended amount of 150+ minutes per week of moderate to vigorous exercise for adults, or 60 minutes per day of vigorous play for children. When first starting to exercise, this amount may seem like an impossible goal. However, people with chronic pain can still benefit from lower intensities and lower amounts of exercise. Even interrupting prolonged periods of sitting or lying down by standing and going through a range of gentle movements will help reduce pain and stiffness. Learn more about the benefits of exercise and movement for people with chronic pain and gradually build up your ability to move freely.
Preventative treatments aim to reduce the risk factors for pain. These include poor sleep, smoking, nutrition, or weakness in muscles and ligaments around joints that result in strain. A physical or occupational therapist may recommend a mobility aide, such as a cane, crutches, or walker, or braces/splints or orthotics to protect the affected joints. Maintaining good nutrition, stopping smoking, and practicing a healthy lifestyle can also reduce pain. Good sleep is also very important for people with chronic pain. Learn more about supports for these important preventative strategies at the following links:
There are many different types of medications that may be effective for people living with chronic pain. However, medications for pain usually do not fully get rid of pain. A realistic treatment goal with medications is a 30 to 50% improvement in symptoms and better physical function. The goal of pharmaceutical pain treatment is to improve your ability to be physically active in addition to improving symptoms. Pharmaceutical treatments include medications that are over-the-counter or prescribed. Your family doctor or nurse practitioner will be responsible for monitoring the appropriateness of these treatments and may refer you to a physician specialist for other treatments such as nerve blocks or implantation of a nerve stimulation device. Medications may give you unpleasant side-effects, such as constipation, drowsiness, or itching. It is important to talk to your doctor, nurse practitioner, or pharmacist about medication side-effects so these can be safely managed. Never adjust your medications on your own. Always get advice from a doctor, nurse practitioner, or pharmacist if your medications need to be changed.
Medication Assessment Centre (MAC)
Free medication assessment by pharmacists who will ensure that your medications are effective in achieving the goals of your care, and safe to take with your other medications and conditions. The pharmacists will answer questions you may have about your medications and make suggestions to your doctor, when appropriate. Learn more at the MAC webpage.
Contact Information:
104 Clinic Place, Health Sciences Building
E Wing, 3rd Floor, U of S Campus
Eric Landry: e.landry@usask.ca (e-mail)
(306) 966-6392 (phone)
Interventional Pain Clinic
Learn more at the Interventional Pain Clinic webpage
Contact Information:
Interventional Pain Clinic
Unit Assistant, Ambulatory Care Unit, St. Paul's Hospital
306-655-5978 (phone) *Messages may be left 24 hours/day
Palliative Care
Palliative care services are provided by an interdisciplinary team of health care providers. The various services aim to improve the quality of life of people living with life-ending illnesses. Services are offered in acute care, long-term care and home care. Learn more at the Palliative Care webpage.
