Nova Scotia Health offers chronic pain self-management in-person and virtual services and at clinics in locations around the province.
Please note that this program varies by location. There is more information in the following sections.
Program Descriptions
Berwick Persistent Pain Program
The Persistent Pain Program (PPP) is a 10- week interdisciplinary group program made up of 8 to 15 people. The course is on Wednesday afternoons from 1:00 to 3:30 and lasts for ten weeks. We meet in the Wilson Room at the Western Kings Memorial Health Centre in Berwick (or Virtual with Zoom).
Cape Breton Chronic Pain Clinic Multidisciplinary Pain Management Clinic
The pain self-management program is nortmally held at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, however due to the pandemic we are currently holding the program virtually.
This is a 6 week program held twice per week on Monday’s and Wednesday’s from 1:15 to 2:45. It is an interdisciplinary group program where patients learn non-medical ways of managing pain:
- Week 1: Impact of Pain on Body & Mind
- Week 2: Tension Reduction
- Week 3: Energy Conservation
- Week 4: Pain & Cognition
- Week 5: Activities of Daily living & Goal setting
- Week 6: Moving Forward Skillfully
Halifax and Hants Pain Self Management Program
The Pain Self-Management Program (PSMP) can help anyone who is ready to take an active part in learning strategies to improve their quality of life and learn non-medicinal ways of managing long-term pain.
The PSMP philosophy recognizes that pain affects the whole person (body, mind and spirit). It builds on concepts from psychology, physiotherapy and occupational therapy to introduce strategies that can help people living with long-term pain make positive change possible.
You can benefit from the program if you are eager to: learn more about yourself, learn non-medicinal ways of managing long-term pain, and learn how thoughts, emotions and behaviour can impact your pain.
You must be willing and open to exploring current pain science and new possibilities in pain management, as well as challenging old attitudes and beliefs. Throughout the group program you will take an active part in learning strategies to improve your quality of life and developing a new plan for living more successfully with long-term pain.
During the sessions, the facilitators present material on by blending lecture, discussion from group participants, and hands-on learning experiences.
- Halifax PSMP format: Sessions are held in the fall, winter, and spring. Please ask the program coordinator about session length and dates. Online and in-person options are available.
- Hants PSMP format: This is a 5-session in-person group program of 8 to12 people with long-term pain. It takes place in the afternoons, one session per week for 5 weeks. The program runs 2-3 times per year.
Northern Shared Chronic Pain Service – Persistent Pain Groups
The Northern Shared Chronic Pain Service offers 9 week interdisciplinary Persistent Pain Groups at each of the four clinics - Antigonish, New Glasgow, Amherst and Truro. Sessions are held in the fall, winter and spring. Referral by a physician or primary care provider is required. For more information about the Persistent Pain Group sessions or the referral process, please contact the program coordinator at 1-800-270-4776 x3312.
Yarmouth Pain Self Management Program
The Yarmouth PMSP is currently suspended due to staffing issues surrounding COVID-19. Please check back for details.
Locations and Contact information
DIRECTIONS
DIRECTIONS
The pain self-management program is normally held at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, however due to the pandemic we are currently holding the program virtually.
Phone: 902-567-8183 option 5
Halifax Pain Self Management Program
Dickson Building, level 4
Room 4008, Pain Management Unit (4G)
Tel: 902-473-5471
Fax: 902-473-4126
DIRECTIONS
Hants Pain Self-Management Program
Hants Community Hospital
Tel: 902-792-2142
Fax: 902-798-9704
DIRECTIONS
Western Kings Memorial Health Centre Chronic Pain Self-Management Program
Western Kings Memorial Health Centre
Tel: 902 538-7102
Hours: Wednesday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
DIRECTIONS
Yarmouth Pain Self-Management Program
4th floor, building C - Yarmouth Regional Hospital
Tel 902 742-3542 x1460
DIRECTIONS
The Yarmouth PMSP is currently suspended due to staffing issues surrounding COVID-19. Please check back for details.
How do I access this service?
Amherst, Antigonish, New Glasgow And Truro Pain Self-Management Programs
Referral to the Program by physician or Primary Care Provider is required. Referrals can be faxed to 902-755-7322
Berwick Persistent Pain Self-Management Program
You can ask your doctor or another health care professional to refer you. Please call 902-538-7102 for more information.
Halifax And Hants Pain Self-Management Program
You can refer yourself or you can be referred by a health care provider. In either case, you must call to activate your referral and express interest before you start the program. Your readiness and suitability for the program will be assessed to determine the best way to meet your needs.
Documents and Forms
Learn More
- Halifax: Halifax Pain Self Management Program pamphlet (.pdf)
- Hants Community Hospital: The Chronic Pain Self-Management Program (.pdf)
- Yarmouth Regional Hospital: Yarmouth Pain Self-Management Program (.pdf)