Psychologist, C.Psych.
Can chronic pain get better?
Yes! Our brain changes and adapt throughout our lifetime (i.e., this is called neuroplasticity). Habits are essentially strengthened roads or pathways when we repeatedly do or feel or think in the same way. When we continue to travel the same road or pathway, we strengthen the habit. When we form a new habit, we make new connections and old pathways are used less/weakened. The more we travel the pathway, the more our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours become second nature (e.g., like brushing teeth).
In chronic pain, the nervous system and brain have changed due to neuroplasticity in an unhelpful way. The good news is that we all have the ability to learn and change by rewiring our brain.
Join our clinicians to participate in our 10-session Mind-Body Connection program designed to teach you strategies to manage chronic pain. Meet Laura, our awesome physiotherapist who can also provide additional strategies.
Some of our coaches have:
• Helped to start one of the largest pediatric chronic pain programs at a children’s hospital in Ontario
• Currently also at hospital chronic pain clinics
• Completed dissertation projects on chronic pain and are actively involved in ongoing research
• Hold leadership positions on regional and national chronic pain committees
• Hold academic appointments at well respected universities in which they teach and supervise trainees in the field of chronic pain
• Start psychosocial oncology programs in hospitals