For me, this programme has helped me to think differently about my pain. encouraged me to do more and develop a yes you can attitude, and to my amazement, I can do more, so my life is far more enjoyable. Yes I do have days when I overdue it and the pain returns. I then take some medication, attach the tens machine and relax on the sofa. This does help and the next day I am back to normal. I attribute my pain free days also to changing my diet to a low carb , high fat, eating programme which has reduced inflammation although not obviously changing the cause of the pain. what a great tool to self help. Thank you.
Diane
Nov 2023
I knew 90% of everything on the course. I have studied psychology, hypnotherapy, counseling and mindset coaching. The exercises I knew and use when I can. The meditations I must say were more detrimental, focus on the pain ?? that was me in more pain and unable to change the situation. The colder the weather the more pain I am in, depression and anxiety increase a lot for me. I can see other's getting a lot out of the course if they haven't bothered to do the research themselves but for me it was boring and a waist of time, I was hoping for more. I'm sorry but for me personally I have to put a low score but as I said I do see the benefit for others
Jane
Nov 2023
I would have been so lost now, without this course. Thank You so much for the step towards finding my triggers, and ways to help. And for the invaluable journal which Im still using to monitor my flares and research. I wouldnt be as confident in my abilities, or loss of, without your input in 2020. I only wish you could provide leaway for miscommunications but like with all nhs run associations, I lost touch bc I couldnt get a message to you to rebook a follow up call I couldnt take and was dropped without a word. The work you are doing is so important and so worthy to those you help. Thank You
Kerry
Oct 2023
Well worth doing. Helping me focus better - if still not brilliantly - on managing pain + health generally. Resources in Library very useful - good to know they’re always there.
Sarah
Oct 2023
Helped me to understand pain and manage it so that I am able to do daily tasks within the limits of pain management. I found it most helpful indeed and enjoyed the course. I will be jumping back in to the library for help in the future with my chronic pain and fatigue illness.
Richard
Oct 2023
Really enjoyed the class. There is a fair bit of information contained within the course that's information I already know, having been previously told or researched myself but also lots of nuggets of information backing up that information to give a deeper understanding of pain relief. It's always good too, to get reminders to continue doing things (ie stretches, physical exercise, gardening and anything that alleviates the pain) and confirm that what I'm doing is the right thing and will not cause further damage. I enjoyed the relaxation tools too, found them very useful and will now use along side the physical stretching and exercising techniques already undertaking. All in all a great course to enhance knowledge around combatting constant pain.
Emma
Oct 2023
Love how we can complete program in our own time and that it's set so you can't rush through it made me take time to listen to videos and take in the techniques shown
Emma
Oct 2023
Thank you, I have found a lot of informative information, but my medication has been increased so I’m awaiting to feel the benefit of that. My health struggles are there constantly but I do find the cognitive approach to be relaxing at the time but then slip bk into pain mode. I understand that by taking my mind off the pain will help me, but when it’s 24/7 then it’s hard to be doing the therapy 24/7 to get any relief.
Anne
Oct 2023
After trying lots of treatments to help with my recent diagnosis of chronic pain, I was delighted to be referred onto this programme which I could do online, at my own pace & didn't cost too much either. To have access to this programme for life meant I could revisit sections when needed. My own toolbox of helpful information. I felt I was back in control of managing my own pain. I particularly enjoyed the guided meditations & still listen to them regularly, when I can't sleep at night. The elephant breathing & grains of sand are an excellent way to reduce stress when a flare up is happening. Journalling showed me what I had been doing prior to a flare up & then I was able to reduce time spent on an activity. I loved the pacing self and setting goals sections but I'm still trying to pace myself. It's very difficult, having to reduce limits & I have to keep reminding myself that if i go beyond my current thresholds, I will inevitably have a flare up. So it's about doing less for now. That said, there is also a section on increasing tolerances when pain lessens. It's about finding a balance between taking regular breaks & increasing tolerances to be able to reach personal goals. I would highly recommend this programme to others as aswell as getting tips on helping with pain, you will also receive information on chronic pain. You are not alone & emotions are all part of the process too. It will help you to explain a lot to your family & it is backed by medical professionals who know what they're talking about. Give yourself the time to look after yourself, have an open mind & practice lots of self care too.
Aoife
Oct 2023
I was sceptical to start with and for the first day or so, then things began to make sense, feel positive, hopeful even. Now at the end only 10 days, I can feel improvement, my mood is better and I am motivated to do more and practice everything I have learned. All of the content has been so helpful and well-presented, even the bits I knew (about good sleep habits, etc.) My pain is beginning to be controllable, thank you so much for your guidance!.
Hildegard
Sep 2023
Very interesting and helpful program. The program has taught me a lot and helped me learn ways to manage my pain, I’m not alone, thank you
Sharon
Sep 2023
For me the program was really helpful.
Janet
Sep 2023
Hello, I have repeated the course and I could not be happier from the results. Physically I can do a bit more and my children says, they can see change in my behaviour too. A little bit of endorphins because of the stretching and apparently I am not as gloomy as I used to be. Of course I still have to deal with the pain, but now, I kinda own the pain and I am the one in control. It is still long journey ahead for me, but I really believe that with all the knowledge I am going to be able to improve my life. Thank you all, for making the course possible for me to access once again, it means the world to me. Kind regards, Olga
Olga
Sep 2023
I found the course to be really insightful in regards to understanding my pain and techniques really helpful. It helped me realise its a work in progress and there are other ways than medication to support yourself moving forward with chronic pain.
Donna
Sep 2023
Was sceptical at first as I wanted a magic wand. Someone to take away the pain, discomfort and anxiety. But I went ahead as I was desperate to regain my life and try anything to help. I took my time. I liked the email reminders and the pace I took. I found the course mostly helpful so thank you
Farayi
Sep 2023
Useful information but very drawn out. Condensed and less steps would be better
Ann-Marie
Sep 2023
This course has taught me so much for example I have learnt that pain does not mean damage. I know that I will probably have to live with pain for the rest of my life but I now have some tools to help me cope with this pain. I feel that I can move forward now with the things that I have learnt. Thank you to all the healthcare professionals for giving me hope about my future.
Carol
Sep 2023
A truly brilliant course - I really did not have much faith it would change my pain levels - but it has. I now realise pain is affected not only by the physical issues but also how your mind works to cope with these issues. It of course does not get rid of pain i now pace myself more, exercise more and most importantly realise that pain does not mean the situation is getting worse - i work through it taking pain killers when needed. Life is for living.
Carol
Aug 2023
It's not really helped me at all
Hayley
Aug 2023
It has been useful for me to do the course. The main thing that I learned is not to rely too much on medication. I have always exercised since I had my back injury in the early nineties and that probably helped a lot. However I did get a bit complacent and felt worse for it. This course has prompted me to be more disciplined. I also learned other feet exercises, which reduced the nerve pain in my feet. I take far less gabapentin and paracetamols! Thank you!!
Cornelia
Aug 2023
Some helpful information and practices which I will try to help manage my injury after suffering a painful fall. The programme offers helpful and practical advice but unfortunately I am still in chronic pain despite following the programme intently but I will persevere and hope that the information I have learned will help me manage my pain
Esme
Aug 2023
Give it a try and stay open minded. Give the suggestions a try even if you think “that’s not me”, I did and have found a new enjoyable exercise I didn’t think I could do!
Tina
Aug 2023
This programme is really excellent. I've had back pain for years and have never had any medic give me coping strategies. I'm looking forward to putting your advice into practice.
Simon
Aug 2023
Anne
Aug 2023
Alison
Aug 2023