What publicly funded (no-cost) pain services are available for Manitobans?
Many self-management tools for pain management can be found online. For example, the Power Over Pain Portal is one resource available to people living with pain. Funded by Health Canada, it offers many free resources and tools for the management of pain, including articles, videos, podcasts, self-directed courses, and peer support. It is a great starting point for learning about a range of available resources!
The IMPACT Program is a Manitoba designed and researched program that anyone can access for free through the Power Over Pain Portal. It is based on a scientifically proven approach called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for chronic pain. There is no referral required, and you can access and utilize resources at your own pace.
You can also access a free Ontario-based 16-lesson pain management course called Empowered Management through the Power Over Pain Portal. Educational topics include, for example, pain education; biopsychosocial approaches for pain; and self-compassion, values, communication, and goal setting.
The Winnipeg Regional Health Authority (WRHA) also offers free educational sessions for different chronic conditions, including chronic pain. For example, the Chronic Pain Self-Management Series is a 7-session community-based group series led by a multidisciplinary team of allied health professionals. It’s a great option if you want to learn about the causes of chronic pain and basic strategies for managing your pain, while also connecting with and learning from others who live with chronic pain.
The WRHA’s Health Management Group Program Guide also has many other in-person and online programs relevant to pain care and general health. For example, Get Better Together is a 6-session workshop designed to help Manitobans to build confidence and skills for managing different chronic health conditions, including chronic pain. A unique aspect of this workshop is that it is led by someone with firsthand experience living with a chronic health condition. Click here for a program brochure!
Lastly, specialized pain services may be available via the WRHA’s Pain Management Clinic. A referral from a family physician, nurse practitioner, or physician specialist is required for these services. Note: the resources above are great tools to explore if you’re already on the waitlist for specialized pain care!
Note: our team has audited the public programs listed on our website and believe these are valuable resources to start with. We suggest you start by exploring what is available through the Power Over Pain Portal or consider signing up for the WRHA’s Chronic Pain Self-Management Series.
