Friday 6 November 2015

Chronic pain sufferers invited to join free online treatment programme

A recent online treatment programme, set up by expert psychologists and physiotherapists, aimed at helping those who suffer from chronic pain, has been extended due to the number of inquiries received in recent weeks.

The Centre for Pain Research at NUI Galway, with the support of the Health Research Board, is currently recruiting people with chronic pain (pain which has lasted for three months or more). The Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) trial will provide eight online sessions to people in the comfort of their own home. At the moment, such supports are mainly available through specialised hospital-based pain management teams.

Chronic pain affects up to 35% of the Irish population and is increasingly recognised as a disease in its own right. Chronic pain is sometimes associated with psychological effects, which may include anxiety and changes in mood, as well as forgetfulness, and difficulties in focusing attention, planning tasks and making decisions. The ACT trial is based on emerging clinical science that demonstrates the usefulness of managing chronic pain through mindfulness and psychological wellbeing.

The study is open to people all over Ireland and will take place over the coming months. GPs and physiotherapists around the country are being encouraged to refer suitable people with pain to the study.

To find out if you are eligible, visit http://centreforpainresearch.com/actstudy.html and complete the online survey.

For further information contact Dr Christopher Dwyer at the Centre for Pain Research, NUI Galway or emailpainresearch@nuigalway.ie, or see the website http://www.nuigalway.ie/centre-for-pain-research/. Alternatively, phone 091 495391. GP’s or physiotherapists who are interested in referring suitable patients to the trial can also use these contact details.

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