HOLOS PAIN PROGRAM
The Pain Program at Hopper Institute is a comprehensive treatment program that often includes addictions, mental health issues, stress-related problems, and various medical conditions in addition to just pain. The program adheres to the Principles of Wellness. The staff at Hopper Institute works as a team with consultants who are experts in various medical, mental health, and other health fields to provide the necessary assessment and treatment.
The assessment consists of a comprehensive biopsychosocial/wellness evaluation. This consists of necessary medical examinations, radiographic and laboratory studies, psychophysiological and psychometric testing, and other assessments deemed necessary. The information is then compiled and discussed between Dr. Hopper, staff, and consulting physicians, physical therapists, massage therapists, mental health professionals, and other health providers involved. A "team" based treatment plan is then implemented. Although all treatment providers are not in one single location, every effort is made to coordinate efforts and maintain constant communication to ensure the most effective treatment possible.
Pain rehabilitation at Hopper Institute Holos Pain Program generally consists of the following treatment approaches:
Counseling: Cognitive-behavioral techniques are used to help the pain patient identify and modify pain-related behaviors and to change their thoughts and beliefs to more appropriate ways of thinking to reduce and control their pain. Fear, anger, and depression are found in virtually 100% of all chronic pain patients. The worse the pain and the more debilitating the pain, the more negative and problem-oriented is the thinking of pain patients. It is important to become a positive, solution-focused thinker in order to be successful in pain management.
Education: Knowledge is power and the more the patient understands their pain, the more power you have over it. To many patients, pain is some unknown, unseen force that develops increasing power and control over their lives. Know your enemy! Take control by knowing what it is, how it works, and ways to defeat it or reduce it's power and control over you.
Biofeedback: The process of biofeedback is very useful in pain treatment. Often it is used only for relaxation and stress reduction which is helpful but, there are several types of biofeedback that are extremely effective. The most effective form of biofeedback is temperature biofeedback. Since pain and temperature travel in the same part of the spinal cord (anterior spinothalamic tract), it is possible to control pain by controlling temperature. Another very effective form of biofeedback is neurofeedback. By learning to control certain brainwave (EEG) activity (e.g., theta), it is possible to block pain perception in many cases.
Nutritional Therapy: Almost 100% of chronic pain patients eat a very poor diet and over 65% suffer from numerous important nutritional deficiencies. Pain patients are placed on a nutritional program that includes a nutritious, well-balanced diet that is specially designed for their type of pain. Certain foods enhance inflammatory pain as well as increase pain intensity and worsen depression, anxiety, and anger components of pain. Some of the common deficiencies include B6, taurine, essential amino acids, magnesium, and DHEA. Over 90% of chronic pain patients have deficiencies in serotonin, melatonin, beta-endorphin, norepinephrine, and cholinesterase. By increasing certain foods and/or nutrients in your diet, your body has the ability to produce more natural anti-inflammatory and pain-fighting substances.
Naturopathy: One of the most effective ways to treat pain is through the use of orthomolecular medicines. In order to restore normal levels of those substances deficient in chronic pain patients is to take either the substances that are deficient or their precursors. This is generally the first line of attack from a "medicine" perspective. In some cases, prescription medications may be necessary for a short period of time until the orthomolecular medicines can build up to effective therapeutic and maintenance levels. In some cases, herbal and/or homeopathic medicines may be used.
Neurotherapies: Several forms of neurotherapies are used and are very effective in treating chronic pain. Electro-acupuncture, SheLi giga-TENS, cranial electro-stimulation, and brain entrainment through psychoacoustic and photo-stimulation therapy are used and capable of reducing pain 50-100% in the majority of cases.
Adjunctive Therapies: Stress management and relaxation techniques are used with much success as part of the pain treatment program. Progressive muscle relaxation exercises, Autogenic and Biogenic training, and other related therapies. Many of these, once taught to patients, are designed to be home exercises along with home biofeedback therapy exercises.
Ancillary Services: Massage therapy and exercise therapy are important components in the treatment of pain. Licensed massage therapists provide a wide variety of therapeutic massage which may include Reiki and other bio-energetic therapies. Exercise experts may educate patients in specific forms of exercise that significantly help improve strength, flexibility, and activities of daily living.
Each patient is unique and a specific, individualized treatment program is used which involves the above therapies and consultative health care that may include anesthesiologist pain services, physical therapy, chiropractic, neurologist, psychiatric, and other indicated services.
