WATCH: About this program in less than 5 minutes
A comprehensive pain management approach
Our Persistent Pain Education Program (PPEP) is a series of eight presentations
that educate people in a comprehensive, pain-management approach. Each
90-minute talk is led by a different healthcare professional including
a physical therapist, clinical psychologist, clinical pharmacist, sleep
specialist, dietitian and therapeutic yoga instructor.
The classes help people living with chronic pain to address multiple areas
of self-management that can ultimately lead to decreased pain and improved
quality of life.
PPEP LEARNING OBJECTIVES
To understand at least three changes that occur in our nerves and brain
in a chronic pain state.
To learn at least two relaxation/breathing techniques that can be used
throughout the day to calm the nervous system and reduce muscle tension.
To identify three foods to eliminate from your diet to reduce systemic
inflammation.
To identify three meals that promote reduced systemic inflammation and
that can be easily prepared.
To improve your mindfulness regarding your daily movement patterns, in
the home and community, such that you continue to breathe deeply and keep
your muscles relaxed during three different activities that normally cause you pain.
All classes will be held on the 2nd floor of Waters Edge Health &
Wellness Center.
CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
These classes are always free but do require registration. Please register
for this program online by filling out the form on this page. You can
register at any point in the program. We encourage you to attend as many
classes as you can in order to get a comprehensive pain management education.
We repeat this program at least once a quarter so you can retake missed
classes or refresh your education.
Please note that the dates and instructors listed below are for The Dalles
program at Water’s Edge. Please call us at 541-296-7319 in order
to get details about our Hood River program. Dates and topics are subject
to change but we will make sure to update you when you register.
Explain Pain with Andy Roof, Physical Therapist
NEXT CLASS: Tuesday, May 15, 1-2:30p
Taught by a physical therapist, this class covers the basic physiology
of pain, what is happening in our brains and nerves when we feel pain,
and how a “chronic” pain state develops in our nervous system.
Research shows that people with persistent pain who learn about the science
behind the changes in their nervous system are able to decrease their
perceived pain level.
Explain Pain with Kevin Hanson DPT, OCS, Physical Therapist
Physical therapy for Kevin is about teaching people how their body is functioning
and responding to their daily activity. He enjoys developing a collaborative
plan to give people the best chance possible for reaching their goals.
Kevin grew up in Helena, Montana and moved to Oregon for college in 2002,
living in and around Portland. He relocated to the Columbia River Gorge
in 2013. Kevin enjoys treating all body parts in patients young to old.
He specializes in treating spinal dysfunction from neck to low back. He
has additional specialty in treating people with jaw pain. He also enjoys
treating people with vestibular dysfunction, dizziness, and balance issues.
In his spare time, Kevin enjoys the array of outdoor activities available
in the Gorge, including Nordic skiing, mountain biking, running, and hiking.
NEXT CLASS: Tuesday, May 22, 1-2:30p
Visit Class Resource Page
Register
Nutrition & Pain Management with Tracy Dugick, Registered Dietitian
NEXT CLASS: Tuesday, May 29, 1-2:30p
Chronic inflammation has been shown to be involved in multiple disease
processes that are involved in creating a persistent pain condition. In
this class, a registered dietitian will teach participants how eating
properly can reduce inflammation in the body. A week’s worth of
healthy, affordable meal ideas will be provided.
Visit Class Resource Page
Register
Medications for Chronic Pain, Part I with Eric Holeman, Pharmacist
NEXT CLASS: Tuesday, June 5, 1-2:30p
This class is taught by a clinical pharmacist and covers proper pain management
with prescription drugs. Topics covered also include opioid tolerance,
dependence, addiction, and safe tapering or weaning techniques.
Medications for Chronic Pain, Part II with Eric Holeman, Pharmacist
NEXT CLASS: Tuesday, June 12, 1-2:30p
This class builds on the previous week covering proper pain management
with prescription drugs. Topics covered also include opioid tolerance,
dependence, addiction and safe tapering or weaning techniques.
Visit Class Resource Page
Register
Mindfulness Meditation with Jill Keiffer, RN
NEXT CLASS: Tuesday, June 19, 1-2:30p
Certain parts of the nervous system become “wound up” and dysfunctional
in a persistent pain state. Yoga, meditation, deep breathing, and relaxation
can help to calm the nervous system and return it to a healthy state.
In this class, a yoga instructor will cover simple breathing and relaxation
techniques that can be performed daily as part of a self-treatment program.
Mindfulness Movement with Jill Keiffer, RN
NEXT CLASS: Tuesday, June 26, 1-2:30p
This class builds on concepts from Mindfulness Meditation. A licensed yoga
instructor will teach mindful ways of movement that aid in stress reduction,
increase circulation and function, and decrease physical tension.
Visit Class Resource Page
Register
Sleep it Off: The Interaction Between Pain and Sleep with Dr. Paul Cardosi, Physician
NEXT CLASS: Tuesday, July 3, 1-2:30p
Good sleep is beneficial for mind and body, but pain can get in the way,
and poor sleep may make coping with pain more difficult. This class will
explore this relationship and also options for treatment.
Visit Class Resource Page
Register
Class Paperwork
We hand this paperwork out the first day of class and the last day of class
for every student to fill out. However, if you miss the first or last
day of class or want to fill it out before you come you can download it here.
- Patient Information
- Brief Pain Inventory
- Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire
- Pain Self Efficacy Questionnaire
- We want to know what you think! Please fill out the feedback form and bring
to the last day of class.
- Feedback Form