WATCH: About this program in less than 5 minutes
*The Persistent Pain Education Program is on a temporary hiatus. We are
encouraging all of you who are interested in learning more about Pain
and Self-Treatment to check out:
https://www.oregonpainguidance.org/paineducationtoolkit/
This is an open source website that has videos and other informative links
regarding all of the topics we historically cover in the PPEP. There are
eight "modules" covering Understanding Pain, Sleep, Nutrition,
Activity, Mood, Medications, Social and Flare Ups. Please check it out!
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 our vitual
Zoom classes. Please call us at 541-296-7319 in order to get details and
class link. 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: TBD
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.
Visit Class Resource Page
Register

Nutrition & Pain Management with Tracy Dugick, Registered Dietitian
NEXT CLASS: TBD
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: TBD
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.
Visit Class Resource Page
Register
Medications for Chronic Pain, Part II with Eric Holeman, Pharmacist
NEXT CLASS:TBD
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
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

Moving out of Pain with Laurie VanCott, MSPT (Physical Therapist and Yoga
Instructor)
NEXT CLASS: TBD
Class participants will learn methods of movement that aid in addressing
pain. Parts of the nervous system often become “wound up”
when in constant pain. In this class we will explore how yoga, meditation,
deep breathing, and relaxation can help to calm the nervous system and
return it to a healthy state. Laurie VanCott, physical therapist and yoga
instructor will be teaching helpful movement therapies and providing simple
relaxation techniques that can be performed as part of a daily self-treatment program.
Visit Class Resource Page
Register
Building Skills to Address Your Pain with Laurie VanCott, MSPT (Physical
Therapist & Yoga Instructor)
NEXT CLASS: TBD
This class builds on concepts from Moving out of Pain. We will discuss
the science and gain understanding on how our nervous system works and
how to become active operators of our own bodies through breathing, meditation,
and mindfulness. Laurie VanCott, a Physical Therapist and Yoga Instructor
will be teaching helpful movement therapies, body scans, and simple relaxation
techniques that can be performed to change your pain.
Visit Class Resource Page
Register

Sleep it Off: The Interaction Between Pain and Sleep with Dr. Paul Cardosi, Physician
NEXT CLASS: TBD
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