Managing Chronic Pain
Coping Skills
Coping skills are techniques that can be helpful in managing pain. ACPA groups build on these coping skills:
- We do not dwell on physical symptoms of pain.
- We focus on abilities, not disabilities.
- We recognize and talk freely about our feelings about pain and its control over our lives. We do not make judgments. Group discussions are confidential.
- We use relaxation exercises to help ease the tension that increases pain and redirect attention away from our pain and suffering.
- We demonstrate mild stretching exercises and encourage you to do them daily, if your doctor approves.
- We set realistic goals and evaluate them weekly. This helps members to see that their desires can be achieved, one step at a time.
- We recognize our basic rights, including the right to make mistakes, the right to say no, and the right to ask questions.