Work Conditioning Program

The expectations of the Work Conditioning Program are to increase the patients' quality of life by optimizing their pain control, restore overall functioning, minimize their use of medical resources, and increase their satisfaction with life and ease the transition back in to a work environment - all in a cost effective manner.

What We Do

With input from the patient and upon completion of evaluations from each discipline, an individualized treatment plan is developed. This plan is comprised of both personal and vocational goals that are assessed weekly and altered as needed throughout the four to six week program.

Patients participate in weekly one-on-one medical assessments with the medical director to assist in medication management and to maintain a decreased number of medical visits. The psychologist holds individual sessions to focus on coping skills and treatment of pain related emotional distress. The case manager helps patients evaluate the transferability of job skills/career opportunities, conduct self-directed job searches, develop resumes, apply for jobs and locate available community resources. The case manager coordinates their daily activities and communicates progress made to all stakeholders involved in the patient's care.

In addition, patients engage in physical therapy on a daily basis, which includes instruction of exercises designed to strengthen the muscles related to their injury, improve endurance and engage in aquatic therapy three days per week. The occupational therapist is incorporated to assist patients in modifying and improving their ability to perform activities of daily living.

Our Philosophy

We embrace our mission by caring for patients through a multidisciplinary approach. Patients who are identified by the documented admission criteria progress through a comprehensive evaluation by the core team, which consists of a physician, psychologist, nurse, case manager, physical therapist, occupational therapist and dietitian.

In addition to these team members, patients are referred to other health professionals based on their individual needs, which may include vocational rehabilitation, pastoral care, etc.

Because pain affects so many aspects of the patient's life, our comprehensive evaluation identifies physical, emotional, personal, cultural, social, gender and spiritual needs. The team focuses on the individual's needs and teaches effective coping skills to aid in managing other areas of their lives affected by pain.

We also feel that a patient's family plays an important role in the rehabilitation process. We strive to integrate the family as part of our team and offer education to help them better understand the distress their loved one is experiencing.

Admission Criteria

The Work Conditioning Program is a goal-oriented program with definite criteria for admission. Patients must fulfill the following criteria in order to be accepted for a comprehensive pre program evaluation.

• The patient should be 18 years or older.
• The patient should have a chronic pain condition.
• The patient's goal is to return to work.
• The patient does not have excessive or inappropriate drug usage.
• The patient is unable to effectively cope with chronic pain conditions.
• The patient should be able to physically participate and benefit from the program.
• The patient's date of injury should have occurred within five years of the date of admission to the program.
• The patient should be able to participate in the program at least six hours per day, five days a week.
• The patient should provide his or her own transportation to and from the program as well as to the local YMCA for aquatic therapy.

The Cabell Huntington Hospital Regional Pain Management Center abides by Cabell Huntington Hospital's standards of ethical conduct. We are committed to giving the best care without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, source of payment or disability.