People from all walks of life have discovered the life-changing benefits of self-managing pain effectively

I will be honest, as a nurse, I have always believed that a pharmacological route to pain management as well as gentle exercise was the way to manage chronic pain. I didn't really consider that the techniques used in this pain management program could and would help. I also didn't think that the relaxation techniques would be helpful. I will say that the program has changed my thinking. I won't say I am perfect, I find the stretches too easy as I am very flexible but I do my own stretches that help me so adapt where needed. I did find a lot of the visualisation relaxation difficult as I am neurodivergent but there are several sources on YouTube and headspace that I found helpful. I would highly recommend this programme to anyone with chronic pain. Even if you feel that it won't help, it can give you some useful tools and different ways of thinking about your pain. It isn't a cure for your pain and for the most part, it isn't going to make your pain significantly better but it helps you to find different ways of managing your pain and how you think and approach it. It can give you hope on your worst days too. When I am having a flare up, it is easy to get lost in self pity and I still do but I remind myself of the steps and use the relaxation to regroup. Please try this programme and I think you will be pleasantly surprised at how it does help. As I said, I was fairly certain this programme wasn't going to help but it does.

I personally didn’t find the program helpful. Meditation won’t stop my pain, relaxing does not stop my pain. 

The program does help I have used meditation making activities shorter taking different approaches to the activities. Pain management is more retraining your brain to see there is a solution and through adapting the way you view things is part if your way to move forward in controlling the pain. When an issue is clearly effecting your progress in an activity it enables you not to see it as a step backwards but a side step in completing something in a different way. Sit down to do the ironing. Use a hoover for a few minutes if you don't finish the room stop rest and then complete it later. Hoover for a few minutes and then relax. Change the activity but in between hoovering less stress on your back when your dusting as this can be done sat down hoover with a longer stiff hose don't over do it as there isnt any point in pushing to far as you don't want to be having to rest up the next day so pace yourself and do a bit at a time

Stretching and relaxation techniques helpful.Program would have been much more helpful a few years ago even a year ago when I was first referred to pain management.Living with severe arthritis in hips, knees ,shoulders and spine for many years through determination and a need to manage I have adapted and coped very well.

I guess everyone is on a different level of pain right now and this may be beneficial for some more than others. Sadly for myself with also having a deteriorating heart condition I am unable to carry out some activities and also stage 3 kidney disease. This needs taking into consideration before putting someone on to this pathway as for me it’s not been anything else but frustrating especially when in need face to face assistance not an app!

It was good to revisit some of the steps I learnt many years ago, it's always worth doing the program.

Sadly this programme didn't help me as I was already completing daily activities, stretches and mindfulness.

Doing this self led program was better than doing a group setting. However it's not helped and I actually feel worse now than when I started. I have chronic pain not pain sensitivity or perceived pain!

I am taking on board the stretching program and the relaxation program I feel these will be beneficial

I feel this program has not worked for me but I will carry on trying. My injury pain has been with me for many years, I have tried most things on this program already over the years. This may work for people with recent injuries, give it a try you have nothing to lose. As far as the term "pain does not mean hurt" I do not necessarily agree, I believe I have pain because of hurt of which only surgery I believe will fix it, then maybe after this program it could possibly work. I've tried but for me I do not feel confident without surgical intervention. Give it a try, it may just work for one that has not for another. I hope whoever is reading this understands what I'm trying to say as writing is not my thing.

I found this program extremely helpful in teaching me some new ways of managing pain and taking control myself. I found the information on the role that the brain plays in pain absolutely fascinating. I think the greatest impact has been on my mental health. Although I am still aware that I may never fully recover, I’m now far more optimistic about how I can manage in the future. It reminded me of techniques I used to use but which I’d dropped from my daily routines. It also reminded me that, 18 months ago, I was fit, healthy and very active. Sadly I’d forgotten but I’m now determined to get back there. I will be sending information on the program to two friends whom I think could benefit greatly from it. Thank you to the program team!

At the beginning, it felt like I was clutching at straws, a case of "I'll try anything once!" But then some of the ideas and practices began to make sense and I persevered. Sometimes, the questionnaires can seem a bit simplistic, asking the same questions time after time, or can feel irrelevant to one's personal situation. The only advice I can give is PERSEVERE! After a time I began to accept that there was no magic remedy and my pain was not going to disappear. It was down to me and how much I cared about the quality of my life going forward. The program has given me tools to work with; some didn't work for me so I set them aside, but some did and, just like with any new skill, it takes practice. So that's what I do everyday - practice. Sometimes it's easy, sometimes it's hard, but slowly it begins to be worth it - after all that hard work, pain does become more manageable. So really, all the advice I can give is don't give up, don't give in, persevere - you're worth it!

To people with chronic pain: I am so sorry you suffered this program. Know you are not alone and people do care about you, whether you can function or not. We matter, our pain is real, there are people who will listen to you so I implore you, don't give up. You will find them and they will help you. In the meantime, use citizens advice, buy that walker, ask your gp for mobility help at home. Accept any help for getting around, this is not how your life ends. You deserve to be here just as much as everyone else.

Wow considering I was extremely reluctant and I said nope nope, I glad that after a little persuasion I did it over time and slowly to make things sink in a bit. Don't get me wrong I'm still struggling but hey ho that's life, but greatful on one or two of the tips I didn't even think of before. but though some things are basic knowledge, I was surprised that there was one or two things that were quite helpful and took on board shall stick with me. Thank you

Total waste of time