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

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

Thank you for the insights you have given me into pain management. I found the psychological aspects of this program to be very interesting; learning that pain does not mean damage is healing in itself. I found the last questionnaire rather difficult as it just so happens that I had cataract surgery 12 days ago which coloured my pain threshold differently. I have had severe dry eye syndrome , and I tried hard to do the questionnaire relating it to my Rheumatoid and MSK symptoms rather than the nasty eye discomfort. It has been useful to use the relaxation techniques for both areas of pain. The whole Pathway has given me much more confidence about coping with my physical difficulties. I somehow have also felt much less alone. I took longer than a month to complete the program but filled a notebook with notes all the way through it. My pathway was interrupted by Granny duties in the summer holiday, on-going oncology appointments and our own holiday, but I hold you on high esteem for putting together such a good, helpful and reassuring on-line program. Well Done and thank you. 

The Pathway Through Pain programme has had a significant effect on the way I am able to manage my lower back problem. I now expect setbacks to occur occasionally and I am not put off by them. I have a repertoire of new and effective techniques which help me to manage my condition on a daily basis as well during a crisis. I have started a weekly Pilates mat work course and have incorporated some of the techniques into my daily exercises. Most importantly to me is I have started to get back into my main leisure activities (walking and canoeing) and am learning how best to adapt my approach to build up tolerance.

Unfortunately I didn't find it helpful for my illnesses, I have a lot of different issues causing me pain and depression. So I'm sure the program is good for those who can move and enjoy life, but I don't have such a luxury. Takes me a whole day to get the basic tasks done. I was hoping for a fix of my problems to some degree that's why I stayed with it but I feel it just wasn't the right program for me

The program gave me coping mechanisms to help relieve my symptoms, stress & understand my condition. I was fully into program & it helped, but due to family bereavement towards the end I l did less of the daily tasks, hence my condition progressing. I know I will be coming back to the program again & I’m well focused on achieving more. This program did help & has been encouraging to do.

Accessible and well pitched program. Useful mindfulness techniques and gentle stretches. Degrees of pain are so vastly different for people that I'm unsure of the level of effectiveness of this self help initiative in general, but I guess doing something is better than doing nothing!

At first I was hesitant about doing this program, thinking how will an online program teach me ways to manage my pain, but I was determined to give it a go. I'm glad I did as I tried the techniques provided throughout the program. It made me push myself out of my comfort zone. Although I'm still in constant pain, I will continue to try techniques.

I was impressed by the professional, well organised approach to pain management on this program.

Helpful

 It is a brilliant program and would highly recommend it to anyone.

I think the program is excellent. For someone with recent onset of pain, it is probably invaluable. However, I have had my pain for over 30 years and I have been doing most of the things on the Programme, during this time so there is very little change for me. I shall continue to go through the library in the hope that there is something I might have missed or tweak something that affects me in a positive way. Thank you all so very much for your advice.

Very helpful.

Good balanced program, especially liked the meditations

This program is great to help support and understands how our lives are impacted upon daily with our challenges and limitations that occur. The lessons, questions, videos and relaxation techniques are great to try and provide variety. It is good to refresh your knowledge if you have struggled for many years and try new things that can be a pleasant surprise.

I’m so glad that I came across this program and found it very helpful.Thank you for all the help I’ve been given in understanding pain.