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Homepage Services Chronic Pain Management Services (CPMS)

What we do


Our PMP is a group based, supported self management programme for patients experiencing the symptoms of persistent pain. Group sessions explore skills, tools and strategies in a supportive environment with the aim of improving confidence in managing everyday activities and improving quality of life despite pain.

Who is PMP for?
The PMP is suitable for those who have experienced pain for more than 6 months which is termed persistent or chronic pain. All investigations such as X-rays and scans have already been completed and all treatments including surgery have been explored but pain still persists. Common conditions are joint pain, back pain from injury or a condition called arthritis, muscle pain including fibromyalgia, and widespread pain affecting more than one body part.

How is PMP run?
PMP is a group based eight week programme delivered either virtually online or by attending face to face sessions. The group size is approximately 15 people all experiencing persistent pain of all ages and backgrounds.

The eight sessions are run each week on the same day and time for approximately 2 to 3 hours (depending on virtual or face to face sessions). To get the most out of the programme please ensure that you can commit to and attend all sessions (the dates are advised before the course starts).

The group sessions are run by experienced health care professionals from the PMP Team including Advanced Physiotherapist, Clinical Psychologist, Specialist Nurse and Health Care Assistant. All members of the PMP are here to support you on the programme.

Where we are based


You will be referred to a PMP by your Chronic Pain Consultant following your initial or follow up appointment. Before being invited to attend a PMP you will need to be assessed to determine whether it will be helpful for you.

This usually involves a discussion with a member of the PMP team and you may need to fill in some questionnaires. During this assessment you will have the opportunity to ask questions about the treatment.

Chronic Pain Management Service
The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust
New Cross Hospital
Wolverhampton Road
Wolverhampton
WV10 0QP
01902 695-122, Monday to Friday

What to expect from PMP


The aim of these sessions is to allow you to explore and improve your understanding of the following:
• Why pain can continue long after injury/illness has occurred
• The mind body connection
• Connecting and creating valued based goals
• Ways to maintain or increase physical activity while reducing flaring symptoms
• How and why exercise can improve both your physical and mental health and how to get started or increase exercise safely
• Ways of managing unhelpful thoughts and thinking patterns
• The effects of stress on the body and mind
• Potential strategies and tools that can be helpful in improving sleep
• Introduction to Mindfulness.

This will then allow you to create an individualised tool box of skills, tools and strategies for managing symptoms of pain

Frequently asked questions


To gain the most out of the programme attendance at all sessions is recommended. We do realise that unforeseen circumstances /holidays do arise therefore we suggest if two or more sessions are to be missed, we will make arrangements to attend a different course.

No just wear something that is loose and comfortable to allow you to move without restriction.

It can be daunting speaking in a group of people so we don’t expect you to feel comfortable doing this at first. As the weeks go by we will gently encourage you to contribute to discussions. We do ask you to take part in take home tasks, practising and trying new skills and tools before the next session.

A family member or friend can bring you to the sessions but would not be able to sit with you through the sessions. All patients attending sign a consent form outlining patient confidentiality.