Pain Management Programme
What is the pain management programme?
Pain Management Programme (PMP) is a form of treatment for people living with long-term pain, which focuses on improving patients’ quality of life and coping skills rather than solely reducing pain.
Our team of highly trained nurses with expertise in pain provide education and guidance with aim to help our patients to manage their life with pain better.
Who is PMP for?
PMP is for people living with persistent pain, who struggle to cope with their condition, and they need extra help and support. It is usually recommended after your pain has been investigated by your doctor, or another specialist and the diagnosis about your condition has been made.
We offer PMP for individuals who feel that pain has significant impact on their daily activities, their mental health and their quality of life. It is aimed at people who want to learn more about their pain and how to manage it better.
What can I expect from PMP?
The Pain Management Programme service complies with the British Pain Society’s current guidelines for PMP’s. Our trained staff will help you to develop skills to deal with and manage your pain.
Our weekly sessions cover a range of topics linked with persistent pain. Sessions are interactive, giving you space to ask questions and share your thoughts and experiences, if you feel comfortable to do so. We provide education about pain, stress management techniques, and mindfulness practices. We help you develop skills to deal with and manage pain.
The topics covered include:
- Understanding physical and psychological aspects of pain
- Managing stress, anxiety and low mood
- Learning relaxation techniques
- Planning and pacing activities
- Setting manageable goals
- Information on better sleep
- Learning about effects of pain on relationships with friends and family
- Finding ways to manage flare-ups and planning for setbacks
- Information about medication
- Learning about a role of healthy nutrition in managing pain
Types of PMP we offer
We offer our PMP in two forms. We encourage our patients to take part in Group PMP. It is a friendly group environment where you can have positive and confidential discussions with other people who have chronic pain. People often make friends with other group members whilst on the PMP. Group PMP involves five weekly sessions.
We currently provide group sessions on three sites:
Morecambe: Queen Victoria Hospital
Kendal: Leisure Centre
Ulverston: Community Health Centre
We also provide individual sessions via video link for patients who are unable to participate in group settings.
How can I get on PMP?
This is usually organised by your GP who can refer you to the Pain Clinic. If you are already a patient of our pain management service, one of our consultants may suggest the programme as part of your broader treatment. You can also be referred to us by your physiotherapist or other specialist, (for example, a rheumatologist).
Our Team
Pam Brier: Lead Nurse for Chronic Pain Management
Anna McClelland: Specialist Chronic Pain Nurse
Sinu Biju: Specialist Chronic Pain Nurse
Date of publication: 16/04/2026
Reference code: PIL212/IND067
Review date: 01/04/2029