MAPS | Medical Pain Clinics

The Chronic Pain Program (CPP) at MAPS Medical Pain Clinics consists of an initial comprehensive evaluation; a four-week, half-day, Monday-through-Friday group program; and an aftercare program. A MAPS psychologist evaluates the patient's emotional health and coping skills. If the patient is appropriate for the Chronic Pain Program, authorization will be obtained from their insurance company prior to admission. The Chronic Pain Program is only offered in two locations: Maple Grove and Edina.

The Chronic Pain Program helps patients:

• Learn and practice skills to manage pain
• Increase physical function and return to work, if applicable
• Improve coping skills and emotional well-being
• Reduce and minimize the use of opioids
• Maximize non-opioid methods for pain management
• Decrease the need for medical care regarding chronic pain

Chronic Pain Program components
Our four-week pain management program includes the following components:

Exercises
Land exercise is a daily physical therapy group that
consists of strengthening/stabilization as well as stretching exercises. The core stabilization approach aims to increase strength and coordination of the following muscle groups: lower abdominals, gluteals, lumbar and scapular stabilizers. Emphasis is on strengthening in a neutral spine posture with carryover into functional activities. Stretching focuses on specific muscle techniques, incorporating most major muscle groups. Emphasis will be placed on individuals
moving toward independence.

Therapeutic pool exercises
Pool exercise is a daily physical therapy group that focuses on increasing tolerance to activity, strength, flexibility and coordination. Pool temperature is approximately 98 degrees Fahrenheit.

Relaxation
Relaxation is a daily progressive muscle relaxation class
including patient instruction in relaxation techniques by teaching breathing techniques, neuromuscular education
and guided imagery.

Education / discussion groups
The group coping skills trainings are one hour sessions
designed to educate patients in self-managing pain and stress. Examples of topics discussed include: depression
management, improving self-worth, stress management,
acceptance, goal setting, anger management and anxiety
management. Psychologists, Nurse Practioners, PT staff
and RN specialists lead these groups.

Midpoint and discharge meetings
Staff meetings are held with the patient, CPP psychologist, C-NP and RN during week two and the end of week four. CPP staff considers Qualified Rehabilitation Counselors and Case Managers to be part of the treatment team and, with the
patient’s consent, invite these professionals and any other health care providers to participate in staff meetings.

Aftercare Program
Facilitated Aftercare Support Groups are held twice monthly and graduates of the program can attend as often as desired. Independent use of MAPS Therapy Pool is available for three months after completion of the four weeks.

MAPS Chronic Pain Program Providers
Paul Heideman, Ph.D., LP
Marge Bigelow, RN
Mary Esslinger, CNP
Christa Jensen, CNP
Christine O'Hotto, PT
Rhoda Schuralick, RN