BACK IN ACTION (WRAP)

Exercise, education and CBT strategies for the management of chronic spinal pain.

Back In Action is a well-regarded activity-based program for people with chronic spinal pain.

This 12 week program of evidence based exercise, education and CBT strategies, is designed to improve the function, independence, and self-management capability of people with chronic spinal pain.

The program promotes the “Self-Help” concept of managing chronic spinal pain, where participants become motivated to incorporate the knowledge & exercise gained in the program, into daily activities and lifestyles.

The group-based focus of this program facilitates peer support and acceptance of ones condition, encourages over-coming fears and barriers, and promotes the learning of new behaviors and skills to enable participants to “self-manage” their condition.

The professionals involved in this multi-disciplinary program are:

  • Physiotherapist
  • Exercise Physiologist
  • Medical Practitioner *

* Where possible, a structured assessment and report template facilitates open involvement of the clients treating GP throughout the program.

Back In Action offers a cost effective and sustainable solution to managing spinal pain.

Program Components

Exercise:

  • To provide an active, goal orientated treatment option for workers with chronic pain.
  • The program focus is on improving function, not pain.
  • Individual exercise programs are undertaken in a group environment.

Education:

  • Group education sessions (1/2 hr) follow each weekly group exercise session (1 hr).
  • Weekly topics of discussion include current concepts and strategies in the management of chronic spinal conditions, including: Exercise as Therapy, Challenging unhelpful Thoughts and Beliefs, Pacing & Activity modification, Stress Management, Relaxation strategies, Manual Handling, Ergonomics at work and home, Planning for relapses, Managing exacerbations, and Rehabilitation to Recreation.

Spine School:

  • A 2 hour “spine school” is undertaken in the first 2 weeks of the program. Topics include:
    Spinal Anatomy & Function, Spinal injury Mechanisms, Evidence Based Management of Chronic Pain, Understanding and Owning your condition, Manual Handling, Posture and Ergonomics, and Goal Setting.

Reassurance & Consistency:

  • Utilising the principles of “Reactivation” and reinforcing the findings of evidence-based research the program endorses the benefits of goal-setting and staying active.
  • Participants involvement and acceptance of the program objectives, is facilitated via consistent, evidence-based  advice from the Medical Practitioner, Physiotherapist, and Exercise Physiologist.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT):

  • Acknowledging and challenging unhelpful thoughts & beliefs, and over-coming fear-avoidance behaviors, is an integral focus of this program.

Key Program Objectives 

  • To achieve large and sustainable improvements in the physical capability, knowledge and behavio8urs of chronic pain sufferers.
  • To develop independence via the acceptance of self-management skills and strategies. The program focus is on function and independence, not pain and dependency.
  • To reduce reliance on treatment and medication.