Pain Rehabilitation Center

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Core components

Two patients with chronic pain briefly describe Mayo Clinic’s Pain Rehabilitation Center in Minnesota

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Davette Baker, patient: I was never going to get out of my bedroom. I couldn't do any of it, because I just couldn't get up, couldn't sit up. I wasn't me.

Pain Rehabilitation Center Patient Stories

Julie Maxson, patient: One of the important parts of the PRC is that there are ways that we can retrain the brain.

Wesley P. Gilliam, Ph.D., L.P., pain psychologist: As pain goes on, people start to recognize -- a lot of these things that I enjoy in life have been left along the side, and all I am left with is my pain.

The goals of the patient when they're coming into the program is the primary gauge for where we're going to go moving forward.

Julie: I said, I just wanted to feel safe in my body again.

Davette: It makes such a difference when you can see the path forward, getting better and stronger.

Julie: I began to see my body as a team member instead of an adversary.

Davette: I am thankful and grateful forever.

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Mayo Clinic PRC programs use several core components to help people manage their symptoms. Some components may not be available in each program. Core components include group pain education sessions, physical therapy, occupational therapy, biofeedback, and medication management and chemical health education, as shown below:

Group pain education sessions

Each group session has a topic that is presented and discussed with the group. These sessions use a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) model and emphasize learning new ways to deal with the challenges of chronic pain and symptoms. Sessions emphasize skills such as physiological self-regulation, emotion regulation, stress management and problem-solving.

Physical therapy

Physical therapists instruct people in strengthening, stretching and aerobic conditioning. Therapists also educate people about proper body mechanics, lifting techniques, posture, aerobic exercise benefits and pain behaviors. Even participants who previously struggled with being active find themselves growing stronger and more active in a short amount of time.

A woman uses light weights with a therapist.

Occupational therapy

Occupational therapists teach people how to effectively balance their daily activities in the areas of leisure, productivity and self-care. Moderation and modification of activities result in functional improvements that can be maintained over time. Return-to-work issues are addressed when indicated, as are time management and office ergonomics.

An instructor demonstrates movement techniques for household tasks.

Biofeedback

Biofeedback provides information about how the body can be negatively affected by pain and other chronic symptoms. Using specialized equipment, biofeedback specialists instruct people on how to regulate breathing and muscle tension while engaged in daily activities.

Two participants work with biofeedback equipment.

Medication management and chemical health education

Medications to treat symptoms can worsen pain over time and promote other adverse health effects. Other medications also can cause side effects that limit function, and some medications can become habit-forming even if taken as prescribed. PRC staff works with each person to reduce pain or symptom-focused medications over time, with the goal of gradually eliminating unnecessary medications during the three-week program.

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April 29, 2025
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Pain Rehabilitation Center

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