Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation

Chronic non-cancer pain remains an important public health problem that seriously affects people's everyday lives including their family, social and working lives. Because prevalence rates are so high, access to appropriate care is a problem. While there has been an increase in the number and types of pain treatment centers, it is estimated that only 2% of Europeans and 1.1% of Americans with chronic pain are treated by specialist health care providers and that wait times for pain care are unacceptably long. This chapter reviews key theory, process and content elements of pain self-management as an effective approach to improving patient care at the primary care level. Practical tips for program start-up and development are also provided.