Criteria common to all programmes are:

  • Pain-related disability for three months duration or more
  • A willingness to participate in rehabilitation
  • A commitment to work in a group if wishing to attend a rehabilitation programme.
  • Basic command of written and spoken English
  • No further investigations or treatment planned

Criteria according to programmes are as follows.

Inclusion criteria

Get Back Active

Two days per week programme

  • Pain having an impact on quality of life
  • Off work or low level of productivity at home, if working may have had significant periods of sick leave in the last year.
  • Able to walk independently for periods of five minutes without a rest.

Balanced Life

Three half days per week for three weeks (Oxford)

  • Pain has a significant impact on quality of life
  • May be socially isolated
  • May have a very sedentary lifestyle
  • May be using a walking aid to mobilise
  • May not be able to walk for five minutes uninterrupted
  • Off work or low productivity at home
  • May experience depression or other mental health problems.

Exclusion criteria for group programmes

  • Active psychosis
  • Actively suicidal
  • Substance misuse or prescription drug misuse
  • Cognitive impairment
  • Patients under 18 years of age

Making a referral

Referrals are accepted from Oxford Pain Management Centre, Connect Health and consultants within Oxford University Hospitals.

GPs from outside Oxfordshire can make a direct referral.

Advanced practice physiotherapists who are independent prescribers may make recommendations about medication regimes (particularly tapering).

It is recommended that patients with complex polypharmacy, or who are taking high doses of opioids, are referred to Oxford Pain Management Centre.