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 or six evening sessions.

  • 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) or two days per week for four weeks (Banbury).

  • 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.

Compassion for Pain Group

2.00pm to 4.30pm on Fridays for eight weeks.

This aims to help the patient:

  • better understand and manage feelings
  • develop strategies to relax and reduce distress
  • cope with any feelings of shame, self-loathing and self-criticism
  • build confidence with movement and exercise to assist day-to-day physical function
  • have a more compassionate relationship with their body.

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.