The non-residential program runs two weeks, Monday through Friday with weekends off.

• 8 a.m. -- Movement Therapy

We start every morning with 35 minutes of stretching and strengthening to music. The program was developed with an aerobics instructor specifically for people with spine pain. There is no impact (jumping or bouncing) just stretching and strengthening with our staff members. It is a fun way to stretch out, loosen up and warm up for the day.

• 9 a.m. -- Discussions/Vocational Exploration

Lectures and discussions about issues regarding the spine include information about pain mechanisms—how something can be solid, stable, and healed and still hurt. The difference between acute and chronic pain will be explained.

Vocational exploration encompasses a variety of topics to:

• Expand your knowledge of your vocational interests, values, and employment goals
• Improve your job seeking skills
• Provide you with tools to assist you in reaching your employment goals
• 10 a.m. -- Functional Restoration

The purpose of this part of the program is to provide a means for patients to increase their level of physical function, a time when we expect you to stay physically busy.

• 11 a.m. -- Coping Skills

During the course of the program, patients meet daily with a psychologist to learn mind/body techniques for pain management and stress management. These sessions focus on cognitive behavioral techniques, building on the knowledge and skills learned from the previous session.

• 1 p.m. -- Cardiovascular Conditioning

Cardiovascular conditioning uses various types of exercise equipment including treadmills, bikes, steppers, ski machines, and the use of a pool. Each day, you will exercise using all or some of these pieces of equipment. During your evaluation, you complete a graded exercise test establishing a baseline for your functional level and determining an appropriate pace for your exercise at home.

• 2 p.m. -- Functional Restoration

There are two blocks of time in the afternoon to cover other areas of functional restoration. This includes instructions in activity modification to give you more options for doing activities across the day. We also address stretching, strength training, and balance work exercises.

• 2:30 p.m. -- Learning to Modify Activities of Daily Living--
  
  
• 3 p.m. -- Relaxation Training

Each day ends with relaxation training, applying the mind/body techniques taught in coping skills. This session gives you an opportunity to practice a method of pain management that encourages self-reliance on pain management techniques and is one of the first steps in effective managing of chronic pain.