Pain Management
Pain Management Treatment Center
Pain is thought to be essential to our survival, telling us when something is wrong with the body and to fix what hurts. But for those who suffer from chronic pain, living a full and active life might seem impossible. Pain often makes it challenging to engage in daily activities or find joy in the simplest moments, distracting us from the things that matter the most.
At Avalon Malibu, we believe it is possible to increase the level of functioning and quality of life of our clients who struggle with chronic pain while reducing their sense of suffering. The key is to have the right skills, support and direction. We strive to impart these basic principles so individuals may come to a place of serenity in which to learn. That balance is a challenge in healthcare today, but we help people with chronic pain take an active role in their treatment as they build relationships with our staff of health care providers in a positive way.
Chronic pain is a condition that researchers struggle to understand and improve. But advances have been made in helping people to manage pain, or change the relationship they have with the pain. These programs focus on the total person, not just the pain.
What is Pain?
Pain is an alarm signal from the body that alerts us to potential harm or injury. It is a deeply personal and subjective phenomenon that can vary greatly from person to person — various factors such as our age, gender, genetics and personal history shape our individual experience of pain. It also goes beyond mere physical discomfort and encompasses emotional and psychological components as well, making it a multifaceted sensation.
Acute pain arises from specific injuries or illnesses, typically resolving as the underlying condition heals. However, chronic pain is different. It persists beyond the expected recovery time, often without a clear cause or reason. Anyone who has experienced chronic pain knows just how disruptive and debilitating it can be to overall functioning and quality of life.
At Avalon Malibu, we utilize a holistic approach to pain management that considers the physical sensations, emotions and cognitive aspects associated with pain, creating a personalized treatment plan to address the unique challenges faced by each individual. Our goal is to empower clients with the tools and knowledge to manage their pain more effectively.
Understanding Chronic Pain & Pain Management
Early Greeks and Romans realized that the brain plays a crucial role in the perception of pain. And throughout history, the poppy plant was widely cultivated to produce opium, a pain-relieving substance that remained popular until more powerful opiates such as codeine and morphine were synthesized. Then in the 19th century, a chemist named Felix Hoffman developed aspirin, which remains the most commonly used pain reliever to this day.
In today’s world, pain still remains an issue that affects more people than heart disease, cancer and diabetes combined. Pain, as defined by the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) as an “unpleasant sensory and emotional experience with actual or potential tissue damage,” plays a significant role in disability rates and contributes significantly to the escalating costs of healthcare. According to the CDC, one in every four Americans has suffered from pain that lasts longer than 24 hours, while millions more suffer from acute pain. However, chronic pain stands out as the primary cause of long-term disability.
Pain can be a chronic disease, it can be a barrier to cancer treatment, and it can occur alongside other diseases and conditions like depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury. The variation in the way that different genders perceive pain and respond to treatment has led to a new direction with discoveries in research on pain relief. For example, new medications which provide relief from acute pain in women sometimes increase pain in men. Scientists have identified a genetically variant enzyme that reduces sensitivity to acute pain and can decrease the risk of chronic pain. Research has also demonstrated that individual pain management programs may reduce cancer pain for some patients.
Looking ahead, there are exciting advancements in measuring and categorizing pain, leading to a better understanding of its complex nature. This has paved the way for the development of more effective and holistic ways to manage chronic pain and enhance overall well-being. For example, in addition to traditional interventions like medication, behaviorally and psychologically oriented approaches have emerged as valuable tools. These techniques aim to alter patterns of thinking about pain and introduce new coping strategies, complementing traditional methods to provide a comprehensive approach to pain management.
Do I Need Pain Management Treatment?
Living with persistent pain can be an overwhelming and debilitating experience, affecting various aspects of your life. If you find that your pain has become a significant barrier to your daily activities, relationships and overall well-being, it may be time to consider pain management treatment. At Avalon Malibu, we recognize that everyone’s pain is unique, and our dedicated team is here to support you on your journey to finding relief.
You may benefit from pain management treatment if you experience:
- Chronic Pain: If you have been dealing with pain that persists despite various treatments and interventions, it is important to seek specialized pain management care. Chronic pain calls for a comprehensive approach that addresses both the physical symptoms and emotional impact it has on your life.
- Limited Functionality: If your pain limits your ability to perform daily activities, work, engage in hobbies or enjoy time with loved ones, pain management treatment can help you regain functionality and improve your quality of life. Our experienced team will work with you to develop personalized strategies and interventions that address your specific needs and goals.
- Emotional Distress: Chronic pain can lead to emotional distress, including feelings of frustration, anxiety, depression and isolation. If your pain is affecting your mental well-being and overall emotional health, pain management treatment can provide the necessary support and resources to address these challenges and promote healing.
- Medication Dependency: If you have been relying heavily on pain medication to manage your symptoms but find that they are becoming less effective or causing unwanted side effects, it may be time to explore alternative pain management approaches. Our holistic approach to pain management focuses on reducing reliance on medication and integrating complementary therapies to achieve long-term relief.
- Impact on Relationships: Chronic pain can strain relationships with family, friends, and colleagues. If pain is affecting your ability to engage in social activities, maintain meaningful connections or fulfill personal and professional responsibilities, pain management treatment can help you restore balance and enhance your relationships.
At Avalon Malibu, we believe in a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to pain management. Our team of experts will collaborate to develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs. Through a combination of evidence-based interventions, alternative therapies and compassionate care, we aim to empower you with the tools and strategies necessary to effectively manage your pain and promote overall well-being.
Avalon Malibu’s Pain Management Treatment Center
One of the missions of Avalon Malibu is to provide a supportive, active and caring environment for clients experiencing chronic pain. Our pain management program promotes increases in daily functioning and facilitates a decrease in pain suffering. We use interdisciplinary treatment to teach lifelong pain management skills that encourage our clients to manage their own pain better and improve their quality of life.
Our staff is committed to providing clients with the most current and effective treatments available, helping to make advances in the treatment of chronic pain disorders. The emphasis at Avalon Malibu is evidence-based treatment, and the focus is on education for not only our clients and health care professionals, but also for our surrounding community.
The services that we offer chronic pain sufferers originate from our main facility at the Grand House. Some of these services include medication management, family-client education, mind-body connection, coping skills, stress management, physical therapy, occupational therapy (posture, body mechanics, ergonomics), and relaxation training, among many others.
Blending Holistic & Traditional Pain Management Techniques
At Avalon Malibu, we recognize the importance of exploring comprehensive and evidence-based pain management techniques that can complement and enrich your overall treatment plan. Our approach is rooted in the belief that true healing encompasses more than just medication. By integrating a variety of holistic modalities, we empower you to take an active role in managing your pain and improving your overall well-being.
Our staff considers alternative treatments for pain management, such as massage therapy, mental distraction, physical wellbeing, lifestyle modifications, meditation and relaxation through nature exploration. We also utilize proven psychotherapies to help individuals manage stress, develop new coping skills and cultivate a positive mindset to foster improved resilience. Our clients are able to enjoy pain-relieving activities and discover ways to reduce their pain medication needs in order to embrace the quality of life they deserve and hope for.
Contact Avalon Malibu
If you or a loved one are struggling with chronic pain and seeking effective pain management solutions, we invite you to reach out to Avalon Malibu. Our compassionate team is here to support you on your journey to finding relief from pain and reclaiming a life of wellness. To learn more about our pain management programs or to speak with one of our staff members, please contact us by clicking here or calling 1-888-958-7511.
