Reclaim Your Life with Our Comprehensive Chronic Pain Treatments

Take the first step towards a pain-free future with our evidence-based chronic pain treatment program.

Welcome to Envision Mind Care's Chronic Pain Treatment Program

Living with chronic pain can significantly impact your quality of life, but you don't have to face it alone. Our specialized program is designed to provide comprehensive care to individuals struggling with chronic pain, offering cutting-edge treatments to help you achieve the best possible outcomes.

Understanding Chronic Pain and Its Treatment?

Chronic pain refers to persistent pain that lasts for months or even years, often without a clear cause.

Emerging neuroscience tells us that our brains create what we experience in our bodies, and chronic pain is a result of neural pathways that remember pain and keep us trapped in a vicious cycle. Our emotions and stress activate the same pain centers in our brain as an injury, making the pain real. At Envision Mind Care, our chronic pain treatment options are designed to address the mind-body relationship, helping you break free from the cycle of pain and regain control of your life.

Your Pain Is Real: Embracing the Reality of Our Pain and the Power of the Mind-Body Connection

It's common for people experiencing chronic pain to feel frustrated or defensive when told that their pain is "all in their head."

However, it's important to understand that pain can have different origins, and not all pain is necessarily caused by a bodily injury. In fact, emotions can be strong enough to cause physical symptoms, and this is something that all humans experience at various points in their lives. We aren't inventing our pain – our feelings are simply manifesting physically.

Harnessing Inner Strength to Overcome Chronic Pain

Our chronic pain is often a learned response or association. This means that we have been conditioned to associate a trigger with a response, creating a neural circuit in our brain that, through repetition, remains active. 

At Envision Mind Care, we believe that this neural circuit can be "re-wired." One way to achieve this is by gradually exposing yourself to your triggers while reminding yourself that you are safe and not in danger. Common triggers might include stress, anxiety, certain situations, or anything specific to your unique experiences. Over time, your brain will eventually turn off the neural circuit and re-learn the association, allowing you to overcome the pain.

Our Comprehensive Approach to Chronic Pain Management

Our team at Envision Mind Care is dedicated to helping individuals struggling with chronic pain through evidence-based treatments that address the mind-body relationship. We acknowledge the real nature of your pain and work closely with you to develop personalized treatment plans that target the underlying neural pathways and associations responsible for your chronic pain.

By combining psychological therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with innovative treatments and gradual exposure to your triggers, we aim to re-wire your brain's neural circuits and help you regain control over your life. Our compassionate and experienced team is committed to supporting you throughout your recovery journey, providing a safe and supportive environment for you to heal and grow.

Chronic Pain and Related Disorders We Treat

Envision Mind Care can assess and treat a range of chronic pain disorders. The following is a list of the most common pain disorders we treat at the clinic. Please note, that the effectiveness of treatments can vary from person to person, and it is essential to consult healthcare professionals for personalized advice and treatment options.

  1. Fibromyalgia: Antidepressants and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) are common treatments for fibromyalgia. Some studies suggest that Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) may also be effective in reducing pain.

  2. Chronic fatigue syndrome: Psychological therapies, such as CBT, and antidepressants are often used to manage symptoms. There is limited evidence for the effectiveness of experimental treatments, but some studies are exploring the potential use of ketamine.

  3. Migraines: Antidepressants, specifically tricyclics, have been used to prevent migraines. Research on psilocybin for migraine treatment is ongoing, with some preliminary evidence suggesting potential benefits.

  4. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): Psychological therapies, including CBT, hypnotherapy, and mindfulness-based therapies, have shown effectiveness in IBS symptom management. Antidepressants, particularly low-dose tricyclics, may also be helpful.

  5. Chronic pelvic pain: Antidepressants and psychological therapies, like CBT, can help manage chronic pelvic pain. Some studies are investigating the potential use of ketamine for this condition.

  6. Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ): Psychological therapies, such as CBT and biofeedback, can help patients manage pain and reduce stress-related behaviors that contribute to TMJ symptoms. Antidepressants may also be helpful for pain management.

  7. Myofascial pain syndrome: Antidepressants, particularly tricyclics, can be used for pain management. Psychological therapies, like CBT, can help patients develop coping strategies for dealing with chronic pain.

  8. Neuropathic pain: Antidepressants, specifically tricyclics and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), can be effective for neuropathic pain. Research on TMS and ketamine for neuropathic pain treatment is ongoing, with some promising results.

  9. Postherpetic neuralgia: Antidepressants, such as tricyclics and SNRIs, can help manage pain. Ketamine is being investigated in clinical studies for its potential effectiveness in treating postherpetic neuralgia.

  10. Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS): Antidepressants and psychological therapies, such as CBT, can help patients manage pain and cope with the condition. There are ongoing studies investigating ketamine and TMS as potential treatments for CRPS.

  11. Ankylosing spondylitis: While medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and biologics are the primary treatment options, psychological therapies, such as CBT, can help patients cope with the pain and stress associated with the condition. Research on experimental treatments like ketamine for ankylosing spondylitis is limited.

  12. Endometriosis: Psychological therapies, including CBT, can help patients manage pain and cope with the emotional impact of the condition. There is limited research on the effectiveness of experimental treatments like ketamine, psilocybin, or MDMA for endometriosis pain.

Chronic Pain Therapy: In-Patient vs. Out-Patient Care

In-patient care involves staying at our clinic for a period of time to receive comprehensive treatment, while out-patient care allows clients to receive therapy and other services while living at home. The decision between in-patient and out-patient care depends on factors such as the client's location (e.g., out of area or out of country), the severity of the chronic pain, and the presence of other issues like mental health disorders or substance use.

Pain Program Procedure

Step 1: Initial Assessment with Therapist and Consultant Psychiatrist

Upon admission to our program, you will receive a thorough assessment by our experienced therapist or consultant psychiatrist. This assessment will involve evaluating your symptoms, medical history, and personal goals for treatment. We take the time to understand your unique needs and tailor a treatment plan that fits you.

Step 2: Clarification on Diagnosis

Once the assessment is complete, we will provide you with a clear understanding of your chronic pain condition. Our team will explain in simple terms the neuroscience behind chronic pain, its potential causes, and how it may manifest in your specific case. We believe that education and understanding are crucial in empowering you to take an active role in your treatment journey.

Step 3: Advice on Management

Based on your assessment and diagnosis, our team will offer comprehensive advice on managing your chronic pain. This may include a combination of evidence-based treatments and experimental treatments, if necessary, tailored to your individual needs. Evidence-based treatments include antidepressants, psychological therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), and innovative treatments like ketamine, depending on the type of chronic pain you are experiencing. Please refer to the list of chronic pain conditions and associated treatments provided earlier in the instructions for specific details.

Step 4: Program Duration

The duration of your stay in our chronic pain treatment program will vary depending on the nature and severity of your condition. Typically, our program ranges from 6 weeks to 12 weeks. Our team will closely monitor your progress and work with you to determine the optimal duration for your individual needs, adjusting the duration based on your progress as necessary.

Step 5: Follow-Up Care

We believe in providing comprehensive care even after your inpatient stay. Our team will offer follow-up care for up to 6 months to 1 year, depending on your location. This may include regular check-ins, therapy sessions, medication management, and support to help you maintain the progress you have made during your inpatient stay.

A complete environment for your mental health

Bring rest, privacy, and convenience to your healing experience with an in-clinic stay through our partner CamHospitality Group.

Our Commitment to Your Chronic Pain Recovery

Envision Mind Care is dedicated to providing compassionate care and evidence-based treatments to individuals struggling with chronic pain.

Our team of experienced professionals will work closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan, utilizing therapies backed by evidence-based research. We emphasize a collaborative approach between the patient, therapist, and other healthcare professionals involved in the treatment process, ensuring open communication and active participation in your recovery journey.

We understand that seeking treatment for chronic pain can be challenging, but we are committed to supporting you on your journey towards recovery. Our program is designed to empower you with the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to manage your chronic pain symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Throughout your inpatient stay, you will be provided with a safe and supportive environment where you can focus on your recovery. Our team will work collaboratively with you to monitor your progress, make adjustments to your treatment plan as needed, and provide compassionate care every step of the way.

We also understand the importance of continued care after your inpatient stay. Our follow-up care options, ranging from 6 months to 1 year depending on your location, are designed to provide ongoing support and help you maintain the progress you have made during your time with us. We are committed to your long-term well-being and will work with you to develop a plan that best meets your ongoing needs.

Please note that the specific treatments offered in our program may vary depending on your individual assessment, diagnosis, and response to interventions. Our team will work with you to develop a treatment plan that is best suited for your needs, based on the latest research and clinical expertise.

We hope this information helps you understand our chronic pain treatment program at Envision Mind Care. If you have any further questions or would like to learn more, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to support you and provide the best possible care for your physical and mental health needs.

Envision Mind Care allows you to get the help of an entire team of professionals in a single state-of-the-art facility.

At Envision Mind Care, our diverse team of skilled professionals is committed to providing exceptional care for our patients with anxiety disorders. Our team comprises mental health therapists, psychologists, addiction counselors, and consultant psychiatrists collaborating to create personalized treatment plans.

Our mental health therapists specialize in anxiety treatment, using evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Exposure Therapy, and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). They offer individual, group, and family therapy sessions tailored to each patient's needs. Our psychologists provide comprehensive assessments and psychoeducation, while our addiction counselors address co-occurring substance use disorders with a holistic approach.

Our consultant psychiatrists play a crucial role in evaluating symptoms, diagnosing anxiety disorders, and developing individualized treatment plans, including medication management. Collaboration among our team members is essential for ensuring comprehensive and effective treatment.

To further instill confidence in our program, we continuously train our staff in the latest evidence-based treatments, ensuring that they stay up-to-date with advancements in anxiety treatment. Additionally, our state-of-the-art facility is designed to provide a safe, comfortable, and therapeutic environment, allowing patients to focus on their recovery journey.

We take pride in our dedicated team of mental health professionals, whose expertise and collaboration contribute to the success of our anxiety inpatient program, helping patients achieve their recovery goals and improve their overall well-being.

We see clients across Canada and abroad.

Clients visit from across Canada and throughout the globe to get the complete care provided by Envision Mind Care & Research Institute.

Chronic Pain Team

  • Dr. Marnie MacKay

    Registered Nurse

  • Dr. Karthikeyan Ganapathy

    Consultant Psychiatrist