“At NCFRP, our goal is to help every patient maximize functional and psycho-social potential resulting to decreased utilization of healthcare resources, decreased medication, a return to work plan, and various other functional and psychological improvements.”
Downloads
- Outcomes Summary
- Program Description
- Patient Educational Pamphlet (English)
- Patient Educational Pamphlet (Spanish)
The Northern California Functional Restoration Program is located in a dedicated space for the program which in includes a space for a gym, private entrance and waiting area, class room training, exam rooms, psychotherapy rooms, on location administrative offices and a dedicated reception area to allow for easy-acess to patients and providers.
Following the comprehensive Initial Evaluation, a realistic treatment plan is developed that we feel is attainable during the FRP. NCFRP utilizes a multi-disciplinary team of professionals providing individualized treatment plans. A weekly multi-disciplinary team meeting is held, open to Carriers and Nurse Case Managers, to discuss progress and a weekly comprehensive report is generated.
The 6 Week Program consists of a variety of services geared towards facilitating recovery of functioning and quality of life – physically, medically, socially, mentally, emotionally, and vocationally with an emphasis on maximizing function versus minimizing pain. For (a) Physical Treatment, patients attend groups on strength and conditioning, proper body mechanics, ergonomics, functional movement, posture and balance, yoga, nutrition, and biofeedback. For (b) Medical Care and Supervision, each patient attends an individual appointment with a physician on a weekly basis as well as physician lectures on medication management and the medical bases of chronic pain and its treatments. For (c) Psychological and Behavioral Care, (d) Psychosocial and (f) Education, patients are provided with intensive training in wellness-focused (active, independent) skills for managing stress and pain, communication skills for fostering healthy social support, relaxation and meditation training, education on mindfulness for attentional retaining and autogenic nervous system arousal, and specific tools for coping with anxiety, depression, and grief. Patients are also supported in (e) vocational rehabilitation and training through career planning, and skills training aimed at return to work.
Some of our program MODALITIES…
• Medical and Pharmacological management
• Return to work and Vocational planning
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Behavioral Modification Education
• Nutritional Education
• Strength and Conditioning
• Stress and Pain Management Techniques
• Yoga and Movement Therapy
• Biofeedback and Ergonomics
• Optimization and/or detoxification treatment as needed
• Weekly Comprehensive Reports for carriers, physicians and case managers
• Weekly Comprehensive Multi-disciplinary meetings
• Daily healthy food provision to patients
Return to Work
Patients with Chronic Pain have a reduced ability to conduct work activities. Work is an essential part of life and its loss can result in devastating consequences. Most Chronic pain patients want to work however may not be equipped with the tools to allow them to do so. Education in body mechanics, body awareness, ergonomic principles and safe working practices are vital tools that improve functional skills.
At the Northern California Functional Restoration Program the possibility of return to work will be fully explored, Our Program Coordinator will work closely with the insurance carrier, case manager and employer to determine if a return to work is an attainable goal. Any obstacles to return to work will be addressed with the employer, patient and insurer. Ergonomic principles will be explored with each patient. Light duty and work hardening will be addressed with the employers, carriers and/or case managers and put into place when applicable.If a return to work is not an option, vocational exploration based on the patient’s date of injury will be recommended. When appropriate, we will explore vocational rehabilitation, time will be spendt exploring vocational aptitude, labor markets, resume writing, and interviewing.
Community Reintegration
Many chronic pain suffers have lost some or all community contact, often becoming isolated and depressed. As the patient’s condition improves, the patient will be introduced to various community organizations and volunteer programs. Enrolling in a volunteer or community organization can help allay feelings of isolation and depression and is highly recommended following the completion of our program.
Our Program Coordinator will work with each patient to identify community resources that will assist the patient in his transition back into the community and home. Recreational Programs are available in almost every community. Programs include but are not limited to water and land aerobics, dance classes, fitness classes, yoga, computer, cooking, and gardening classes. These programs are inexpensive and open to all.
Volunteer projects begun during the program often carry over to post graduation. Giving to one’s community promotes spiritual growth and awareness. Volunteer projects will be explored during the 2nd and 3rd week of our program.