The Functional Restoration Program (FRP) is an evidence-based treatment for chronic pain. The program consists of comprehensive care that is built to target all of the factors in your life that increase your pain.
Is the Functional Restoration Program right for you?
- Have you had chronic spine-related pain for longer than 3 months?
- Have you ever felt like no one believes that your pain is real?
- Are you tired of waiting for the next procedure or pill in hopes of feeling better?
- Are you not interested in surgery or do you still have pain after surgery?
- Do you feel caught in a cycle of medications and injections?
- Do you want to be more in control of your pain experience?
- If there were things that you could do to improve your pain, would you want to know about them?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, the Functional Restoration Program may be right for you!
Have you ever pushed through pain and then needed to rest for days before you could get back on your feet? The FRP will teach you strategies to improve your function and reduce your pain. Your customized plan will allow you to get back to the things you want and need to be able to do.
With our program you'll learn how to:
- Improve your sleep
- Reduce your pain flares
- Make pain flares less intense
- Use nutrition to reduce your pain
- Understand how pain affects you
You will learn these skills:
- As you are working out in the gym
- During group discussions
- During individual sessions with members of the team
Working towards your goals
In this program, you will work towards the goals that are important to you. Whether this means focusing on work, recreation, daily living activities, or all three, you will focus on the activities and quality of life that are meaningful to you. Our team will help you define these goals, and we can adjust them as needed throughout the program.
FRP taught me about chronic pain and how it works. It changed my thinking about pain and alleviated my fears. FRP gave me the tools that will forever affect my daily life. I know what to do and how to do it safely. I am no longer afraid to live my life.
FRP graduate
Team care
Our team of medical pain specialists partner with you throughout your participation. This allows you to ask questions and feel supported throughout your journey. Every person involved in your care works together to ensure that you learn these important pain management skills.
Your care team includes:
- Occupational therapists
- Physical therapists
- Chronic pain specialists
- Care coordinators/social workers
You will also participate in daily group coaching throughout the program. These discussions are provided by all FRP team members. This education will help you better understand your pain and what is happening in your body. You will also discuss and practice different pain management strategies.
Getting started
Enrollment into the program consists of multiple steps that we help coordinate for you. If you are interested in participating, it is good to get the process started at least 2 months prior to the program dates you would like to attend.
The 4 steps include:
- Goals and Physical capacities assessment (GAP)
- Physical testing
- Medical clearance
- Meet with program care manager
Goals and Physical capacities assessment (GAP)
The first step is a Goals and Physical capacities assessment (GAP). During the GAP, we meet with you to discuss what your pain is getting in the way of with regards to your work life, recreational life, and day-to-day life. We want to help improve your quality of life.
At the GAP you will:
- Discuss your goals
- Walk on the treadmill
- Do some light weight lifting
When attending the GAP you should:
- Wear loose fitting clothing
- Wear gym shoes/sneakers
- Bring any work comp or attorney information you have
Preparing for the GAP assessment
Come to the GAP assessment with some goals of your own to discuss with the team. Here are some examples of goals from past FRP participants.
Work goals
- Work 8 hours in a day
- Do my construction job
- Lift the weight my job requires
- Sit or stand for periods of time
Play goals
- Go for a hike
- Take a long drive
- Play with my grandchildren
- Ride my horse
- Hunt or fish
Daily living goals
- Climb stairs to do laundry
- Tie my shoes
- Wash dishes
- Dress myself without help
- Stand to prepare dinner
Physical testing
Once your goals are established, you will complete physical testing to determine what your current level of function is. The physical test consists of:
- Range of motion measurements
- A treadmill test
- A lifting test
This information will allow us to see where your GAP is. Once your testing is complete, we will compare your functional ability to the level of function needed to reach your goals. If there is a gap between the two, you may be a good candidate for the program.
Medical clearance
The next step is medical clearance. During this session, we'll ensure that it is medically safe for you to participate. You will:
- Meet our medical pain specialist
- Have a brief physical exam
- Discuss any health concerns
- Discuss the commitment of FRP
Meet with program care manager
Once your GAP and medical clearance are complete, you will meet with the program’s care manager to discuss any logistical concerns you may have, such as:
- Child or elder care
- Food security
- Local lodging
- Out of work documentation
- Travel reimbursement
- Worker’s compensation approval (if applicable)
We understand that taking 4 weeks out of your life can be challenging. We have helped hundreds of patients figure out how to participate. Allow us to brainstorm solutions with you.
When I started, my whole life was on hold due to the pain I was in. The Functional Restoration Program has given me back my life.
FRP graduate
Frequently asked questions
How will I know if the FRP is right for me?
Patients often fear they won’t be able to endure the FRP. If you are worried that the FRP isn’t right for you, we strongly recommend you complete the GAP assessment and medical clearance sessions. This will allow us to develop a plan with you if necessary.
The best part of completing the assessment is that you will leave with a plan. This in-depth assessment will help get you on the right track. Even if you aren't sure about the program, the assessment will give you valuable information.
Some people fear that they won’t be able to spend a day being active in the gym. Remember, the GAP assessment has measures that will tell us if your endurance will allow this. Even if you aren’t ready for the program now, we will work with you to get you there!
How much of a commitment is the FRP?
As with any other treatment, FRP has a “prescribed dosage.” This makes it more effective than other treatments. Research shows that our structure allows for long-term success. Habit change, strength building, pain reduction—all of these things require some commitment, time, and effort.
We understand that the fear of increased pain is a huge factor that contributes to how much you can do. By arriving at the program every day, you are one step closer to reaching your goals. More importantly, arriving on the hardest days gives our team the opportunity to help you through real-life situations and create a plan for when you are no longer with the team.
The FRP is 4 weeks long, Monday through Friday, from 8 am to 3 pm. The daily routine allows you to focus on your goals and achieve them. We understand that 4 weeks sounds like a lot of time. We encourage you to complete the GAP assessment regardless of your logistical concerns. By taking these 4 weeks to focus on your needs now, you will be able to be there for the others in your life in the future.
Once it has been decided that FRP is the right next step for you, our team will work with you to help you make it happen. If you are concerned about travel, work, or family commitments, our care manager can work with you to help find solutions.
What happens after I complete the FRP?
4 weeks of FRP is just the beginning of treatment. This habit and shift in mindset takes practice. Think of this program as a starting point in improving your chronic pain journey. Just like a car, you will need maintenance to continue to take care of yourself once you are out on the road.
FRP gives you the tools and helps you find where you can incorporate these tools into each day of your life. Once you have completed the program, we will follow up with you to ensure that your plan is most effective. It is natural to have changes in this plan as the years pass. We encourage you to keep in touch with the team.
Will I have support and encouragement?
Yes! You are not alone! Each FRP session includes only 5 to 8 participants. This allows for peer support while also providing individual care when needed.
In fact, the group aspect of this program is part of why it is so successful for patients. For many patients, this is the first time that they are in contact with others who understand what they have experienced. Some patients find pain solutions through the experience of what others have tried.
Although this is a group program, each patient’s program is individualized to their needs and goals.
The Functional Restoration Program has multiple groups throughout each year. Specific dates are discussed after your assessment and certain criteria must be met prior to enrolling.
Contact us
The Functional Restoration Program has multiple groups throughout each year. Specific dates are discussed after your assessment and certain criteria must be met prior to enrolling.
If you have questions or want to get scheduled, please contact us Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4 pm, and talk to our program coordinator.
You'll find the Functional Restoration Program phone number and address in in the Contact us drop-down box in the upper-right corner of this page.
