Chronic Pain Clinic

The Chronic Pain Clinic provides comprehensive pain management to patients throughout southeastern Ontario through education, assessment, treatment plans, wellness promotion, follow-up care, and prescription monitoring where appropriate. We prioritize patient safety and decreasing opioid reliance in pain management.

Location 

Hotel Dieu Hospital site
Jeanne Mance, Level 3
Registration: Jeanne Mance, Level 3 

Contact Information 

You can reach us by calling 613-544-3400 extension 22315

Hours of Operation 

Monday - Friday 
8 a.m. - 4 p.m. 

Referrals 

Patients require a referral from their family doctor or another health-care professional. 
Health-care professionals can access our referral form here.

Who we are currently unable to see

1. Individuals under 18 years old

Our clinic focuses on adult care.

In some cases, younger individuals may be considered after review.

2. People already receiving treatment at another pain clinic

To avoid duplication and confusion in care, we do not see people who are currently being treated for pain elsewhere.

3. People with active WSIB claims

We are not able to provide care for active WSIB claims, except when the issue involves:

  • Upper limbs
  • Back or neck
  • Lower limbs

4. People with untreated mental health or substance use concerns

If there are serious, unstable, or untreated psychiatric conditions or substance use issues, it’s important to manage these first before starting chronic pain care.

Learn more about accessing mental health and addiction services.

5. People seeking help only with medications

We are not the right clinic if the main reason for care is:

  • Renewing pain medications
  • Tapering off opioids
  • Taking over prescriptions from a retiring doctor

Learn more about opioid tapering.

6. We do not currently provide treatment for pelvic pain.

7. People without a primary-care provider

A family doctor or nurse practitioner is essential for your ongoing care before, during, and after visits with us.

8. Our services are only available to residents of Ontario.

Services 

  • Ultrasound, radiofrequency ablation (RFA), fluoroscopy
  • Physiotherapy, Social Work, Occupational Therapy and Psychology services
  • Explain Pain and Empowered Relief workshops
  • Virtual Self-Management group
  • Moving with Pain workshop
  • Pacing group
  • Ergonomic workshops
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) group
  • Introduction to Mindfulness group
  • Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy group 
  • ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) group
  • CBT (Cognitive and Behaviour Therapy) group 
  • Emotion and Expression Therapy group
  • Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) group
  • Activity group

Preparation 

  • Bring an updated medication list to every appointment
  • Virtual Orientation session must be completed before your first visit 
  • A clinic questionnaire (sent via email) must be completed before your first visit, and every three months after. 

What you can expect 

  • You will be assessed by a physician or a nurse practitioner at the clinic before your care path is determined
  • You may be asked to provide urine samples periodically for safety reasons
  • Kingston Health Sciences Centre is a teaching organization and health-care students may be part of your care
  • You will be expected to actively participate in your care 

Patient resources 

There is no cure for chronic pain, but it can be managed. Studies have shown that when people actively manage their pain daily, they get the best results.

Power Over Pain Portal

The Power Over Pain Portal is the one-stop shop for people living with pain to access free online resources to address a variety of their specific needs. Resources include articles, videos, podcasts, self-management courses, workshops, and peer support.  

We encourage you to look at the portal before your first visit. Your provider can help direct you to specific content. 

Chronic pain self-management group

Below are a few points about how we approach chronic pain management in this group:

  • Working with a care team made up of a variety of different health care professionals
  • Using a group-based treatment that emphasizes physical activity, goal setting and education to improve function and quality of life
  • Planning for a time-limited and goal-oriented team approach
Who would benefit from this group?
  • Adults (19 years of age and older) who are living with chronic pain that is affecting their quality of life and function
  • People who are looking to set goals, become more physically active and actively learn non-pharmacological strategies to manage their pain
Your care team

Your care team will include a variety of health care professionals. This may include:

  • Occupational Therapist
  • Registered Nurse
  • Physical Therapist
  • Physician
  • Social Worker
  • Psychologist
What to expect
  • Groups of up to 12 people who are living with chronic pain
  • Education and strategies to manage chronic pain from a compassionate and experienced multi-disciplinary team
  • Session is 8 weeks in duration and takes place virtually one morning each week (Tuesdays or Wednesdays)
  • Active participation in the group towards the goals you have set
What not to expect
  • Diagnostic testing to determine the cause of your pain
  • Support group discussion about non-pain related stressors
  • Elimination of pain by the end of the session
Goals of this group
  • To improve your understanding of chronic pain management
  • To set personal goals 
  • Learn how to move safely
  • Practice coping and relaxation
  • Apply the new skills you have learned