This paper proposes a cognitive-behavioral pain management program that would bridge a gap between traditional therapy and work rehabilitation for injured workers with chronic pain. The main purpose of the program is to address psychosocial issues of injured workers with moderate to severe chronic pain using a cognitive-behavioral approach to enable them to particiapte in further work rehabilitation programs such as work hardening or work conditioning. The supporting current evidence for this program comes from multiple discuplines and best practices from cognitive-behavioral pain programs and work hardening/functional restoration programs. Research indicates that a cognitive-behavioral approach to pain management is beneficial in managing psychosocial factors such as depression, fear avoidance, kinesiophobia, anxiety and pain catastrophizing by altering the clients’ perception of pain. In turn, the clients regain function, specifically gainful employment. This program would be held at an outpatient clinic and would incorporate cognitive-behavioral education and functional occupational tasks. The program proposal was presented to the administration of the clinic.
