Multimodal group therapy for the elderly with chronic pain: concept and results in a before and after comparison

• Published in: Schmerz (Berlin, Germany) Germany), 2008-10, Vol.22 (5), p.551-561
• Main Authors: Mattenklodt, P, Ingenhorst, A, Wille, C, Flatau, B, Hafner, C, Geiss, C, Sittl, R, Ulrich, K, Griessinger, N
• Format: Article
• Language: ger
• Subjects: Aged; Chronic Disease; Combined Modality Therapy; Exercise Therapy; Female; Germany; Humans; Male; Pain - psychology; Pain - rehabilitation; Pain Clinics; Pain Measurement; Patient Education as Topic; Physical Therapy Modalities; Psychotherapy, Group; Relaxation Therapy; Treatment Outcome
• ISSN: 0932-433X
• DOI: 10.1007/s00482-008-0694-0

Multimodal pain therapy programs are increasingly being recommended as an effective treatment option also for elderly patients with chronic pain. However, data from Germany are limited. A multimodal group program adapted to the specific needs of elderly pain patients over 70 years old (20 treatment days, over 10 weeks) was started in our pain clinic in June 2005. We evaluated clinical, psychometric and physical data at the beginning and at the end of the treatment program, and compared outcome results with a waiting list control group. A total of 24 patients (mean age 76.2+/-4.79 years) could be evaluated of which 21 patients suffered from musculoskeletal pain, 2 from neuropathic pain syndromes and 1 from headache. In the waiting-list control group 13 patients were included. There were no significant between-group differences regarding age, stages of chronification, pain intensity, duration of pain and pain diagnosis. A multimodal pain therapy program for elderly patients (over 70 years old) is an effective treatment option to reduce pain intensity and pain disability. Furthermore, life quality and physical performance improved. Long-term effects still have to be evaluated.