Chronic pain can interfere with all aspects of life. Our team of experienced physicians, nurse practitioners and other health-care providers helps patients take control of their pain to enhance their quality of life.
We manage several kinds of pain, including:
- Musculoskeletal pain
- Neuropathic pain
- Pre- and post-surgical pain
- Pregnancy and post-partum pain
- Craniofacial and headache pain
- Dental and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain
- Cancer pain
- Breast and chest-wall pain
- Widespread body pain
We also provide complex opioid management and support for tapering off opioids.
Visit the Toronto Academic Pain Medicine Institute (TAPMI) for more information about chronic pain.
What to expect
We may recommend that you have diagnostic imaging or laboratory tests before your first appointment.
At your first appointment, your pain specialist will review these tests and ask about your medical history and symptoms.
We will then work with you to decide on a care plan that is specific to your needs. As part of this care plan we may recommend any of the following treatments:
- Medication
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR)
- Interventional nerve blocks or peripheral nerve stimulation
- Group-based occupational therapy
We may also offer some pain management services that are not covered by OHIP, such as botulinum neurotoxin and platelet-rich plasma injections.
Please note that we are a teaching hospital, so you may see medical students, residents or other medical trainees as part of your care. Learners are supervised by other members of our dedicated care team who work together to provide you with comprehensive care.
TAPMI
Our clinic is part of the Toronto Academic Pain Medicine Institute (TAPMI), a centralized hub of pain programs in Toronto designed to help patients access the most appropriate service for their chronic pain.
In the TAPMI model, your primary care provider plays an active role in your treatment. Our pain specialists will provide assessments and a care plan for your chronic pain problems. You will return to your primary care provider to continue your treatment and receive medications that are suggested by our team.
What to bring
- Health (OHIP) card or valid health-care coverage
- A list of your medications
- A list of questions you want to ask
- A support person, if desired
How to access our services
All referrals must be sent by a health-care provider to the Toronto Academic Pain Medicine Institute. Visit our referral criteria for more information.
