People who suffer from chronic pain syndrome, or CPS, can end up getting a great deal of benefit from talking to their peers as well as discussing issues with their healthcare provider. There are several types of support groups available to people who suffer from this complex constellation of ongoing symptoms including re-current physical discomfort and depressed mood. Some meetings are online, allowing the individual to participate from the comfort of his or her home and many are held at a physical location where there is face-to-face interaction.
There are many CPS groups are led by peers who experience the same disorder but who do not necessarily have any professional training. Gatherings led by a medical or mental health professional are also available in some communities. Ones that are headed up by peers tend to be ongoing and informal rather than having a certain number of sessions and a clear agenda for each session. The benefits of attending a these include learning more about this issue and basic techniques for managing painful symptoms, hearing the stories of fellow and sister sufferers, and being able to share one's own story. The leaders should work to avoid potentially ruminative topics such as an extremely long list of symptoms or detailed descriptions of treatment protocols. The focus should be on managing the problem rather than devolving into contests to see which participant is the sickest. There is help available and asking the doctor at your local Osteo Relief Institute center to review your options during your knee appointment can lead to a positive outcome.