Title: Heber City Woman Finds Relief from Debilitating Pain Through Mindfulness
Subtitle: Intermountain Health’s Pain Management Program Offers Alternative Treatments to Minimize Opioid Use
By [Author]
[City], [State] – Tami Bellefeuille, a former firefighter and Navy servicewoman, has been battling chronic pain for over two decades. Determined to find a solution without relying on medication, Bellefeuille has turned to mindfulness as a way to manage her pain effectively. With the help of physician assistant Troy Johnson, she has enrolled in Intermountain Health’s pain management program in Heber City.
The pain program at Intermountain Health focuses on alternative treatments and psychology to reduce the use of opioids. These treatments include mindfulness training, yoga, acupuncture, massage therapy, and medical nutrition counseling. By making lifestyle shifts and addressing the psychological aspects of pain, patients can change their perception of pain and improve their overall well-being.
Physician assistant Troy Johnson highlights the importance of cognitive behavioral therapy and coping mechanisms in managing chronic pain effectively. He explains, “Making shifts in lifestyle patterns can change your whole metabolism, your perception of pain.” The pain program also has pain psychologists who offer guidance on various coping strategies.
Tami Bellefeuille expresses her gratitude for the help she has received from the pain program. Instead of allowing pain to control her life, she has learned to take charge and understand how her thinking affects her experience of pain. By learning the psychology behind pain, Bellefeuille has been able to develop a plan to mitigate its effects without relying on medication.
Chronic pain affects approximately 100 million people in the United States, which amounts to one in three Americans. This number exceeds the combined incidence of stroke, heart disease, and cancer. In response to this widespread issue, Intermountain Health has taken steps to reduce opioid prescribing quantities and potency since 2017. As a result, over 13 million fewer opioid tablets have been prescribed to patients.
If you are interested in learning more about alternative pain treatment options, visit the Intermountain Live Well Center.
In conclusion, Tami Bellefeuille’s journey serves as an inspiration for those dealing with chronic pain. By embracing mindfulness and alternative treatments, she has found relief and regained control over her life. Intermountain Health’s pain management program emphasizes the importance of addressing the psychological and lifestyle aspects of pain, challenging the conventional reliance on opioids for pain management.