Pain Clinics


For patients in Alberta experiencing chronic pain, being referred to one of the pain clinics in the province by their treating physician is recommended by Alberta Health Services (Alberta Health Services, 2019). At clinics with a multidisciplinary and holistic approach to pain, patients will learn self-management skills rather than just be treated with invasive injections or surgery.

Click each collapsible row to view information about the specialists on a pain clinic team:

Also known as Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R), physiatrists are medical doctors that treat conditions and pain that affect the brain, spinal cord, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. They are often the specialist that coordinates the chronic pain treatment team.
Psychologists/Counselors teach cognitive–behavioural skills for managing pain as well as the anxiety and depression that often accompanies chronic pain.
Physiotherapists teach exercises that can be done at home for improving and maintaining strength, function, and mobility. Will also use a variety of techniques and hot packs or ice to improve mobility.
Other doctors might work as part of a team at a pain clinic. These doctors can prescribe pain medication and are trained in pain management devices and procedures. These doctors might be neurologists, anesthesiologists, physiatrists, internists, and/or family medicine doctors.
Psychiatrists are doctors that specialize in mental health conditions. They are able to prescribe medication for supporting mental health. However, a psychiatrist may not always be part of a patient's pain management team, as family medicine doctors can also prescribe this type of medication.
Most pain clinics have at least one nurse or social worker as part of the team to help coordinate care.
Complementary medicine providers are available at some pain clinics and may provide services such as acupuncture, dietary supplements, traditional Chinese medicine, and/or homeopathy.