BeST program (Behavioral Shaping Therapy) and Pain Rehab at Mayo

Posted by angieleigh @angieleigh, Feb 11, 2023

Hi! I was recently at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. I am in the process of being referred to the BeST program (Behavioral Shaping Therapy program) for Functional Neurological Disorder/ Functional Movement Disorder. I also have Fibromyalgia and chronic pain… I know they have a fibro clinic/ program, but also recently saw there is a Pain Rehabilitation Center with a pretty intense 3 week program… there looks to be a little overlap with the BeST program and the PRC… curious if anyone has done one or both programs and could offer some insight as to the difference… I’m so ready to heal my body and just want to give it what it needs. Thanks in advance!

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Brain & Nervous System Support Group.

Jennifer, Volunteer Mentor | @jenniferhunter | Feb 14, 2023

@angieleigh Welcome to Connect. I see you are a new member. I would like to invite Mentor Rachel @rwinney to welcome you are share her knowledge of pain rehab programs at Mayo Clinic.

You may also be interested in this discussion in the Chronic Pain Members Group where you can connect with other members who are sharing their experiences.

-Chronic Pain - Chronic Pain members - Welcome, please introduce yourself
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/welcome-please-introduce-yourself-welcome-to-the-new-chronic-pain-group-im/

Rachel, Volunteer Mentor | @rwinney | Feb 15, 2023

In reply to @jenniferhunter "@angieleigh Welcome to Connect. I see you are a new member. I would like to invite..." + (show)

Hello @angieleigh, it's nice to meet you. Thank you @jenniferhunter for the introduction. Angie, your words, "I’m so ready to heal my body and just want to give it what it needs" sound familiar to me. I was there too, at wits end with chronic pain and just wanting a plan, some sort of comprehensive approach to not only healing my body, but mind as well. Living with chronic conditions takes a full on approach in order to make the best of what life still has to offer.

It's really awesome that you have received a referral from Mayo for the BeST program to help with FND. I'm not familiar with BeST. Outside of it being a behavioral therapy shaping program, do you know if it includes a physical and chemical component?

I'm a graduate of the Mayo Pain Rehabilitation Center comprehensive program and would love to answer any questions you have about it. And yes, you are spot on, PRC is an intense 3 week experience. Don't be alarmed because it is also the most rewarding, world renowned rehab program available. I would be lost without it's support, teachings and direction. Here's a discussion about my journey with the PRC that might be helpful -

Mayo Pain Rehab Program- signing off and my comeback afterwards:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-pain-rehabilitation-program/
Please feel free to ask any questions. I'm here to help.

I'm curious, have you researched both rehab centers and compared the differences between what they offer? In what way do they overlap?

angieleigh | @angieleigh | Feb 17, 2023

In reply to @rwinney "Hello @angieleigh, it's nice to meet you. Thank you @jenniferhunter for the introduction. Angie, your words,..." + (show)

Thanks so much for your comment and for reaching out. I am going to call the PRC Monday and try to ask what ways they may overlap... from what I understand about the BeST program, it is through the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. It includes physical therapy, occupational therapy, and the behavioral component... I recently took myself off Cymbalta (and got my "hand slapped" by my PCP) so the only medicine I'm on is hydrochlorithiazide for blood pressure/ water retention. I told my PCP the other day that I feel crazy, but medicine just doesn't affect me/ help me the way it used to... nothing touches the pain. Thats why I am ready (and willing!) to try something different... thank you again!

jeromey | @jeromey | Oct 22, 2023

Has anyone went thru the Mayo Clinic BeST Program if so can you tell me what it all involved etc?

Justin McClanahan, Moderator | @JustinMcClanahan | Oct 22, 2023

Hello @jeromey, welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I moved your discussion and combined it with an existing discussion: "BeST program (Behavioral Shaping Therapy) and Pain Rehab at Mayo" - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/minnesota-programs/.

Here you can meet other members @angieleigh and @rwinney who have asked similar questions to you or have some experience with the rehab program.

@jeromey, was this program recommended to you or are you just exploring for options to help with any pain you are dealing with?