If you struggle with ongoing pain, integrated pain management, or IPM, can be a really effective way of dealing with it in the long term. IPM clinics give you access to a wide range of medical practitioners and therapists, all under one roof. They'll work hard to find a personalized pain management program that works for you, but your success will still depend, in part, on how you approach your own care. So, with that in mind, take a look at these tips for success with IPM.

Be open to trying new things.

Most IPM clinics offer a variety of treatment options, including some lesser-known ones like aromatherapy, acupuncture, and Reiki. The treatments your practitioners recommend may not all be ones you've heard of or considered using before. But it's important to be open to giving them a try. As much as you can, set aside any preconceived notions you might have about the treatments being recommended. The best way to know whether or not they will work for you is to try them. If your practitioner is recommending them to you, there's a good reason for that — they have reason to believe they will work.

Give new treatments a chance.

Many of the treatments used in IPM don't have remarkable effects immediately. Rather, the effects will build over time as you continue to use the treatment. This is true of modalities like massage and acupuncture. One treatment might make you feel a little better, but you really need regular treatments over time to experience the full potential of the treatment. So, as you begin the treatments recommended to you at the IPM clinic, make sure you stick with them for a few months before you make too many judgements about them. If something is still not working for you after a month or two, then let your practitioner know; they can recommend something different.

Ask questions.

If you're with a practitioner at the IPM medical center and they recommend a certain treatment, don't hesitate to ask questions about that treatment. Ask how long you can expect to wait before seeing results. Ask if there are modifications you should and should not make to the treatment process. Listen to their answers; you'll learn a lot from them, and the information you learn will help you continue to navigate your chronic pain.

IPM can be life-changing for those with pain. Follow the tips above to get the most out of it.