PENTICTON – Life with pain is never easy.

A Penticton-based research team has just completed a study into fibromyalgia (FM) pain to help patients better manage the pain associated with the chronic condition.

The resources available in Penticton for anyone living with pain – or their loved ones and health care providers – will be outlined at a Chronic Pain Symposium on Wednesday, June 8 at 6:30 p.m. at the Shatford Centre.

Chronic pain can decrease one’s ability to function and impacts their quality of life. Different treatments are currently available, but most do not address all of the patient’s needs at the same time.

The medical team, headed by Penticton rheumatologist Dr. Michelle Teo, will provide treatment options and practical solutions.

“Our program for people with fibromyalgia really worked, we want to share it with anyone dealing with chronic pain,” said Dr. Teo.

Topics include a better understanding of chronic pain, treatment options, self-management resources, and the role of different health care professionals in the treatment of chronic pain.

Other team members on the symposium’s panel include Nelly Oelke, associate professor at the UBCO School of Nursing; Dr. David Paisley; Dr. Siva Raghavan, anesthesiologist and pain physician; and physiotherapist Neil Pearson. Funding for the research was provided through the South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation.

The two-hour seminar includes a coffee break. Admission is free. Parking is free and is also available next door at Penticton Secondary School.