Understanding Chronic Pain Management in Skilled Nursing Facilities
Chronic pain is a long-term condition that affects millions of older adults, often interfering with mobility, daily activities, and overall quality of life. For those recovering from surgery, illness, or injury, managing this pain is essential to healing.
At Santé Cares, we provide compassionate, physician-led care tailored to each individual’s unique pain management needs. Our short-term skilled nursing facilities in Arizona offer comprehensive solutions that help patients manage and reduce chronic pain in a supportive, resort-style setting.
What Is Chronic Pain and Who Is Affected?
Chronic pain is defined as pain that persists for more than 12 weeks, even after the initial injury or condition has healed. It may be caused by arthritis, neuropathy, post-surgical recovery, or long-standing injury. In older adults, it’s often associated with degenerative conditions or multiple health issues.
According to the CDC, chronic pain affects approximately 20% of U.S. adults, and it becomes more common with age. Many seniors experiencing chronic pain require assistance from skilled medical professionals to maintain functionality and comfort.
How Short-Term Skilled Nursing Supports Pain Management
Short-term skilled nursing care bridges the gap between hospital discharge and home recovery, offering essential support for managing ongoing pain. Here’s how skilled nursing facilities like Santé help:
- Clinical Oversight 24/7: Nurses and healthcare providers are available around the clock to monitor patients, administer medications, and adjust care plans as needed.
- Individualized Treatment Plans: Our team creates customized care plans based on the source and intensity of each patient’s pain. These plans often include therapy, medication, and holistic care strategies.
- Physical & Occupational Therapy: Therapists guide patients through exercises and mobility techniques that alleviate pain, reduce stiffness, and improve movement. This is especially helpful for those recovering from orthopedic procedures.
- Medication Management: Skilled nursing teams ensure medications are administered correctly and safely, monitoring for effectiveness and side effects.
- Comfort-Focused Amenities: At Santé, pain management isn’t just clinical—it’s about creating a peaceful healing environment. Private suites, spa services, and soothing surroundings support emotional and physical well-being.
Post-Surgical and Post-Injury Pain Management
Many patients come to Santé following orthopedic surgeries, such as knee or hip replacements, or after experiencing trauma-related injuries. For these individuals, post-surgical skilled nursing and post-injury skilled nursing care are critical to recovery.
We help patients:
- Manage pain from incisions or trauma
- Strengthen muscles around surgical sites
- Restore joint mobility with guided therapy
- Reduce inflammation and discomfort using evidence-based techniques
Our licensed professionals collaborate with physicians to ensure every patient receives pain care that complements their surgical recovery plan.
Supporting Neurological and Cardiac Conditions
In some cases, chronic pain is associated with long-term neurological or cardiac conditions. At Santé, we provide neurological skilled nursing and cardiac skilled nursing services to help manage these complex needs.
For Neurological Pain:
- Assistance for patients with Parkinson’s disease, post-stroke pain, and nerve damage
- Coordination with neurologists for medication and therapy
- Mobility support and safety assistance
For Cardiac-Related Pain:
- Monitoring for chest discomfort related to cardiac surgery or conditions
- Encouraging low-impact activities that improve circulation and reduce pain
- Medication supervision for both heart health and pain control
In both areas, pain care is integrated into the broader recovery and health management plan.
Why Skilled Nursing Is Ideal for Chronic Pain Management
Not every individual with chronic pain needs hospitalization, but managing that pain at home can be overwhelming without the right support. A short-term skilled nursing facility near me offers the structure and clinical attention that helps patients manage pain effectively, especially after a major health event or procedure.
Benefits include:
- Quick adjustments to care plans if pain worsens
- One-on-one attention from nurses and therapists
- Access to advanced therapy equipment and techniques
- Emotional support from trained caregivers
These services not only improve comfort they empower patients to heal with dignity and regain independence.
Pain Management as Part of the Santé Experience
Santé Cares offers a comprehensive spectrum of short-term skilled nursing and rehabilitation services at our four Arizona locations—Mesa, Chandler, Surprise, and North Scottsdale. Our physician-led approach to short-term skilled nursing ensures that every patient’s pain management plan is safe, effective, and continuously evaluated.
From post-surgical skilled nursing to neurological skilled nursing, we provide a healing environment with:
- Private, hotel-style suites for rest and recovery
- On-site physical and occupational therapy
- Wellness-focused amenities including spa services and nutritious dining
- Consistent communication with referring providers and family
Begin Your Healing Journey with Santé Cares
Managing chronic pain requires more than medication—it requires compassionate care, expertise, and a personalized approach. At Santé, we believe in doing more and giving our best when you need it most. Whether you’re recovering from surgery or managing a long-term condition, our skilled nursing teams are here to support you with advanced pain care and a healing environment.
Contact Santé Cares today to learn more about our chronic pain management programs and to find a short-term skilled nursing facility near you.
Sources:
[1] https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/chronic-pain-and-complementary-health-approaches-usefulness-and-safety
[2] https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/wr/mm7036a2.htm
