San Jose and Sacramento clinics

Functional Restoration Program

A physician led, interdisciplinary program for people whose chronic pain has not responded to medication, injections or surgery. Six disciplines, one team, one plan, measured week by week.

Start an Enrollment Talk to the Program Coordinator

6disciplines on one team

2clinic locations

Weeklydocumented progress reporting

MTUSand ACOEM guideline based

Home / Services / Functional Restoration Program

What is functional restoration?

The Functional Restoration Program at our San Jose, California location is designed for patients who have not been able to cope with chronic pain, who have had unsuccessful outcomes from prior treatment and medications. The NMCI Medical Clinic Functional Restoration Program San Jose and Sacramento clinic teams are composed of doctorate-level pain psychologists, pain management physicians and physical therapists to reduce and manage chronic pain and difficulties. We specialize in areas of pain reduction, physical and occupational therapy, psychology, nutrition, education in self-management and the art of relaxation.

The Functional Restoration Program at our San Jose and Sacramento clinic locations will be tailored specifically for your needs, goals and concerns. The interdisciplinary method for our Functional Restoration Program identifies and works through obstacles that may block progress in reaching your specific goals for optimal improvement.

How Can NMCI Clinic Help?

NMCI San Jose offers a functional restoration program that is designed to help reduce the negative impacts associated with chronic pain. The functional restoration team’s goal is to reduce depression, stress, anxiety, and overall bodily effects of these issues.

Who the program is for

Chronic pain lasting beyond the expected healing time for the injury
Prior treatment, medication or surgery that did not restore function
Reliance on pain medication the patient wants to reduce
An injured worker whose return to work has stalled
Depression, anxiety or sleep loss that has grown around the pain

What you will do during the program

Your team of professionals builds the treatment plan with you and teaches you to manage pain independently, so progress holds after the program ends. Services and education include the following.

Pain Management Education

You will learn about available medications, their effectiveness, and side effects. You will learn the current theories of pain management and ways to independently manage your pain.

Physical Therapy

This time of exercise and conditioning will provide you with exercises to help strengthen your body with a focus on targeting areas of concern. You will also increase your overall endurance through this training. The conditioning exercises will be monitored throughout the program by a professional, ensuring proper movement and safety during exercise and light yoga.

Psychological Assistance

You will learn and practice cognitive-behavioral strategies in order to arm you with coping skills specifically for your chronic pain. This is known as positive psychology and will reduce anxiety and depression levels. You will also meet with a psychologist to learn individualized relaxation methods effective for anxiety and depression such as meditation. Cognitive behavioral techniques are a proven method of turning a negative mindset into a positive one that can power through the harder periods of life. You will learn how proper communication is the starting point to reaching out to your team or others for help as well as helping others.

Stress Relief

Mental and emotional relief methods include yoga, art, and meditation. You will also learn relaxation techniques for self-soothing and active self-management. Your team will also provide you with sleep education. Proper sleep will help your body restore itself and reduce levels of anxiety.

Nutrition Counseling

Good food choices are a key component to your overall health. Your nutrition counselor will provide you with information on foods that help reduce inflammation as well as foods you may want to avoid. You will also learn about weight management and the role it plays in reducing problems with inflammation.

Vocational Counseling

Vocational counseling provides you with methods of improving your communication skills as well as determining your strengths. You will discuss your goals in life and available vocations. The ultimate goal of vocational counseling is to help you get back to work and living a higher quality of life.

How the program runs

A typical week in the program

Block	Monday	Wednesday	Friday
Morning	Physician check in and physical conditioning	Physical therapy and functional testing	Physical conditioning and work simulation
Midday	Pain management education	Nutrition counseling	Group education and goal review
Afternoon	Individual pain psychology	Stress relief: yoga, art, meditation	Vocational counseling and return to work planning

Sample schedule. Your plan is built around your goals, your work restrictions and how you progress.

What we measure

Progress you can see on paper

Function, not just pain scores. Every patient is measured at intake, during the program and at discharge, so the improvement is documented for the patient, the treating physician and the claim.

Lifting, carrying, standing and tolerance testing
Medication use and reduction over the course of the program
Depression, anxiety and sleep measures
Activities of daily living and return to work status

Patient stories

Patients who finished the program

Four patients who completed the program, in their own words.

LisaThe first day changed me, and I looked forward to it every week.

JavierGolfed nine holes after ten years, then hiked in Hawaii.

CareyPosture corrected, and he measured an inch taller.

AdrianaCould not lift her arm past her chest for eleven years.Spanish with English subtitles

The team

Meet the Functional Restoration team at NMCI San Jose

How do I enroll?

Call or send records

Call the San Jose clinic at (408) 988-8581 or send a referral with the current records and claim information.

Records review

The coordinator and physician review prior treatment, imaging and medication history to confirm the program fits.

Intake evaluation

A physician, physical therapist and psychologist evaluate function and set the goals your plan is measured against.

Authorization

For workers' compensation patients we handle the authorization request and the guideline documentation.

Start the program

Sessions begin at San Jose or Sacramento with weekly progress notes to everyone involved in your care.

Start an Enrollment

Common questions

How long is the program?Length depends on your goals and progress. Most patients attend multiple sessions per week over a structured course of weeks, and the plan is reviewed as function improves.

Will my workers' compensation claim cover it?Functional restoration is a recognized treatment under the MTUS for chronic pain. We prepare the authorization request with the guideline citations and the objective findings.

Do I have to stop my medication?No. Reducing medication is a goal for many patients, and it is done with your physician, gradually, never abruptly.

Is this the same as physical therapy?No. Physical therapy is one of six parts. The program adds pain education, psychology, stress relief, nutrition and vocational counseling, delivered by one coordinated team.

What if I do not live near San Jose?The program also runs at our Sacramento clinic. Call either location and we will tell you which schedule fits.