The first half of the PCS pain management program provides information and education as to the definition of pain, the components of chronic pain and the development of a pain management plan. Your thoughts, feelings, body and emotional state can impact the degree to which your pain increases or decreases. The second half of the program teaches pain management techniques which have the advantage of fewer side effects than medications and can provide a healthier lifestyle in general. These techniques include relaxation strategies (i.e. diaphragmatic breathing, progressive muscle relaxation), activity-rest cycling, attention diversion strategies (i.e. pleasant imagery, use of focal point, counting techniques) and self-hypnosis.