Moving Through Chronic Pain’s founder, Michelle Marikos, knows first-hand how chronic pain can lead to significant depression and other adverse consequences. A devastating fall from a balcony at the age of 20 resulted in three crushed vertebrae. For ten years Michelle suffered excruciating neck, back and muscle pain throughout her body. She was not consulted in the decision to treat her pain with drugs. That decision caused a significant dependency on opioids and sedatives, barring her from surgery and other remedies until she was able to taper off pain medication.

Michelle’s journey led her to the Mayo Pain Rehabilitation Clinic’s recovery program in Rochester, Minnesota. There Michelle was immersed in the foundation of pain science for six weeks. Pain science is based on changing our behaviour in response to pain, reinforcing the idea that we are not in danger of pain causing us further harm, and allowing us to build confidence in breaking the cycle of pain. As a result she learned to manage her pain more effectively without any dependency on medication.

After successfully completing her recovery Michelle returned to Oregon and pursued becoming a Peer Support Specialist from the Oregon Health Authority. In May of 2013 she received her certification. Inspired by her own results she founded Moving Through Chronic Pain.

Managing chronic pain is overwhelming for those living with and providing treatment for chronic pain. The demand of patients’ complex needs cause provider burnout, while chronic pain sufferers describe their experience as an “invisible disability.” Moving Through Chronic Pain uses proven skill-building practices inspired by pain science to encourage self-efficacy managing life with chronic pain. We facilitate deeper connections between those living with chronic pain and their community of providers, employers, and family members. We offer a safe environment for shared learning to enhance people and providers lives.

Michelle personally leads a series of Emmy Award Winning educational workshops geared to providers, clinicians, and their staff, including Chronic Pain Management and Opioid Tapering. More than 50,000 medical providers have completed the PEER™ Method Provider Education Program. She has inspired thousands of patients through her public community forums the content for which is now available through the Patient PEER™ Method Pain Management Program.