Continuous scientific research is conducted to monitor the results and ensure the quality of our treatment. All participants in the RealHealth program complete questionnaires at four moments. These questionnaires measure functioning in daily life, coping with pain, quality of life, pain experience, fear of movement, and mood. The research results show an improvement in functioning, a better quality of life, less healthcare consumption, and a decrease in pain medication use.
Results and experiences
Outcomes
Better functioning & improved quality of life
- The majority of participants report better functioning and an improved quality of life immediately after completing the two-week treatment
- The improvements are maintained in the long term in their own living environment.
Reduced healthcare consumption
Two years after following the program, only a quarter of the participants visit their general practitioner and a small number consult a medical specialist for the persistent back complaints.
Although the RealHealth program does not aim for pain reduction, it appears that the pain is experienced differently and the pain is less prominent.
Decrease in pain medication use
- Half of the participants only take pain medication occasionally after completing the program.
- Most people are (back) at work.
"That you can at least learn to live with persistent pain in a normal way." Arjan Oldenkamp
"At some point you feel in your body like 'Hey! This is getting better.'" Ingrid van der Laan
Publications
In the RealHealth treatment, questionnaires are administered to our participants at various times. This information is used for scientific research. The results have been published in scientific journals.
Article:Non-surgical treatment for adult spinal deformity: results of an intensive combined physical and psychological programme for patients with adult spinal deformity and chronic low back pain—a treatment-based cohort study
Non-operative treatment for patients with a deformity of the spine (a scoliosis): results of an intensive, physical and psychological treatment for patients with a deformity of the spine and chronic low back pain - a treatment-based cohort study
Article:Daily functioning and self-management in patients with chronic low back pain after an intensive cognitive behavioral program for pain management
Daily functioning and self-management in patients with chronic low back pain after following an intensive cognitive behavioral pain management program.
Article:A short, intensive cognitive behavioral pain management program reduces health-care use in patients with chronic low back pain
Participation in a short intensive cognitive behavioral pain management program reduces healthcare consumption in patients with chronic low back pain.
Article:Predictive factors for successful clinical outcome 1 year after an intensive combined physical and psychological programme for chronic low back pain
Predictive factors for a successful treatment outcome, one year after following an intensive physical and psychological combined treatment for chronic low back pain.
Poster:Positive results of a short pain management program for functioning and healthcare use in patients with chronic lower back pain
Positive results of a short pain management program with regard to daily functioning and healthcare consumption in patients with chronic low back pain.
Poster:Patients with longstanding back pain improve on cognitive behavioral variables after a short, intensive pain management program
Patients with longstanding low back complaints improve on cognitive behavioral variables after following a short, intensive pain management program.
Article:Long-term results of an intensive cognitive behavioral pain management program for patients with chronic low back pain: a concise report of an extended cohort with a minimum of 5-year follow-up
Long-term results of an intensive cognitive behavioral pain management program for patients with chronic low back pain: a concise report of a research group at least 5 years after following the program.
Experiences
RealHealth has existed in the Netherlands since 2006. Experiences of participants about our program can be found on Zorgkaart Nederland. Below are some experiences of RealHealth participants.
9,1
"The program and coaches of Real Health are wonderful, involved and knowledgeable. Very happy that I participated and eager to shape new insights."
26 mei 2025
9,9
"Followed a 14-day internal rehabilitation program at Real Health. I am very satisfied with the program. They listened well and responded to the problems. I felt heard and understood. The group was very nice. We have formed a close bond, shared a lot, supported and stimulated each other. I would recommend it to anyone who qualifies. It has brought me a lot. I have regained confidence in my body."
26 mei 2025
9,7
"They listen to the complaints and think along"
25 mei 2025
10
"Very personal tailored guidance, clear explanation and always answers to questions. If necessary, a question will be returned to later. Aftercare agreed"
22 mei 2025
9,1
"The Real Health program has very expert practitioners. A self-management program is worked on in a group, with various components and exercises being offered. A special experience to deal with pain in a different way. Grateful to be able to follow this program."
22 mei 2025
9,1
"During the 10-day Real Health program, there was serious listening, informing, crying, laughing, and sharing. I felt at home in the group, I achieved a miraculous result! Thank you!"
1 mei 2025
