Chronic Pain Management

Persistent/Chronic Pain

Persistent or chronic pain is defined as pain that continues beyond what would be expected based on the healing time of an injury (for most injuries around 3 months or longer). For some people their pain may have continued for many years or even decades. Did you know that up to one in five Australians lives with some form of persistent pain (including children and adolescents)? This number rises to one in three over the age of 65. 

Traditionally it was believed that pain is the direct result of an injury, trauma or illness. However, recent research has shown that pain is an incredibly complex experience that is controlled by the brain, and is influenced by many factors. It works as a protective mechanism, where the level of pain is consistent with the level of perceived threat or danger to the body.  Often pain can persist beyond what we would expect following an injury. It is also entirely possible to experience pain even without an injury or tissue damage. It can affect anyone of any age or gender, and can be a challenging condition as it is often invisible, poorly understood, and can make participating in work, social events and enjoyable activities difficult. Other symptoms like fatigue, disrupted sleep, gut issues, and food/environmental sensitivities are commonly associated with persistent pain, as well as mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. For more information on persistent pain, follow the link to our blog post here.

What pain conditions can physiotherapists assess/treat?

This may vary depending on the therapist’s level of personal training and experience, however physiotherapy can play an important role in managing the following conditions:

• Persistent Musculoskeletal Pain 

• Headache/Migraine

• Neuropathic Pain e.g. Sciatica, Radiculopathy

• Fibromyalgia/Polymyalgia Syndromes - see blog post here

• Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - see blog post here

• Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (including Ehlers Danlos Syndrome)

• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

• Pain Associated with Inflammatory or Autoimmune Conditions (e.g. Rheumatoid Arthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Lupus/SLE)

• Pain Associated with Neurological Conditions (e.g. Multiple Sclerosis, Functional Neurological Disorder)

• Autonomic disorders that can be associated with persistent pain, including Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)

• Chronic Pelvic Pain (e.g. Endometriosis, Vaginismus, and Vulvodynia)

There are many more conditions that may cause ongoing pain, fatigue or other symptoms. If you have a condition not listed here, or are unsure if we are able to help, we would love for you to call or email our support team, who can put you in touch with one of our therapists to discuss with you in more detail. 

What Services Do We Offer?

Research has shown that a holistic approach to treating pain is much more effective than singular treatments e.g. pain medications or massage. Because pain is influenced by so many different factors, it is important to take a wider and more integrated approach to rehabilitation. Having a team of professionals around you who are well versed in modern pain science, who can help guide you on your journey is important. This might include a GP, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, specialists, psychologist or numerous others depending on your individual circumstances.

Physiotherapists can provide individualised, holistic assessment and help create a treatment plan that is appropriate for you. This usually includes a mix of education, graded exercise, hands-on therapy, and development of strategies that you can use to help better manage your condition. Soph is also trained in more specific treatment modalities including Graded Motor Imagery/Mirror Box Therapy. We can also refer on and collaborate with other health care professionals for additional support depending on your preferences and needs. 

We offer the following services within our clinic:

• Individual physiotherapy sessions, with extended initial consultations to enable a detailed assessment and history taking. We are able to offer telehealth for people who may be living out of Wagga Wagga

• Exercise Physiology

• Hydrotherapy group sessions (with individualised programs)

To book an initial pain assessment, or to discuss your case with one of our therapists, contact our support team on 6925 7734 or email mail@activeriverina.com.au