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 sensation 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. Mental health conditions like depression and anxiety are also more common in people with pain. 

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. We can also refer on and collaborate with other health care professionals for additional support depending on your preferences and needs. 

Our Physiotherapist Sophie Shephard has a particular interest in treating patients with persistent pain, and has recently been awarded a scholarship from the Rural Doctors Network to undertake postgraduate training in pain management through the University of South Australia. She has also been offered a place in the Local Pain Educator program through the Pain Revolution initiative, which aims to improve the skills and delivery of pain management services in regional/rural areas.  

Read Soph’s blog post on chronic pain:

https://activephysiowagga.com.au/blog/2018/7/24/national-pain-week-23-29-july-2018

You can also find additional resources/support at https://www.tamethebeast.org/#tame-the-beast

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS)

ME/CFS is a long term neuroimmune disorder that can have a wide range of symptoms and affect many different systems in the body. The primary symptoms are significant fatigue that interferes with basic day-to-day activities, that does not improve with rest, and worsens significantly following activity. There are however a wide range of symptoms that can occur with ME/CFS and not everyone will have the same type or severity of symptoms. 

Read Soph’s blog post on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and CFS: https://activephysiowagga.com.au/blog/2020/5/11/myalgic-encephalomyelitis-chronic-fatigue-syndrome-mecfs

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia (also known as FM or FMS) is a condition that is characterised by persistent, widespread musculoskeletal pain. Fibromyalgia is a syndrome, which means that many symptoms tend to occur together, though each person may experience them differently or not at all. Because many of these symptoms overlap with other conditions, diagnosis can be difficult. Common symptoms include:

  • Widespread joint and muscle pain

  • Fatigue 

  • Cognitive difficulties or “fibro fog”

  • Pins and needles/numbness 

  • Unrefreshing/disturbed sleep or insomnia

  • Headache/migraine 

  • Increased sensitivity to stimuli e.g. heat, cold, sound, smells

  • Temporomandibular (jaw) pain

  • Food intolerances/digestive upset

  • Allergies/sensitivities

  • Anxiety

  • Depression

    For more information read Soph’s blog post on Fibromyalgia: https://activephysiowagga.com.au/blog/2020/5/11/national-fibromyalgia-awareness-day-12-may-2020

Services we can offer for chronic pain:

  • 1:1 assessment and treatment sessions

  • Chronic Pain Hydrotherapy class