Physiotherapy maximises function and activity, improves quality of life and promote sself-management for people with chronic (persistent) pain.

Pain management involves learning different ways of thinking and acting so that pain interferes less with life.

What to expect

·      Specialised physiotherapy skills in assessment and screening techniques to identify biological and psychosocial factors that contribute to pain, physical function and disability.

·      The development of an evidence informed physiotherapy management program that follows best practice and is stronglyevidence based and directed at modifying pain, improving function and reducing disability.

·     Physiotherapy intervention includes education of basic pain neuroscience and how it applies to persistent pain. Instruction in behaviour oriented exercise strategies (including pacing and progression,and habituation).

·      A monitored exercise plan that reinforces ownership, active empowerment and compliance.

·     An evaluation of symptom change and level of function once treatment goals are achieved and the patient is confident in being able to self-manage on an ongoing basis.

Waitemata Pain Service Physiotherapy does not provide manipulation, massage, acupuncture,TENS or any other passive interventions.

Summary

Physiotherapy is a specialised intervention for chronic pain which has a focus on empowering people to employ self-directed, activity-based exercise and coping strategies.Training in self-management techniques is part of a person-centred team approach that aims to educate people around pain neuroscience, lifestyle modification and the optimisation of function and independence.