How can Physiotherapy help Chronic Pain sufferers?

Firstly, what is chronic pain?

Chronic pain is defined as any pain or physical discomfort that lasts for more than three months and causes physical decline, limitations in functional ability and emotional distress.

Individuals affected by chronic pain will often report it affecting their lifestyle, financial independence, relationship breakdown and their ability to contribute in the workplace.

How prevalent is Chronic pain?

• 1 in 5 Australians over 45 years of age have chronic pain

• Significant bias towards females

• Encounters with GPs in regards to chronic pain conditions have risen 67% over the last 10 years

Source: Chronic Pain in Australia, 2020 https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/chronic-disease/chronic-pain-in-australia/data

What are the most common Chronic pain conditions?

• Just under 45% of all Chronic Pain conditions are diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissues. These include:

  • Arthritis

  • Migrane

  • Fibromyalgia

  • Endometriosis

  • Lower back and neck pain

  • Neuropathic pain

  • Facial/TMJ pain

So how can physiotherapy help?

• Manual therapy - beneficial in reducing and maintaining primary and secondary musculoskeletal effects of Chronic pain conditions

• Therapeutic exercise - associated with decreased pain complaints, reduced falls risk, lower risk of other chronic health conditions like cardiovascular disease, cancer, osteoporosis and mental health.

• Prescribe Adaptive devices/orthoses - i.e. splints and orthoses or TENs Machines

• Education - Including the Explain Pain approach & Pain Neuroscience Education (PNE)

  • Evidence shows that understanding the physiological and biological processes surrounding pain, pain modulation and pain inhibition can much improve and individual awareness and management of their condition

• Neuromuscular re-education using bio feedback - will reduce overcompensation, improve functional awareness and movement control.

• Encourage Lifestyle changes - Physiotherapist will encourage healthier habits like postural awareness, pain management strategies, exercise, sleep and a multidisciplinary approach.

• Communication - Physio's will communicate and conference with other health professionals on topics such as pain relief medication, adaptive devices and other treatment options to enhance team based patient care.

• Emotional Support - Physiotherapists have a wealth of experience treating those with chronic pain and can often be a great emotional support and offer stress management advice and stratagies. They can also connect you in with mental health clinicians who can provide more in depth mental health care.

  
  

There are so many ways in which our Physiotherapists at Sutherland Shire Physio can assist you with managing your Chronic Pain. As mentioned above more than 45% of chronic pain conditions are related to the musculoskeletal system and as Musculoskeletal Physiotherapists we are specialist in this area. We encourage you to not rule out physiotherapy as an essential part of managing any Chronic Pain condition.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate contacting us at info@shirephysiotherapy.com.au or book an initial consultation today with our team of experienced Physiotherapists.

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