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Managing Persistent Pain

Persistent pain (or chronic pain) is as pain that lasts longer than three months, or beyond the expected healing time following illness or injury. It is the leading cause of disability, affecting 3.6 million Australians in very individual ways. The older, outdated approach suggested rest or inactivity to avoid a flare up of pain, but the evidence is now very strongly in favour of exercise to manage persistent pain. At True North Wellness, our Accredited Exercise Physiologists can assist you in increasing your activity in a manner that is safe and effective for you as an individual to help get back your quality of life.

Benefits of physical activity and exercise for persistent pain:

  • Regulates sleep
  • Increases energy levels
  • Reduces inflammation through supporting the immune system
  • Influences mood and mental health (improved brain function)
  • Releases chemicals that can reduce pain
  • Reduces nervous system sensitisation
  • Neuroplasticity

Graded exercise therapy (GET) means that we start small and progressively increase your exercise over time, taking into account how your body is tolerating the activity and other symptoms that you may be experiencing. This means that our exercise recommendations are tailored to your individual abilities with adaptations made depending on your current health status and symptoms, and their effect on your quality of life.

 

 

Not sure where to start?

We offer a Gap Free* Assessment which allows us to gain a good understanding of your health status and history, what your goals are, and develop a plan on how we can get you there.

*No out of pocket cost for those with private health covering Exercise Physiology

How can Exercise Physiologists help with persistent pain?

Although exercise is considered a safe and effective treatment for people living with persistent pain, it is important that you are assessed by a suitably qualified exercise professional, such as an Accredited Exercise Physiologist, to make sure that there will be no serious risks prior to commencing exercise. Accredited Exercise Physiologists are University-Qualified Allied Health Professionals who are trained to work with people with persistent pain. Our Accredited Exercise Physiologists will undertake a thorough initial assessment and prescribe an individualised and safe exercise program best suited to your condition and needs. Accredited Exercise Physiologists also liaise with your treating doctor and other health professionals involved in your care.

Graded exercise therapy (GET) means that we start small and progressively increase your exercise over time, taking into account how your body is tolerating the activity and other symptoms that you may be experiencing. This means that our exercise recommendations are tailored to your individual abilities with adaptations made depending on your current health status and symptoms, and their effect on your quality of life.

 

 

Not sure where to start?

We offer a Gap Free* Assessment which allows us to gain a good understanding of your health status and history, what your goals are, and develop a plan on how we can get you there.

*No out of pocket cost for those with private health covering Exercise Physiology

*Upcoming special event alert - Pain Management and Exercise Program

This is a 6-week program combining education and practical exercise therapy suitable for anyone who experiences long term pain. Elaborates on pain science concepts and using movement, nutrition, sleep and stress management strategies to be empowered and take charge of your pain. Group based however individually tailored to your unique goals.

LATEST RESOURCES

Psychology for Pain

02/04/2024
Did you know that more than 90% of women with fibromyalgia, and about 76% of chronic lower back pain sufferers have suffered psychological trauma? Furthermore, chronic pain sufferers are more than twice as likely to suffer Post Traumatic Stress Disorder symptoms. Through science, we are learning more and more about the connection between severe stress and pain.
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Why hurt does not always equal harm (persistent pain perspective)

27/02/2024
If you have experienced an injury that has turned chronic, then you may well understand that there are adaptations that occur in your body that can leave you feeling ‘not quite like it used to feel’ when you do certain activities. Learning why this occurs is often the first step in managing your persistent pain. We can understand this by exploring the ‘Twin Peaks’ Metaphor described by pain researchers David Butler and Lorimer Mosely in their book Explain Pain (see below). Let’s discuss!
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The role of exercise in persistent pain

23/01/2024
For a long time, the standard suggestion for persistent pain patients was to rest and be inactive to prevent a flare up of pain. Now, guidelines promote physical activity and evidence-based movement as an important part of the treatment plan for chronic pain.  When people are restricted from the usual activity and exercise, they become more anxious, tired, depressed and with an increase in pain (which is not helpful). Despite this being the guidelines, it can be tricky to get started with an exercise program when you are experiencing pain.
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