Persistent or chronic pain, is pain that continues for longer than 3 to 6 months, often beyond what is expected for the initial injury or condition. Persistent pain can impact a person in many areas, including their function and quality of life. Pain is complex and requires a holistic team approach to treatment.
The Persistent Pain Management Service is run by a specialist team who work together with clients to help them understand and manage their persistent pain using a variety of evidence-based treatment options.
This service is for people who are experiencing issues with ongoing pain despite usual medical and community care. The aim is to assist and empower clients to manage their pain in order to improve their quality of life and therefore, clients must be open to learning self-management strategies for their pain.
What to expect from the service?
Although complete relief from persistent pain may not always be possible, there are many things which people can do to start ‘living well’ with pain and decrease the suffering and disability that it may be causing.
Patients can have access to:
- Medical Pain Specialist
- Physiotherapy, Health Psychology, Occupational Therapy, Exercise Physiology and other Allied Health services including Hydrotherapy
- A targeted education program with a focus on self-management of pain
To be accepted into the service, clients will need to complete a pain questionnaire. This information assists the team to understand and best guide clients through the service.
Location
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Resources
For further guidance on how to manage specific conditions in general practice, or what specific investigations and information are required for specialist referral, please visit your local HealthPathways website or equivalent online care pathways website.
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Please contact your local Primary Health Network if you require login access Can include links to external websites or links to pdfs.