Pain Recovery

Understanding Pain

Pain is an experience that, like a rainbow, differs for each person depending on their perspective. As clinicians, we classify pain into two broad categories: acute (lasting for several months) and persistent (lasting longer than several months). We make this general distinction because the reasons for ongoing pain begin to change the longer it exists, and treatment approaches also need to adapt accordingly.

With acute pain, treatment strategies involve addressing the source of the pain, such as a wound from surgery, an injury sustained while playing football, or a headache caused by stress or mental overload. Treatments may include the application of strapping or braces to protect injured tissues, education on relative rest, pain management pacing strategies, and exercises to maintain strength and mobility. With appropriate advice and treatment, acute pain typically resolves over a few weeks. We cannot speed up the healing process, but we can optimise your recovery and maximise your healing rate with correct treatment and guidance.

Persistent pain differs because tissue healing often has occurred, yet some pain persists. The reasons for this can be complex and individual. Therefore, it is crucial to conduct a specific and detailed assessment to determine which biological (e. g., unresolved healing, delayed healing, lack of strength or flexibility, sleep quality), social (e. g., concerns related to work, family, finances, long- term employment), and psychological (e. g., anxiety, stress, depression) factors may contribute to the ongoing pain experience.

Our team of physiotherapists has extensive clinical experience and training and is eager to work with you to help you better manage your pain. For instance, Dr. Doug Cary is a musculoskeletal physiotherapy specialist interested in complex pain and sleep disruption. He completed his PhD examining the relationships between spinal pain, sleep quality, and sleep posture and has completed a Cognitive Behaviour Treatment course for Pain through the University of Sydney. Physiotherapists at Esperance Physiotherapy employ an evidence- based approach through our Pain Recovery Program to help you regain control of your life and overcome the pain that has often dominated it. We also offer several group classes, such as GLAD and Osteoporosis & Strength Class, to support this recovery process.

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