Pain Care Occupational Therapy
What is Pain Care Occupational Therapy?
Pain Care Occupational Therapy is a specialised service designed to help you navigate daily life with chronic pain. We focus on this area because we understand that pain doesn't just hurt—it can disrupt your entire life. Our goal is to help you regain control and independence in your daily activities, from self-care to work and leisure.
Why choose Pain Care Occupational Therapy? Because we address the practical, day-to-day challenges that pain creates. While other treatments may focus on reducing pain, we help you live your best life alongside it.
How We Can Help
Our team of occupational therapists has experience in treating a wide range of pain conditions, including but not limited to the following:
Arthritis
Fibromyalgia
Neuropathies
Traumatic injuries
Complex regional pain syndrome
Whiplash-associated disorders
Residual pain following surgery
We also work with clients who have chronic conditions that impact their daily activities, such as chronic fatigue, multiple sclerosis, and diabetes. Our therapists are skilled in addressing the unique challenges and needs of each individual, creating personalised treatment plans to help manage pain and improve function.
Our Approach
We help you manage pain by:
Practising real-life tasks in therapy sessions: We simulate everyday activities to help you develop practical pain management strategies.
Breaking down challenging activities: We analyse difficult tasks and teach you how to approach them step-by-step.
Teaching activity pacing: Learn how to balance activity and rest to avoid pain exacerbation.
Setting achievable goals: We work with you to establish and meet realistic objectives for returning to daily activities.
Providing strategies for home and work: We offer tailored solutions for managing pain in your specific home and work environments.
Utilising assistive devices: When appropriate, we introduce and train you in the use of adaptive equipment to support daily function.
Implementing ergonomic principles: We assess and modify your environment to minimise pain during daily activities.
Benefits
Improved ability to perform daily tasks: Regain independence in self-care, work, and leisure activities.
Increased participation in meaningful activities: Re-engage with the occupations that bring you joy and purpose.
Enhanced pain self-management skills: Develop confidence in your ability to manage pain independently.
Better quality of life: Experience improved mood, sleep, and overall satisfaction with daily life.
Reduced reliance on pain medication: Learn non-pharmacological strategies to complement your pain management plan.
Improved sleep patterns: Develop routines and strategies to enhance sleep quality, crucial for pain management.
Enhanced social participation: Gain confidence to engage in social activities and maintain relationships.
Complementing Other Pain Management Services
Pain Care Occupational Therapy works with other pain management treatments to provide comprehensive care:
Pain Specialists: We help you implement medication schedules and pain management strategies in your daily routine.
Physiotherapists: We apply the physical gains you achieve in physiotherapy to functional, everyday tasks.
Pain Psychologists: We reinforce coping strategies and cognitive techniques by integrating them into your daily activities.
General Practitioners: We provide detailed feedback on your functional progress to support ongoing medical management.
Rheumatologists: For conditions like arthritis, we help you apply joint protection principles in daily life.
What to Expect
We're the "How do I do this?" therapists: We translate abstract pain management concepts into practical, real-world solutions.
Focus on meaningful, everyday activities: Our therapy is centred on the specific activities that matter most to you.
Practical, hands-on approach: We don't just talk about strategies—we practice them together in real-life situations.
Long-term self-management skill building: Our goal is to equip you with skills for ongoing, independent pain management.
Neuro-affirming, trauma-informed, and LGBTQI+ friendly care: We provide a safe, inclusive environment for all clients.
Evidence-based practice: Our interventions are grounded in the latest pain science and occupational therapy research.
Examples on How Pain Care Occupational Therapy Can Help
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly does a Pain Care Occupational Therapist do?
Our Pain Care Occupational Therapists help you manage chronic pain by focusing on your ability to perform everyday activities. We work with you to develop strategies for completing tasks, modify your environment, and build routines that support pain management and improved quality of life.How is Pain Care Occupational Therapy different from physiotherapy?
While physiotherapy often focuses on improving physical function and movement, occupational therapy concentrates on helping you perform daily activities and engage in meaningful occupations despite pain. We often work together with physiotherapists to apply physical gains to real-life situations.Do I need a referral to access your services?
It depends on your funding source. Some options, like Medicare Chronic Disease Management plans, require a GP referral. However, you can access our services directly if you're self-funding or using private health insurance. We're happy to guide you through the process.How long does therapy typically last?
Therapy duration varies based on individual needs and goals. Some clients benefit from short-term interventions (6-8 sessions), while others may require longer-term support. We'll discuss a tailored plan during your initial assessment.Will I still need pain medication if I undergo Pain Care Occupational Therapy?
Pain Care Occupational Therapy is designed to complement, not replace, other pain management strategies. Many clients find they can reduce their reliance on pain medication over time, but any changes should be discussed with your prescribing doctor.Can Pain Care Occupational Therapy help if I've had pain for many years?
Yes. Our approach is beneficial even for long-standing pain conditions. We focus on improving your function and quality of life, regardless of how long you've been experiencing pain.What should I expect in my first session?
Your first session will involve a comprehensive assessment of how pain impacts your daily life. We'll discuss your goals, current challenges, and begin to develop a personalised treatment plan. Be prepared to talk about your typical daily activities and how pain affects them.Do you offer home visits?
Yes, we offer home visits in certain circumstances. This can be particularly helpful for assessing and modifying your home environment. Please contact us to discuss this option.How often will I need to attend sessions?
Session frequency varies based on individual needs. Initially, weekly sessions are common. As you progress, sessions may become less frequent. We aim to support your independence in managing pain.Is Pain Care Occupational Therapy covered by Medicare?
Medicare may cover some sessions under specific programs like the Chronic Disease Management plan. Your GP can advise if you're eligible for this.What if I can't afford the full cost of treatment?
We understand that cost can be a concern. We offer various funding options and can discuss ways to make treatment more accessible. Our goal is to help you access the care you need.How do I know if Pain Care Occupational Therapy is right for me?
If chronic pain is impacting your ability to carry out daily activities, work, or engage in hobbies, you could benefit from our services. We offer an initial consultation to discuss your specific situation and how we might help.Do you work with children who have chronic pain?
Yes, we have experience working with children and adolescents with chronic pain. Our approach is adapted to meet the unique needs of younger clients and their families.Can Pain Care Occupational Therapy help with pain-related sleep issues?
Absolutely. Sleep disturbances are common with chronic pain. We can help you develop sleep hygiene routines and modify your sleep environment to promote better rest.What if my pain gets worse during treatment?
It's normal for pain levels to fluctuate. We'll teach you strategies to manage flare-ups and will adjust our approach as needed. We maintain open communication with your other healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive care.How can I prepare for my first appointment?
Consider keeping a pain diary for a week before your appointment, noting how pain affects your daily activities. Also, think about what activities are most important for you to resume or improve. This information will help us tailor our approach to your needs.
Take the First Step
Remember, we're here to support your journey towards better pain management and improved quality of life. If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to contact us.