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

Back to the BeachA 45-year-old primary school teacher developed chronic lower back pain after a car accident. The pain made it difficult for her to enjoy Perth's beach lifestyle and affected her work. Our occupational therapists worked with her to modify her classroom setup and develop strategies for managing long periods of standing. We also helped her gradually return to beach activities, starting with short walks on the sand and progressing to swimming. Today, she confidently manages her pain and has returned to full-time teaching and weekend surfing.

FIFO Work SuccessA 38-year-old fly-in-fly-out (FIFO) worker struggled with chronic shoulder pain that threatened his ability to work on mining sites. Our team developed a personalised plan to help him manage the physical demands of his job and the long flights to and from site. We introduced ergonomic adjustments to his workstation and taught him exercises to do during breaks. He now successfully balances his FIFO schedule with pain management techniques, maintaining his career and enjoying time with his family when home.

Market Stall Dream RealisedA 60-year-old retiree had given up on her dream of running a market stall due to fibromyalgia. Our occupational therapists helped her break down the tasks involved in setting up and running a stall, teaching her pacing techniques and how to modify activities to conserve energy. We also advised on adaptive equipment for her craft-making. She now successfully runs her stall on weekends, managing her pain effectively while enjoying her new venture.

Capturing Wildflowers AgainA 55-year-old amateur photographer thought her days of capturing Western Australia's stunning wildflowers were over due to chronic knee pain. Our occupational therapists helped her modify her photography techniques, advised on adaptive equipment like lightweight tripods, and developed a plan for managing longer outings. We also worked on strategies for getting up and down from ground level safely. She now enjoys regular photography trips during wildflower season across the state.

Gardening with EaseA 70-year-old retiree with arthritis feared he'd have to give up his beloved vegetable garden. Our team helped him redesign his garden layout, introduced adaptive tools, and taught him new techniques to reduce joint stress. He's now back to growing his own produce, with a thriving garden that's the envy of his neighbourhood.

Back in the GameA 28-year-old amateur cricketer developed complex regional pain syndrome after a wrist injury. Our team worked with him to gradually reintroduce cricket-specific movements, starting with pain-free ranges and slowly progressing. We also helped him modify his grip and batting technique. He has since returned to club cricket, armed with strategies to manage his pain during matches and training.

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.

Get Started

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