Chronic pain management
Chronic pain management
Recover from chronic pain
We are an evidence-based chronic pain rehabilitation clinic
Chronic pain is pain that persists for longer than 3 months, beyond the expected healing time of an injury. It can affect any part of the body and often has a significant impact on physical function, mental wellbeing, sleep, and quality of life.
Unlike acute pain, chronic pain isn’t always a sign of ongoing tissue damage. Instead, it often involves changes in how the nervous system processes pain — sometimes referred to as pain sensitisation or a “sensitive nervous system.”
At our clinic, we frequently work with people experiencing long-term pain in areas such as the back, neck, joints, or widespread throughout the body.
Unlike acute pain, chronic pain isn’t always a sign of ongoing tissue damage. Instead, it often involves changes in how the nervous system processes pain — sometimes referred to as pain sensitisation or a “sensitive nervous system.”
At our clinic, we frequently work with people experiencing long-term pain in areas such as the back, neck, joints, or widespread throughout the body.
Common causes of chronic pain
Chronic pain can arise from a range of contributing factors, including:
Importantly, chronic pain is real — and it is treatable, even if scans are clear or tissue damage is no longer present.
- An unresolved injury or surgery
- Nervous system sensitisation (central or peripheral)
- Persistent inflammation or immune response
- Movement avoidance or deconditioning
- Ongoing stress, poor sleep, or fatigue
- Past trauma or negative experiences with pain
- Conditions like fibromyalgia, chronic low back pain, or complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
Importantly, chronic pain is real — and it is treatable, even if scans are clear or tissue damage is no longer present.
How we assess chronic pain
Chronic pain is complex and unique to each person. Our assessment focuses on the whole person, not just the painful area.
We take time to explore:
We take time to explore:
- Pain history, triggers, and patterns
- Lifestyle factors (stress, sleep, physical activity)
- Movement confidence and fear-avoidance behaviours
- Strength, mobility, and general conditioning
- Nervous system sensitivity
- Functional goals and what you value most in your recovery
How physiotherapy can help chronic pain
Physiotherapy plays a key role in helping people retrain their body and brain to reduce pain, improve function, and regain control. We take a biopsychosocial approach, meaning we look at the physical, psychological, and social factors influencing your pain.
Education and Pain Neuroscience
Understanding how chronic pain works can reduce fear, anxiety, and confusion — and is one of the most effective early interventions.
Pain education combined with movement is supported by strong evidence in chronic pain management (Moseley & Butler, 2015).
Graded Movement and Exercise
Gentle, progressive exercise helps calm the nervous system, restore confidence in movement, and rebuild strength and endurance.
Exercise is one of the most effective treatments for chronic musculoskeletal pain (Geneen et al., 2017).
Pacing and Goal Setting
We help you set realistic goals and learn how to pace your activity — balancing rest and movement to avoid flare-ups and frustration.
Manual Therapy (if helpful)
While not a cure for chronic pain, manual therapy may provide short-term relief or help improve movement and tolerance in some individuals.
Collaborative Care
We often work alongside GPs, psychologists, or pain specialists as part of a multidisciplinary approach — especially in more complex or long-standing cases.
Education and Pain Neuroscience
Understanding how chronic pain works can reduce fear, anxiety, and confusion — and is one of the most effective early interventions.
Pain education combined with movement is supported by strong evidence in chronic pain management (Moseley & Butler, 2015).
Graded Movement and Exercise
Gentle, progressive exercise helps calm the nervous system, restore confidence in movement, and rebuild strength and endurance.
Exercise is one of the most effective treatments for chronic musculoskeletal pain (Geneen et al., 2017).
Pacing and Goal Setting
We help you set realistic goals and learn how to pace your activity — balancing rest and movement to avoid flare-ups and frustration.
Manual Therapy (if helpful)
While not a cure for chronic pain, manual therapy may provide short-term relief or help improve movement and tolerance in some individuals.
Collaborative Care
We often work alongside GPs, psychologists, or pain specialists as part of a multidisciplinary approach — especially in more complex or long-standing cases.
Physio for chronic pain: FAQs
Chronic pain is very real. It involves genuine changes in the nervous system, even if scans are normal.
There is always something we can do. With the right approach, people with long-standing pain can make meaningful improvements.
Safe, graded movement helps calm the nervous system and is essential for long-term recovery.
In chronic pain, pain is more about sensitivity than injury. The tissues may have healed, but the nervous system remains overprotective.
Areas We Serve
We provide physiotherapy services to clients with chronic pain across the Perth northern suburbs. Some of the most common areas we serve include:
Doubleview, Scarborough, Innaloo, Woodlands, Wembley Downs, Churchlands, Karrinyup, Gwelup, Osborne Park, City Beach, Floreat, and Trigg.
If you're located nearby and looking for expert chronic pain care, we're just a short drive away.
Additionally, we provide expert and specialist physiotherapy care to many clients who live in Perth and regional Western Australia – your rehabilitation is our priority and many of our clients are prepared to drive further to receive quality care.
Doubleview, Scarborough, Innaloo, Woodlands, Wembley Downs, Churchlands, Karrinyup, Gwelup, Osborne Park, City Beach, Floreat, and Trigg.
If you're located nearby and looking for expert chronic pain care, we're just a short drive away.
Additionally, we provide expert and specialist physiotherapy care to many clients who live in Perth and regional Western Australia – your rehabilitation is our priority and many of our clients are prepared to drive further to receive quality care.
