Written by: Harry Ngoo
This week is National Chronic Pain Week.
It’s a time to shine a light on a condition that affects millions of Australians. It’s a chance to debunk myths and share stories. Most importantly, it provides an opportunity to explore ways to manage and reduce chronic pain. While chronic pain can be a challenging and complex experience, it's essential to remember that you are not alone.
Debunking the Myths…
Myth 1: Chronic pain is all in your head.
Fact: While the brain plays a significant role in pain perception, chronic pain is a real physical condition with measurable biological changes.
Myth 2: Chronic pain is a normal part of aging.
Fact: While pain can increase with age, it's not a natural part of the aging process. Many older adults live pain-free lives.
Myth 3: Once you have chronic pain, there's nothing you can do about it.
Fact: While there's no cure for chronic pain, effective management strategies can significantly improve quality of life. Treatments like physiotherapy, medication, and psychological support can help.
Myth 4: Pain medications are the only way to manage chronic pain.
Fact: While medications can be helpful in some cases, they're not the sole solution. A combination of treatments, including exercise, relaxation techniques, and cognitive-behavioral therapy, often provides better long-term relief.
Myth 5: Rest is the best way to manage chronic pain.
Fact: While rest is important, prolonged inactivity can worsen pain. Gradual increases in physical activity, guided by a healthcare professional, can help improve pain and overall function.
So, what can I do about it?
Chronic pain can manifest in various ways, both physically and emotionally. Chronic pain isn’t just a physical ache; it’s a rollercoaster of emotions.
And we understand that.
A multidisciplinary approach is often key to managing chronic pain effectively. Here at In Stride Health Clinic, we offer physiotherapy, podiatry, myotherapy, and dietetic services, which are crucial in chronic pain management. While we can’t promise to make the pain magically disappear, we can offer some serious relief.
Our team of experienced professionals offers a range of evidence-based treatments tailored to your individual needs. These include:
● Physiotherapy: Addressing musculoskeletal pain through exercise, manual therapy, and education to improve movement and function.
● Podiatry: Focusing on foot and ankle health, and how these can impact overall body function and pain.
● Myotherapy: Addressing muscle tension and pain through specialised massage techniques.
● Dietetics: Assessing dietary habits and providing nutritional guidance to manage pain-related conditions, such as inflammation or weight management.
● Exercise rehabilitation: Movement is medicine. Developing a personalised exercise program to strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and reduce pain.
● Pilates: Enhancing core stability and posture, improve flexibility, and retraining overall body awareness to manage chronic pain.
● Hydrotherapy: Utilising the buoyancy and warmth of water to reduce pain and improve mobility. It’s like giving your body a spa day, but with added therapeutic benefits.
● Orthotics: Your feet are the foundation of your body. Providing customised foot support to address pain and improve biomechanics. Orthotics can help with everything from back pain to headaches.
● Shockwave therapy: Targeting chronic pain through focused acoustic waves stimulates tissue repair and regeneration, which can effectively reduce chronic pain.
In addition to these treatments, education, support, and self-management strategies are essential components of chronic pain management. By working closely with an expert practitioner, you can develop a comprehensive plan to address your specific needs and goals.
And let’s not forget about the power of laughter. Studies have shown that laughter can reduce stress and improve mood, both of which can help manage chronic pain. So, go ahead, watch a funny cat video, or tell a joke. Your body will thank you.
Remember, chronic pain is a journey, not a destination. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but with the right approach and a bit of humour, you can take control of your pain and live a fulfilling life. Remember, progress may be gradual, but with consistent effort and the right support, you can make a positive difference in managing your chronic pain.
So, let’s make this National Chronic Pain Week a celebration of resilience, strength, and hope. And remember, you’re not alone. We’re here to help you every step of the way.
We operate our Allied Health services 6 days a week, including early mornings and evenings. We have an on-site rehab gym and pilates studio, plus we maintain a room at the Ascot Vale Leisure Centre (AVLC) where there is access to a hydrotherapy pool. Our practitioners Harry and Naomi offer dry needling.
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