Chronic or persistent pain is any pain that lasts beyond the expected healing time for an injury or illness—typically more than three months. It affects 1 in 5 Australians, making it one of the most prevalent and costly health concerns in the country.

Unlike acute pain, which serves as a warning signal for injury, chronic pain can persist long after the original issue has healed, significantly impacting daily life, work, and mental well-being. If you're struggling with ongoing pain, seeking professional support from a physiotherapist can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

If you’re struggling with chronic pain or persistent discomfort, a physiotherapist can play a vital role in your recovery. The first step is identifying any underlying causes that may be delaying healing, such as:

✅ Previous injuries or trauma (physical or psychological)
✅ Mental health factors (stress, anxiety, depression)
✅ Misconceptions about pain and injury

By addressing these factors, a pain management specialist can develop a personalized treatment plan that may include:

🔹 Pain education – Understanding your pain to reduce fear and improve movement
🔹 Exercise programs – Strengthening muscles to relieve back spasms, neck pain, and leg discomfort
🔹 Movement therapy – Targeted exercises to restore mobility and reduce stiff neck pain, sciatica, and joint pain
🔹 Dry needling – A treatment option to release tension and manage nerve pain

With the right approach, you can manage pain effectively, improve function, and regain confidence in movement.

For more entrenched or prolonged pain, a team-based approach can often provide the best results. This may involve working with a network of allied health and medical professionals (multidisciplinary team) to ensure well-rounded care.

In Townsville, this could include:

✅ Exercise physiologists – Tailored movement programs to improve strength and mobility
✅ Occupational therapists – Strategies to enhance daily function and reduce strain
✅ Pharmacists – Medication advice and pain management support

In some cases, a coordinated multidisciplinary approach is the most effective way to manage complex pain conditions. If you need support, we can help connect you with the right professionals to get you back to doing what you love.

A chronic pain clinic provides a multidisciplinary approach to managing long-term pain, ensuring comprehensive care through collaboration between various health professionals.

These clinics typically involve:

✔ Pain & Intervention Specialists – Experts like Dr. Jason Scott from mipain
✔ Allied Health Professionals – Including physiotherapy, exercise physiology & occupational therapy
✔ Nursing Support – For ongoing care and pain management guidance
✔ Psychology & Mental Health Services – Addressing the emotional and psychological aspects of chronic pain

In Townsville, these services are available through:

🏥 Mater Private Hospital Townsville
🏥 Townsville University Hospital

💡 Looking for a chronic pain solution? Contact us to discuss your options and get the right support.

Mindfulness can be a powerful tool for understanding and managing chronic pain. It helps you become more aware of the physical, mental, and environmental factors that influence your pain experience.

This approach may include:
🧘 Meditation & Relaxation – Calming the nervous system to reduce pain sensitivity
🌬 Breathing Techniques – Improving focus and stress management
💡 Openness to New Ideas – Challenging old beliefs about pain and recovery

Mindfulness isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, and it’s not for everyone—but for many, it can be a valuable part of a comprehensive pain management plan.

Chronic pain, whether from back muscle spasms, neck pain and stiff neck, or sciatica treatment, can be challenging to manage. At PhysioPM in Townsville, we specialize in pain management strategies that not only target the pain level but also help you improve your overall quality of life.

Building a strong social support network is one of the most empowering ways to cope with persistent pain. Connecting with others, taking up a new hobby or sport, or even engaging in an exercise program designed specifically for your condition can significantly help reduce pain. For example, activities that alleviate back spasms, buttock discomfort, and neck spasms can contribute to a better, more active lifestyle.

Whether you're struggling with lower back sciatica, neck nerve trapped, or sore back sciatica, having the right support system in place can make a world of difference. PhysioPM offers expert care for various conditions, including neck aches, headaches, sciatica treatment, and more, to ensure you can manage your chronic pain effectively.