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Pain Care Occupational Therapy

Empowering You to Overcome Chronic Pain and Live Life to the Fullest

At Lifeworks Occupational Therapy, we understand the profound impact chronic pain can have on your life. Our dedicated team of occupational therapists is committed to providing personalized, evidence-based interventions that help you manage pain, regain function, and achieve an improved quality of life. We take a compassionate and holistic approach, tailoring our services to meet your unique needs and circumstances.

How can Pain Care Occupational Therapy help people with persistent pain?

Occupational therapy is a person-centered healthcare field that focuses on helping individuals of all ages to participate in the activities of daily living that are important to them. Occupational therapists achieve this by addressing physical, cognitive, sensory, or emotional challenges that may be preventing clients from living life to its fullest.

In the context of persistent pain care, occupational therapists use their expertise to help clients manage and cope with their chronic pain. Pain care occupational therapy focuses on providing clients with the skills, strategies, and support needed to improve their ability to perform daily tasks, enhance their overall well-being, and minimise the impact of pain on their lives. By addressing the complex and multidimensional nature of chronic pain, occupational therapists play a vital role in empowering clients to regain control and improve their quality of life.

Our Approach to Chronic Pain Care

We believe in a client-centered approach, which involves working closely with you, your family, and other healthcare providers to create a customised pain management plan. Our therapists take the time to understand your specific challenges and goals, ensuring that the interventions and strategies we implement are tailored to address your unique needs.

Our Personalised Pain Care Process

1

Initial Assessment

In the first stage, we conduct a thorough assessment to understand your specific pain condition, its impact on your daily activities, and your personal goals. This involves a detailed evaluation of your physical, emotional, and social well-being, as well as any barriers that may be limiting your quality of life.

2

Goal Setting

Together, we identify and establish realistic, achievable goals that align with your needs and priorities. These goals serve as a roadmap for your pain management journey, guiding our intervention planning and helping us track your progress over time.

3

Intervention Planning

Based on your assessment and goals, our team of occupational therapists will develop a personalised pain care plan. This plan incorporates evidence-based interventions and strategies, designed to address your unique challenges and support your journey toward a better quality of life.

4

Implement Pain Care Plan

We put your personalised pain management plan into action, working closely with you to implement the selected interventions and strategies. Throughout this process, we ensure that you feel supported, empowered, and confident in managing your pain.

5

Ongoing Evaluation and Adjustment

Your progress is continuously monitored and evaluated to ensure that your pain management plan remains effective and relevant. We make adjustments as needed, adapting our interventions and strategies to support your evolving needs and goals.

6

Ongoing Support

We will continue to offer assistance as needed even after you have been discharged from the service.

Evidence-Based Interventions for Effective Pain Care

Lifeworks Occupational Therapy offers a range of evidence-based interventions designed to help you manage persistent pain, including:

Non-Invasive Neuromodulation Therapy

Experience cutting-edge treatments like Scrambler Therapy and gammaCore, which use gentle electrical stimulation to help alleviate pain without the need for medication or invasive procedures.

Biofeedback Training

Discover how to use biofeedback tools like Heartmath, that teaches you to regulate your body’s response to stress, potentially reducing pain and improving overall well-being. Or learn to use the biofeedback features in smartwatches you may already own (e.g., Apple Watch, Garmin, FitBit) to help you with your recovery.

Virtual Reality Therapy

Immerse yourself in virtual environments that can help distract you from pain and provide therapeutic benefits, making your rehabilitation process more engaging and enjoyable.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for Pain

Develop coping skills and strategies to change your thought patterns and behaviours, helping you better manage your pain and improve your overall quality of life. Gain insight into the relationship between pain, trauma, and anxiety, empowering you to recognise and address psychological factors that may be exacerbating your pain experience.

Sleep Health

Receive guidance on improving your sleep habits and environment, as better sleep can contribute to pain reduction and enhanced recovery.

Pain Education

Learn about the science behind pain and how it affects your body, helping you better understand your condition and develop strategies to manage it more effectively.

Activity Pacing and Energy Conservation Strategies

Learn to balance your daily activities and conserve energy, preventing fatigue and minimising pain flare-ups. Receive guidance on organising your day and prioritising activities, helping you to regain control over your life and achieve your goals.

Functional Movement Training

Work on proper body mechanics and movement patterns to increase your mobility, strength, and function while minimising pain.

Pain Coping Skills Training

Acquire strategies to cope with pain effectively, reducing its impact on your daily life and overall well-being. Connect with community resources, activities, and support groups that can enrich your life and contribute to your recovery journey.

Assistive Technologies

Explore tools and devices that can improve your ability to perform everyday tasks, increasing your independence and reducing pain.

Benefits

By engaging in our pain recovery service, you can expect to experience a range of benefits, including:

Enhanced Emotional Well-being

Improved emotional well-being and self-confidence

Strengthened Relationships

Strengthened relationships and social connections

Enhanced Coping Strategies

Enhanced ability to cope with stress and daily challenges

Increased Confidence

Increased confidence in managing your chronic pain

Greater Independence

Improved physical function and independence in daily activities

Our Therapy Environments

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of pain conditions do you treat at Lifeworks Occupational Therapy?

Our team of occupational therapists has experience in treating a wide range of pain conditions, including but not limited to arthritis, fibromyalgia, traumatic injuries, complex regional pain syndrome, whiplash-associated disorders, and 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.

Do I need a referral to access your persistent pain recovery services?

While a referral is not always required to access our occupational therapy services, certain insurance providers or funding programs may require a referral from a healthcare professional, such as your primary care physician, specialist, or case manager. We recommend checking with your insurance provider or funding program for specific requirements. Additionally, if you have any concerns or questions about whether our services are appropriate for you, discussing your situation with a healthcare professional can provide valuable guidance and recommendations.

How do I know if occupational therapy is right for me?

Occupational therapy can be beneficial for individuals experiencing persistent pain, difficulty with daily activities, or reduced quality of life due to chronic conditions. To determine if occupational therapy is the right fit for you, we recommend scheduling a consultation with one of our therapists, who will assess your needs and develop a personalised plan tailored to your unique situation.

How long does it take to see improvements in my pain and function?

Each person’s recovery journey is different, and the timeline for improvements can vary depending on factors such as the severity of your condition, your overall health, and your commitment to the therapy process. Our occupational therapists work closely with you to set realistic goals and monitor your progress, adjusting your treatment plan as needed to ensure optimal results.

What should I expect during my first occupational therapy session?

During your initial session, your occupational therapist will conduct a comprehensive assessment to understand your unique needs, challenges, and goals. They will ask about your medical history, current symptoms, and daily activities, and may perform various tests to evaluate your physical and cognitive abilities. This information will be used to create a personalised treatment plan tailored to your specific situation.

Is this service covered by insurance or government funding programs?

Many insurance plans and government funding programs, such as Medicare and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), offer coverage for occupational therapy services. We recommend contacting your insurance provider or funding program to verify your coverage and discuss any necessary steps to access these services.

Can I receive occupational therapy services in my home or community setting?

Yes, our occupational therapists at Lifeworks Occupational Therapy can provide services in various settings, including your home, workplace, or community. We believe in offering flexible and convenient options to ensure you receive the support you need in an environment that is comfortable and familiar.

Still Have Questions?

If you can’t find an answer to your question in the FAQ’s above, you can always contact us and we’ll respond asap.

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