Our Osteopaths Are Available Monday - Friday: 8am-7pm, Saturday: 8am - 1pm Click here

What is Chronic Pain?

Approximately 1 in 5 people are thought to suffer from chronic pain. Chronic pain is defined as pain lasting longer than 6 months and can be present in the absence of past injury or evidence of tissue damage. It is important to distinguish chronic pain from acute pain.

Current understanding of pain and its origins have changed in recent years. We now know that pain is not purely a sensation created by the tissues in the body but a perception generated by the brain in response to multiple stimuli. Pain is an unpleasant experience urging us to protect from perceived threat, it can be amplified by the central nervous system and persist even when injury has healed. All pain that is felt is real, but is not necessarily related to damage in the body.

How do you treat chronic pain?

Current literature shows that no single modality alone is particularly effective in the treatment of chronic pain and therefore a holistic, integrated approach is essential. As pain is regulated by the central nervous system, it is important that treatment is designed to reduce stress on this system, treatments may include

  • Pain science education
  • Mindfulness
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  • Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Exercise rehabilitation
  • Manual therapy
  • Medications (prescribed by your doctor or specialist)

Here at Inner North Osteopathy our team has a particular interest in chronic pain including both management and treatment. We encourage a multi-disciplinary approach for chronic pain and often work in team care arrangements with other health care professionals to provide the best chronic pain treatment for our patients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Osteopaths are primary healthcare providers which means that no referral is necessary. If your treatment is being covered by WorkSafe, TAC or DVA, you will require a referral to ensure that your costs are covered.

We are able to treat WorkSafe, TAC, EPC and DVA patients, however you will require a referral from your GP. For TAC and WorkSafe patients we will also require your claim number and date of injury.

We are covered by private health funds via extras cover. Exact details will vary depending on the individual fund and level of cover. We do have a Hicaps machine which enables you to claim health fund payments on the spot.

For medicare rebates you must qualify for an EPC plan. You will need to discuss this with your GP, and a referral is necessary.

Yes, please bring in any X-ray, CT or MRI scan results you may have. If you have a report for these scans, make sure you bring this along as well.

During your first consultation your osteopath will ask questions about your problem and symptoms. They may also ask questions about your medical history, any medications you are taking or other factors that may not appear to be directly related to your problem. If your medical condition changes during the course of your osteopathic treatment, you should tell your osteopath.

Your osteopath may ask about any recent X-rays, scans or test results that you may have.

Depending on the area of your body requiring treatment, your osteopath may ask you to undress to your underwear. It’s important that you feel comfortable, so you may want to wear loose pants or bring a pair of shorts to change into.

Next, your osteopath will conduct a full osteopathic examination and if necessary, clinical tests. This may involve diagnostic, orthopaedic or neurological tests, postural assessments and activities or exercises, which will help determine how best to manage your condition.

The examination may include passive and active movements, such as the osteopath lifting your arms or legs. As part of the examination, you may also be asked to bend over or stand in your underwear. Be sure to wear comfortable, flexible and appropriate underwear.

As osteopathy takes a holistic approach to treatment, your practitioner may look at other parts of your body, as well as the area that is troubling you. For example, if you have a sore knee, your osteopath may also look at your ankle, pelvis and back.

Your osteopath may also provide education and advice to help you manage your condition between treatments. This may include giving you exercises to do at home or work.

Osteopathy is a form of manual therapy, so hands-on treatment may include massage, stretching, repetitive movements, mobilisation and/or manipulation. Most osteopathic treatment is gentle and should not cause undue discomfort. If your injuries do require hands-on treatment of painful and tender areas, your osteopath will exercise care to make you as comfortable as possible.

Some people experience mild soreness for a day or two after treatment, similar to that felt after mild exercise. If this soreness persists or increases significantly, call your osteopath to discuss your concerns.

Your initial consultation may last up to one hour. This will enable your osteopath to take a thorough history, examine and treat you. Follow-up treatments are usually shorter. Depending on your condition, they can take 30-40 minutes.

Generally you would expect to see some changes in your symptoms after one or two visits; however, some long-term or chronic conditions may require a longer course or more frequent treatment. If you have any concerns, your osteopath will be happy to discuss these with you.

Make An Enquiry