Everyone experiences pain at some time in their lives. It may be when we are ill or have injured ourselves. For example, after having surgery, if we cut ourselves or when we get a headache. This is known as acute pain and it goes away after a short period, when our bodies have healed or the underlying cause has been treated.
Chronic Pain is more complex. It is pain that lasts longer than the normal time of healing, usually longer than 3 months. Chronic pain can sometimes be caused by an underlying condition, for example, arthritis, or it may also be experienced when no underlying cause or injury can be found.
Pain is an important protective function in the body, warning us that something is wrong. A network of nerves in the spinal cord and brain is responsible for this function. However, in chronic pain this system may become more sensitive or reactive. This pain no longer has a useful purpose and arises from changes in the nervous system and brain.
Chronic pain can be very debilitating, preventing people from engaging in their normal everyday activities. It is best treated by a team of health professionals. Our team at Recovery Station are experienced in helping manage pain so you can get on with your life.
Our Occupational Therapists can help people with chronic pain to increase their participation in meaningful activities again by addressing the physical and psychological aspects of chronic pain. This may include interventions such as energy conservation and pacing, relaxation and mindfulness or the prescription of assistive equipment.
Our Physiotherapists can help in diminishing pain, improving quality of life where possible and preventing acute and sub-acute painful conditions developing into chronic pain. They can also help by addressing complex chronic pain by increasing level of activity and community participation.
Please contact Recovery Station to find out more information about managing your chronic pain.