Chronic pain management
Individualised assessment and rehabilitation to help you manage pain and improve function
Understanding persistent and chronic pain
Persistent or chronic pain is pain that continues beyond the expected healing time, typically lasting longer than three months. It can affect muscles, joints, nerves or connective tissues and may present with fluctuating intensity, activity triggers, sleep disruption, or emotional stress.
At Active Health Riverina, we approach pain from a whole person perspective. Rather than focusing solely on symptoms, we explore physical, behavioural, psychological and lifestyle factors that influence your pain experience. Our goal is to help you move better, feel more confident and build sustainable strategies that reduce pain and improve quality of life.
How chronic pain develops
Chronic pain may begin with an injury, surgery, repetitive strain, or medical condition. Over time, the nervous system can become sensitised, meaning the brain and spinal cord amplify pain signals. Contributing factors may include:
- Muscle tension and stiffness
- Postural or movement overload
- Nerve sensitivity
- Emotional stress or anxiety
- Sleep disruption
- Reduced physical activity
Understanding these contributors allows us to tailor your care effectively.
How we assess persistent pain
Assessment begins with a comprehensive consultation to understand:
- Your health history and pain timeline
- Activity and movement patterns
- Pain triggers and relief strategies
- Functional limitations
- Impact on daily life and goals
We may also assess posture, movement quality, strength, flexibility, and nervous system responsiveness to guide your personalised plan.
Our pain management approach
Our treatment approach is evidence based and focuses on symptom management, movement optimisation and confidence building.
Movement and exercise therapy
Tailored exercise programs designed to improve strength, control, mobility and tolerance while reducing pain triggers.
Manual therapy and soft tissue techniques
Targeted hands on care to support tissue mobility, reduce stiffness and assist pain modulation.
Nervous system and pain education
Clear education about pain mechanisms, lifestyle influences and strategies to reduce sensitivity and flare ups.
Behavioural and lifestyle strategies
Guidance on sleep hygiene, pacing, stress management and graded activity progression to support long term improvement.
Functional recovery and return to activity
Pain does not have to limit what you do. Our team supports you through:
- Goal setting that matters to you
- Graded return to work, sport or daily tasks
- Practical strategies to increase activity with confidence
- Monitoring and progress checks to keep you on track
We focus on building resilience, functional movement and quality of life improvements.
What services do we offer?
Research has shown that a holistic approach to treating pain is much more effective than singular treatments e.g. pain medications or massage. Because pain is influenced by so many different factors, it is important to take a wider and more integrated approach to rehabilitation. Having a team of professionals around you who are well versed in modern pain science, who can help guide you on your journey is important. This might include a GP, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, specialists, psychologist or numerous others depending on your individual circumstances.
Physiotherapists can provide individualised, holistic assessment and help create a treatment plan that is appropriate for you. This usually includes a mix of education, graded exercise, hands-on therapy, and development of strategies that you can use to help better manage your condition. Soph is also trained in more specific treatment modalities including Graded Motor Imagery/Mirror Box Therapy. We can also refer on and collaborate with other health care professionals for additional support depending on your preferences and needs.
We offer the following services within our clinic:
- Individual physiotherapy sessions, with extended initial consultations to enable a detailed assessment and history taking. We are able to offer telehealth for people who may be living out of Wagga Wagga
- Exercise Physiology
- Hydrotherapy group sessions (with individualised programs)
To book an initial pain assessment, or to discuss your case with one of our therapists, contact our support team on 6925 7734 or email mail@activeriverina.com.au
Who can benefit
Chronic pain management may help people with:
- Longstanding joint or muscle pain
- Persistent back, neck or shoulder pain
- Nerve related pain or sensitivity
- Pain that fluctuates with activity or stress
- Previous injury with ongoing symptoms
Our care is always adapted to your condition, goals and lifestyle.
Mirror box therapy
The Mirror Box may be used for a variety of pain and disability states involving the hands and feet. With guidance, Mirror Box therapy may be appropriate for complex regional pain syndrome, phantom limb pain, stroke, focal dystonia and osteoarthritis .
Our Practitioners with a special interest in persistent and chronic pain
Book Your Appointment
Take the first step towards moving better and feeling stronger. Book online or contact us direct to schedule your initial consultation.
