Pain Physiotherapy

A pain physiotherapist is a specialised healthcare professional who focuses on the assessment, diagnosis, and management of chronic pain conditions. Unlike general physiotherapists who primarily deal with acute injuries and musculoskeletal rehabilitation, pain physiotherapists have advanced training in:

• Pain neuroscience
• Chronic pain management strategies
• Biopsychosocial approaches to pain
• Advanced manual therapy techniques specific to chronic pain

Pain physiotherapists differ from general physiotherapists in several key ways:

1. Specialised Knowledge: They have in-depth understanding of chronic pain mechanisms and the latest pain management research.
2. Holistic Approach: They consider psychological, social, and lifestyle factors alongside physical symptoms.
3. Long-term Management: Their focus is on long-term pain management and improving overall quality of life, rather than just short-term symptom relief.
4. Advanced Assessment Skills: They use specialised assessment tools to evaluate the complex nature of chronic pain.
5. Interdisciplinary Collaboration: They often work as part of a multidisciplinary team, collaborating with other healthcare professionals for comprehensive care.

Understanding Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is a complex condition that can significantly impact daily life. It often involves changes in the nervous system that perpetuate pain beyond the initial injury or illness. Our approach recognises the intricate interplay between physical, psychological, and social factors in chronic pain.

Our Approach

We utilise a biopsychosocial model of pain management, which considers all aspects of your life that may be contributing to your pain experience. Our treatment plans are tailored to your specific needs and may include:

1. Comprehensive Assessment

We begin with a thorough evaluation of your pain, medical history, lifestyle, and goals. This helps us understand the full picture of your condition and develop an effective treatment strategy.

2. Education and Empowerment

Understanding pain science is crucial for effective management. We provide you with the knowledge and tools to better understand and manage your condition.

3. Targeted Physical Therapies

Our pain physiotherapists use a range of techniques to address physical contributors to pain, including:

• Manual therapy
• Graded exercise programmes
• Postural re-education
• Movement retraining

4. Pain Neuroscience Education

We incorporate the latest research in pain neuroscience to help you understand how your nervous system processes pain and how you can influence this process.

5. Lifestyle Modifications

We work with you to identify and implement lifestyle changes that can support pain management, including sleep hygiene, stress management, and nutritional advice.

6. Mind-Body Techniques

Incorporating techniques such as mindfulness, relaxation training, and breathing exercises to help manage pain and reduce stress.

Meet Tracy Wallwork

Tracy Wallwork is a Senior Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist and Pain Physiotherapist with a special interest in chronic pain, hypermobility and nervous system sensitisation.

Tracy's unique approach integrates her expertise in both musculoskeletal physiotherapy and pain physiotherapy, allowing her to provide comprehensive and effective care to her patients.