Pain Management Program

What is the aim of the program?

Upgrade injured workers physical capacity and assist participants to develop coping strategies to manage and / or minimize pain in order to facilitate a safe and successful return to work.

Who is the program for?

People that have been off work for some time
People that are distressed by their pain or highly anxious about return to work
People whose pain is negatively affecting their participation in physical rehabilitation

What is involved in the program?

The program focuses on providing clients with the knowledge, skills and capabilities to self manage their own pain or injury and facilitate a return to work. A multi-disciplinary approach is used with input from Physiotherapists, Psychologists, Occupational Therapists, and Exercise Physiologists. The client is an active participant throughout the entire process.

Initial Assessments

These assessments inform the content of the program and set the baseline in physical and psychological functioning so that improvements can be measured. The Initial Assessments include a Functional Capacity Evaluation from an Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist, an initial assessment from a Psychologist, fitness assessment from an Exercise Physiologist, and a musculo-skeletal assessment from a Physiotherapist.

Physical Conditioning

A graduated exercise program is instigated to improve the strength, endurance and flexibility of the client to match their work requirements. To improve compliance and ensure safety, exercise sessions are monitored and supervised by qualified and experienced Exercise Physiologists.

Work Simulation

In order to transfer improvements in physical capacity to the work situation, work simulation tasks are undertaken. These are tailored to the requirements of the client's requirements and are designed and supervised by an Occupational Therapist.

Education

Includes theoretical and practical applications on topics such as injury management, effective work postures, pain management, adjustment to injury, work simplification, problem solving exercises and coping strategies, and relaxation. These sessions are conducted by the entire team in particular the Physiotherapist and Occupational Therapist.

Cognitive Behavioural Management

Conducted by a Psychologist and reinforced by the entire team, the client receives 4-6 one on one sessions with a Psychologist to develop and reinforce coping strategies for pain management.

Reassessment

Repeat of initial assessments to measure changes in functional, physical, and psychological status.

Comprehensive Report

A comprehensive report is provided detailing all assessment findings, changes in functional and psychological status and recommendations for future management.

Additional Services as required may include:

Worksite Assessments
Suitable duties program and monitoring
Host employment identification
Job search assistance
Job Placement

When does the Program run?

A new Program commences every week on a Monday. Clients can usually commence a Program within 7 to 14 days from referral.

How long does the program take?

The client usually attends Monday to Friday for 3-4 hours per day, 5 days per week, for 2-4 weeks. However a schedule may be devised on a case by case basis if required.