Understanding Persistent Pain: How Physiotherapy Supports Long Term Pain Management

Persistent pain is a common experience for many people, and it can influence work, daily activities, emotions, relationships, and overall quality of life. Physiotherapists in Geraldton frequently support individuals who live with ongoing pain, helping them understand what contributes to their symptoms and exploring safe movement strategies that align with their goals.

This article provides an educational overview of persistent pain and how physiotherapy may support people who experience it. The information is general and does not guarantee outcomes or provide treatment recommendations.

What Is Persistent Pain?

Persistent pain, sometimes referred to as long term or chronic pain, is pain that continues for more than three months. It can develop after an injury or surgery, or it may appear without a clear cause. Many factors can contribute to persistent pain including physical, psychological, and social influences.

Persistent pain does not always indicate ongoing tissue damage. In many cases, the tissues have healed but the nervous system remains sensitive and reactive. This sensitivity can cause the body to interpret normal movement or activities as painful, even if they are safe.

Understanding this concept is often an important first step in managing persistent pain.

Common Myths About Persistent Pain

There are many misconceptions that can lead to confusion or fear. Some common myths include:

Myth 1: Persistent pain always means the body is damaged

Persistent pain does not necessarily reflect damage. Many people experience pain even when scans show no new injury.

Myth 2: Rest is the best strategy for long term pain

While rest may be helpful at times, avoiding movement completely can lead to reduced strength, stiffness, and increased sensitivity.

Myth 3: Movement will make pain worse

In many cases, movement and gradually increasing activity is vital in recovering from persistent pain conditions.

Myth 4: There is a single cure for persistent pain

Persistent pain is often influenced by multiple factors. There is rarely one single solution, but many people benefit from a combination of strategies tailored to their needs.

Understanding these myths can help reduce fear and support more confident decision making.

What Contributes to Persistent Pain?

Persistent pain is influenced by a combination of factors. These may include:

1. Biological Factors

• Previous injury

• Inflammation

• Metabolic health

• Changes in the nervous system

2. Psychological Factors

• Stress

• Worry or fear of movement

• Past experiences with pain

• Mood or sleep changes

3. Social Factors

• Work demands

• Family responsibilities

• Activity levels

• Environmental stresses

This multi dimensional model, often called the biopsychosocial approach, is widely supported by research and used by physiotherapists to help understand a person’s unique situation.

How Physiotherapy Supports People With Persistent Pain

Physiotherapy provides a person centred approach that focuses on understanding each individual’s experience and exploring strategies that fit their goals, lifestyle, and physical capacity.

1. Education

Understanding how pain works can help improve confidence in movement. Education is always tailored to the individual as one size does not fit all. What may be cover:

• How the nervous system processes signals

• Why pain can persist after an injury heals

• The role of stress, sleep, and beliefs in pain levels

• How graded exposure to movement can help reduce sensitivity

Education is not about dismissing pain. Instead, it helps people understand why pain behaves the way it does, which can make it less overwhelming.

2. Gentle, Graded Movement

Movement is vital for everyone, including those living with persistent pain. Physiotherapists may introduce movement gradually, based on what feels safe and appropriate for the individual.

Activities may include:

• Gentle movement practices

• Strengthening exercises

• Mobility movements

• Gentle aerobic activity

• Functional movements relevant to daily life

The goal is not to push through pain aggressively, but to find a manageable starting point and build gradually.

3. Exploring Contributing Factors

Physiotherapists may help identify patterns or habits that influence symptoms, such as:

• Prolonged sitting

• Activity spikes

• Stress or sleep patterns

• Lifestyle demands

Understanding these influences can help people make informed adjustments.

4. Self Management Skills

Many people benefit from practical tools they can use at home, such as:

• Activity pacing

• Heat or cooling strategies

• Relaxation techniques

• Body awareness exercises

• Gradual activity planning

These strategies support independence and confidence over time.

5. Collaboration With Other Health Professionals

Physiotherapists often work alongside psychologists, exercise physiologists, GPs, or other professionals when appropriate and with consent. This is especially helpful because persistent pain often involves multiple factors.

The Role of Movement in Persistent Pain

Movement plays a key role in managing long term pain. Research shows that regular physical activity can:

• Improve tissue health

• Support mental wellbeing

• Reduce fear of movement

• Improve sleep

• Build strength and resilience

• Support participation in daily life

The type of movement matters less than finding something enjoyable, meaningful, and sustainable.

Who Might Benefit From a Physiotherapy Approach to Persistent Pain?

Physiotherapy may be helpful for individuals who:

• Have been experiencing pain for longer than three months

• Feel unsure about what movement is safe

• Want to understand why their pain behaves the way it does

• Are looking for strategies to manage symptoms over time

• Prefer a personalised, education based approach

• Have tried other treatments without lasting benefit

Everyone has a unique story, and physiotherapists tailor care to each person’s needs.

FAQs

Is persistent pain permanent?

Not necessarily. Many people find ways to improve their function, comfort, and confidence even if some pain remains.

Can physiotherapy cure persistent pain?

There is no guaranteed cure for persistent pain. Physiotherapy may support individuals by building understanding, confidence, and movement capacity.

Does exercise make persistent pain worse?

Exercise can be helpful when introduced gradually. Your physiotherapist will guide you in a safe and meaningful way.

Is persistent pain all in my head?

No. Persistent pain is real. It involves complex interactions between the body, brain, and environment.

Do I need a referral to see a physiotherapist?

No. You can book directly unless you are using a funding plan that requires a referral.

References

Australian Physiotherapy Association. Understanding pain and the modern pain science model.

Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care. Person centred care resources.

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Chronic pain guidelines.

Physiotherapy Board of Australia. Professional standards.

AHPRA. Guidelines for advertising a regulated health service.