Exercise Physiology for chronic pain
When pain has lasted for months or years, it is easy to do less and less. We combine graded exercise, strength work and pain education to help you do more of what matters to you, at a pace your body can handle.
✓ No referral needed✓ Same clinician every visit✓ Free on-site parking
Persistent pain involves the nervous system, not only the tissues
Pain that lasts beyond about three months often behaves differently from the pain of a new injury. The nervous system can become more sensitive, so pain is not always a reliable guide to what is happening in the tissues. That helps explain why scans and symptoms often do not match, and why pain can vary from day to day.
This does not mean the pain is imagined. It is real. It does mean that long periods of rest are rarely helpful, and that guidelines recommend staying active and building up gradually as part of care. Exercise is one part of managing chronic pain, alongside your medical care.
Three parts, one program
Getting function back
We start with what pain has stopped you doing, and build a step-by-step path back toward it. The goal is a fuller life, not waiting for pain to disappear first.
Progressive strength
Carefully graded strengthening, matched to what you tolerate now and progressed over time, to build your capacity for everyday tasks.
Pain education
Understanding how persistent pain works can make movement less worrying. We explain it in plain language and answer your questions as we go.
What a chronic pain program includes
Your program is built around your goals and reviewed regularly. We adjust it when you have a flare-up.
Graded activity
A gradual return to the movements and activities you have been avoiding, in small, planned steps.
Resistance training
Structured strength work for the areas involved in your pain and for your whole body.
Pain education
What persistent pain is, what it does and does not mean, and how that changes the way you approach movement.
Goals that matter to you
We set practical goals, such as walking the dog, gardening or returning to work, and measure progress against them.
Pacing
Many people overdo it on good days and pay for it afterwards. We help you find a steady level you can build from.
Sleep and lifestyle
Sleep, stress and general fitness all affect pain. We look at these with you and suggest your GP or a psychologist where that would help.
Working with your team
With your consent we share progress with your GP, pain specialist, physiotherapist or psychologist.
WorkCover and TAC
We run programs for accepted claims and work with case managers on return to work and function.
Who we see
People with persistent pain of many kinds.
What to expect
Assessment
We go through your pain history, what you have tried, your medications and what you want to be able to do. We look at how you move and how strong you are, and ask about sleep, mood and any worries about movement.
Education
Before we prescribe exercise we spend time explaining how persistent pain works and what to expect, so the plan makes sense to you.
Graded program
A program that starts within your current tolerance and builds gradually. It is in our app with videos for the days between visits.
Reviews and reports
We review regularly using what you can do, not only pain scores. With your consent we send updates to your GP and other clinicians.
Some discomfort when you start moving more is common and usually settles. We will show you how to tell that apart from pain that means you should ease back. New or changing symptoms, such as numbness, weakness, unexplained weight loss, or bladder or bowel changes, should be checked by your GP promptly.
Ways to fund your program
What you pay depends on your funding. We can check your options before your first visit.
GP Chronic Condition Management Plan
If your GP includes Exercise Physiology on a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (previously called a Chronic Disease Management plan), for example for a long-term pain condition, Medicare pays a rebate on up to five allied health sessions per calendar year. Your GP decides eligibility.
Accepted claims
Where your condition relates to an accepted workplace or transport accident claim, sessions may be funded. You will need a referral and claim details.
Gold and White Card
With a GP referral, DVA covers clinically necessary Exercise Physiology for Gold Card holders, and for White Card holders where it relates to an accepted condition.
Self and plan managed
If Exercise Physiology is included in your NDIS plan and you are self managed or plan managed, we can provide it. Funding depends on your plan and goals.
Extras cover
Most extras policies that include Exercise Physiology pay a rebate. Your fund can tell you your annual limit.
No referral needed
You can book directly and pay privately. See our pricing page for current fees.
See pricing for current fees and rebates.
Chronic Pain FAQs
I have been told to rest until my pain settles. Why exercise?+
My scans show disc bulges and degeneration. Should I avoid exercise?+
Will exercise make my pain worse?+
Do you work with my GP or pain specialist?+
Do I need a referral?+
Keep reading
Ready to start doing more again?
Book your first appointment online or call us. We will tell you honestly if we can help.
✓ No referral needed✓ Paced to you✓ Free on-site parking