One in five Australians, including adolescents and children, live with chronic pain (Blyth et al. 2001). We all know it’s very difficult for people to improve once patients are experiencing central sensitisation.
It’s essential to reduce people transitioning from acute to chronic pain and we all know the transition can be very quick. At Fairfield Osteopathic Clinic, we don’t want to be part of the problem.
What we all hope to see in clinical practice.
Client presents with INJURY or PAIN
We take an HISTORY and complete an ASSESSMENT
DIAGNOSIS Studies show doesn’t matter what the technique, prognosis improves if pain improves at this point (Contreras)
We provide TREATMENT/EDUCATION/ADVICE
PROGNOSIS = 95% self limiting
For this to be a good experience, many things need to be done well, including having enough time for a good explanation. Our initial consults are up to one hour and subsequent consults are between 30-45 minutes.
During Assessment:
We use positive language
We provide Pain Education*
DURING Diagnosis:
We assume it's a self limiting problem
Provide context
Provide reassurance - warm, nurturing, kindness
We complete orthopaedic tests, rule out red flags, provide prognosis
We don't suggest X-rays & MRIs as a screening tool
Integrate biomechanics/pain science
DURING Treatment:
Remind people there is no miracle cure
Provide excellent advice - explain, educate, reassure, get them moving
Explain timelines for recovery
Set realistic expectations
ADLs
Reduce fear
Provide pain relief
We don’t create reliance
We encourage people to pace back into activity.