PARKS THERAPY CENTRE

St. NEOTS, CAMBRIDGESHIRE - 01480 394715

Parks Clinic for Chronic Pain

All pain is real, for many people it is a debilitating part of everyday life.

Pain protects us, alerts us to danger, alters our behaviour, mood and movement patterns and makes us think differently. Pain experiences are normal although unpleasant. Even if no problems whatsoever exist with joints, muscles ligaments and nerves, pain will still exist if your brain thinks you are in danger.

Pain involves all the body system in order to protect and heal. The essential component is to understand the mechanisms at work that are sustaining this pain experience.

Recent advances in the fields of neurophysiology, brain imaging, immunology, psychology and biology have provided an explanatory platform from which to explore pain. All practitioners at Parks Therapy Centre have a full understanding and clinical knowledge of the physiology of pain. The aim of the Pain clinic at Parks is to bring that knowledge in an uncomplicated way to our patients, it is now known that understanding more about why things hurt can actually help people to overcome their pain. The main aims of Parks Pain Clinic (PPC) are:

To gain patient understanding of the pain mechanisms
To gain patient understanding of the brain and chemical responses to pain
To reduce its threat value
To improve patient management
To empower the patient

The pain management course at Parks Therapy Centre will include the following strategies over a twelve-week course:

Physiotherapy Assessment. This is important to ascertain:

The nature of the pain process
The presenting features
The past Medical History
The medication regime
The coping regime

Following this assessment a picture of the pain mechanisms will be identified. The Physiotherapist will liaise closely with the patient GP or Consultant to determine:

The type and dosage of medication appropriate to that pain mechanism
The interventions undertaken or planned for pain modification
The plan of intervention within the pain clinic

The Physiotherapist will then liaise with the patient to:

Explain the pain presenting mechanism:

Brain mechanisms
Chemical mechanisms
Coping mechanisms
Pacing mechanisms

Explain the importance of correct medication in terms of dosage, frequency and changes
Develop a treatment plan in co-operation with the patient
Develop an exercise plan appropriate for the patient
Develop a pacing plan
Work towards empowering the patient to manage his/her condition
Recommend reading material
Reassess after 12 weeks

The twelve week course may involve the following professional input, depending upon the pain presentation:

Physiotherapy intervention
Exercise
Pain modulation techniques
Pacing techniques
Functional rehabilitation
Professional Input
Acupuncture
Exercise rehabilitation classes
Clinical Psychology
Hypnotherapy
Counselling

A variety of professional input is necessary to offer patients the best possible professional help for the patients to manage their own condition with support, encouragement and access at all times. Parks is fortunate to have all these relevant practitioners working together and cross- refer in order to assist in the management of your condition. Referral may not always be necessary but if extra help is required the Physiotherapist in charge of your treatment plan and arrangements made will suggest this.