Why attend?
As many as one in four young people experience chronic pain. Headaches, abdominal pain and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome are the most common forms of ongoing childhood pain.
How does it work?
Goals of functional rehabilitation intervention at Succeed Healthcare Solutions can include achieving a sustainable increase in function in personal, domestic, community, leisure, social and school/work domains. This can have a positive effect on mood, relationships, and self-belief. The program consists of 12 x 1 hour sessions, with half an hour with the young person and half an hour with the carer present.
| Physical intervention | Psychological intervention |
| Initial appointment | |
| Understanding physical pain including the role of Endorphins, Cortisol and the ‘Boom/Bust Cycle’ | Exploring mood (ie. helpful/unhelpful thoughts and beliefs) |
| Goal setting | |
| Activity diary | Explore Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (the link between thoughts, feelings and actions). |
| Activity planner | Reframing unhelpful thoughts/beliefs |
| Goal planning | Relaxation; sleep strategies (if needed) |
| Review | |
| Planning for possible ‘flare ups’ | |
Once initial goals are achieved, the cycle is repeated from goal setting onwards by formulating and addressing new goals as needed.
The Occupational Therapist at Succeed Healthcare Solutions is a Medicare approved Better Access to Mental Health provider, who is able to provide guidance on physical and psychological components of chronic pain intervention. Our physiotherapist and exercise physiologist are also able to provide guidance on the techniques. Referrals to supporting practitioners such as Psychologists are able to be made on an as needed basis. Liaison with the treating doctor may be helpful as part of the process and will be discussed if needed.
Therapy assistants are available to generalise skills learnt during clubs to the everyday environment.