Painaustralia is Australia’s leading pain advocacy body working to improve the quality of life of people living with pain, their families and carers, and to minimise the social and economic burden of pain on individuals and the community. 

Painaustralia Deputy Chair discusses managing persistent pain
on ABC Radio

July 2026

Painaustralia Deputy Chair discusses managing persistent pain on ABC Radio

Painaustralia Deputy Chair Dr Marc Russo recently joined Troy Sincock on ABC SA & NT Evenings to discuss the realities of living with persistent pain and why helping people develop the skills to better manage their pain is just as important as treating it.

Drawing on both his extensive experience as a pain specialist and his own lived experience of chronic pain, Dr Russo spoke candidly about the uncertainty that persistent pain can bring. He reflected on a time when he questioned whether he would be able to continue working as a doctor before learning to adapt to his pain and manage it in a way that allowed him to continue both his career and daily life.

Dr Russo explained that while modern medicine can often reduce pain, it is not always possible to eliminate it completely. "A lot of the time we have to be frank with patients that they may have some residual pain long term."

He explained that around 10 per cent of people who experience pain following an accident, injury or disease will go on to develop persistent pain. Once pain has persisted for around three months, it is important to begin working with people to help them understand and manage their pain, providing strategies that reduce its impact on their lives and minimise unnecessary suffering.

Rather than focusing solely on eliminating pain, Dr Russo said pain management aims to improve function, build confidence and help people regain control over their lives.

"We're trying to help patients not have the same level of suffering from pain and to learn new ways of managing it."

One of the key concepts Dr Russo discussed was the "boom and bust" cycle, where people living with persistent pain often push themselves on days when they feel better, only to experience a significant increase in pain and fatigue afterwards. Pain management programs help people recognise these patterns, pace their activities and develop sustainable strategies that allow them to participate more consistently in work, family and everyday life.

Dr Russo also highlighted the unpredictability of persistent pain and the impact it can have on employment and daily life.

"Many people are often on limited hours of work, or no work at all, and never know on any given day how that day is going to pan out."

The interview highlights the importance of ensuring people have access to evidence-based pain management that not only aims to reduce pain where possible but also helps them develop the skills and confidence to better manage persistent pain and its impact on everyday life.

Listen here to Dr Marc Russo's interview starts at 2:05:10.

Annual Report 2025

July 2026

We are pleased to present Painaustralia's Annual Report for 2025.

Key achievements include:

• International Pain Month Activites
• Our annual Wear it Red for Pain campaign
• The release of our report on Shingles - It’s Not Just a Rash
• Partnering with Pain Education and Management to support consumer engagement of the Pathways app
• Being a finalist in the Health Hub Industry Awards
• Further work on the Opioid Safety Toolkit

Special thanks to our Consumer Advisory Group and Clinical Advisory Council for their support and wealth of knowledge in helping us in our advocacy and awareness activities.

To read more, you can download the 2025 Annual Report here.

Parliamentary Friends of Pain Management - Bringing the Voices of People Living with Pain to Parliament

March 2026

Launch of a new patient-led communication resource supporting better conversations between patients and healthcare professionals.

On 10 March 2026, the Parliamentary Friends of Pain Management hosted an event at Parliament House bringing together parliamentarians, advocates, clinicians and people with lived experience of chronic pain. The gathering highlighted the importance of recognising chronic pain as a complex health condition and ensuring that people living with pain are supported to be active partners in their care.

The event also marked the launch of the MPaCT – My Pain Assessment Communication Tool, developed in collaboration with Painaustralia and Dragon Claw Charity. MPaCT is a patient-designed tool that helps people communicate the nature and impact of their pain more clearly, supporting better understanding between patients and healthcare professionals and strengthening patient-centred care. We would like to extend our thanks to our Co-Convenors of the Parliamentary Friends of Pain Management Senator Wendy Askew and Mr David Smith MP who spoke at and hosted our event.

Media Release

"My Pain Is Not a Number": New Patient-Led Tool Launched at Parliament House in Canberra to Transform Pain Communication

10 March 2026

MPaCT empowers people living with chronic pain to communicate impact, priorities and function - not just a score

A powerful new patient-led communication tool designed to transform how chronic pain is understood and treated was launched at Parliament House during today's Parliamentary Friends of Pain Management event.

The event brought together patient leaders, clinicians, advocates and policymakers to discuss the future of pain communication in Australia and the urgent need for reform.

The My Pain Assessment Communication Tool (MPaCT), developed by patients for patients, was formally introduced in collaboration with Painaustralia and Dragon Claw Charity, which is currently evolving into MyFlareUp.

Read More

Pathways App & Handbook

January 2026

Living with chronic pain can be overwhelming, and finding the right support isn’t always easy. The Pathways app brings trusted pain education, practical tools, and care pathways together in one simple, accessible place. Developed by Pain Education and Management, Painaustralia is proud to join with and support this app that has been designed to help people with chronic pain better understand their condition and take meaningful steps towards improved day-to-day living.

For more information and to download the app, click here.

Through the Pathways app, consumers can access an evidence-based, 11-module pain management program that covers topics such as understanding pain, medication, movement, sleep, nutrition and reconditioning the body. The app can be used independently or alongside your GP or allied health professional, supporting a multidisciplinary approach to pain care. Everyone can access free learning modules, with further support available through GP referral at no out-of-pocket cost.

More than just education, the Pathways app also helps connect people to services, clinician-led consultations, case reviews, and ongoing support. It recognises that no two pain journeys are the same and provides clear options to help consumers who live in chronic pain to find the right pathway to live better. If you’re looking for practical guidance, credible information and a sense of direction, the Pathways app is a valuable place to start.

To help you navigate the app and access the services you need, Painaustralia has developed a step-by-step handbook to guide you in its use and get you started on your journey to manage and live better with your pain.  

For more information and to download the handbook, click here.

The Hidden Epidemic: Living with Chronic Pain | Health in Focus

November 2025

Chronic pain is more than just a problem - it’s a hidden epidemic.

For millions of Australians, chronic pain isn’t a temporary setback. It’s a daily reality that affects their ability to work, connect with loved ones, sleep, and simply enjoy life.

From tackling stigma and improving communication with doctors to developing innovative tools like the MyPain Assessment and Communication Tool, Painaustralia CEO Monika shares how advocacy, education, and empathy can help people find better care and understanding.

Special mix of treatment could finally bring relief to Aussies suffering chronic pain

November 2025

Temporomandibular joint pain affects the jaw, temples, face, and ears, and can cause severe headaches and difficulty talking and chewing.

Like many patients who live in chronic pain, our consumer advisory group member Amie Rule has turned to a range of treatments to manage her chronic jaw pain.

See her featured along with our CEO, Monika Boogs, in this National 7 news story.

Shingles Awareness - The Hidden Health Baggage

October 2025

Our CEO Monika Boogs was invited to join Australian TV star and comedian Julia Morris to raise awareness about the devasting impact of shingles and the long-lasting pain so many patients can experience.

The Hidden Health Baggage campaign in Sydney Harbour on 14^th October highlighted that 97 per cent of Australians over 40 already carrying the virus that causes shingles from a previous chickenpox infection.

Too often, shingles is thought of as “just a rash’ when in reality, it can be painful and debilitating.

Beyond the visible symptoms, it can disrupt sleep, mood, work, and daily activities and potentially affect quality of live. For some people, it can also lead to long-term issues including chronic nerve pain.

A Painaustralia survey asking consumers about shingles and its impact found that out of 2000 respondents, 92 per cent experienced nerve pain.

Nearly half said their pain lasted more than a year. And 53 per cent said shingles affected their ability to work and were forced to reduce their hours or retire early.

One of the key messages of the campaign is to please talk to your health professional about how you can protect yourself against shingles.