Guest Article from the Australian Physiotherapy Association:
Physiotherapists support Painaustralia’s National Pain Services Directory

The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) is happy to support Painaustralia’s National Pain Services Directory as physiotherapists are well-placed to use a broad scope of clinical skills to manage both acute and persistent pain.
 

Incorporation of contemporary pain science into undergraduate and post-graduate curricula as well as professional development courses have given physiotherapists the knowledge and skills to use an evidence-based approach in the biopsychosocial management of both acute and persistent pain. This could be anywhere across a spectrum of ages, and in a range of settings from paediatrics, sports, return to work and in disability and aged care environments.
 

Persistent pain is often complex, and skill is required to manage it either individually or within a multi-disciplinary setting. An appreciation of these challenges formed the impetus for the APA to develop a career pathway for those physiotherapists with advanced skills in this area.

Physiotherapists with highly developed skills in pain management can be recognised as Titled Pain Physiotherapists, while physiotherapists who have undertaken a rigorous training program within the Australian College of Physiotherapists are now practising as Specialist Pain Physiotherapists.

Physiotherapists practice pain management strategies consistent with those promoted by Painaustralia. They include education to understand pain, early screening for risk factors of developing persistent pain, appropriate exercise prescription, the adoption of helpful lifestyle changes and referral for management of psycho-social counselling when the need is identified.

Physiotherapists with a special interest in the management of pain can sign up to the Directory here.