We see many different types of persistent pain, also known as chronic pain, within physiotherapy. The links on this page are aimed at helping to improving your understanding of persistent pain and the management of persistent pain.
Two of the most common types of persistent pain we see in physiotherapy are back pain and joint pain associated with osteoarthritis. We run two classes aimed at targeting these specifically, 'Back to Fitness' and the 'Lower Limb Education and Exercise Class (LLEEG). Both classes run once a week, for six weeks and include:
- Education: There will be a different topic each week. The aim of the discussions is to improve your understanding of persistent pain, to improve your knowledge of self-management strategies and to improve your confidence implementing beneficial changes. The topics covered include anatomy and pain, values and goals, activity management, healthy lifestyle, and flare ups
- Exercise: You will get to try a variety of exercises over the 6 weeks. The aim is to improve your confidence with exercising and pacing.
- Relaxation: You will get to try different types of relaxation. Examples include breathing exercises, visualisation, body scans, progressive relaxations and mindfulness. The aim is to improve your awareness of the benefits of relaxation and how you can implement this in your life.
We have several resources for both classes, to help both those that have attended to remember what they have learned, and for those that are unable to attend to learn more about their condition. The resources can be found via the links below.
The leaflets are an introduction to the classes and include the key messages, whereas the workbooks include a more detailed review of the class, as well as links to additional information about the topics discussed. The workbooks are additionally broken into 6 separate documents, the contents of which are the same as the workbook, but split into individual topics.
Back Class
Back class leaflet:
Back class workbook:
Split into different topics:
- Anatomy and pain
- Exploring thoughts about pain and acceptance
- Values, goals and communication
- Activity management
- Healthy lifestyle
- Stress and flare ups
YouTube recordings of the back class talks:
YouTube recordings of the back class exercises:
Lower Limb Exercise and Education Group (LLEEG)
LLEEG leaflet:
LLEEG workbook:
Split into different topics:
- Anatomy, pain and OA
- Physical activity and activity management
- Sleep and healthy eating
- Mental wellbeing and stress
- Values and goals
- Flare ups and other OA management options
YouTube recordings of the LLEEG talks:
YouTube recordings of the LLEEG exercises:
Other Resources
Examples of guided relaxations, breathing exercises and mindful movement:
A great webinar, made by Flipping pain, “Pain education for the Nation!” can be found on You Tube via this link.
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