Chronic pain affects millions worldwide — including up to 1 in 5 Australians — and impacts both physical health and mental wellbeing. Just like each of us is wonderfully unique, so are our symptoms. This means finding relief can never be a one-size-fits-all journey. Successfully managing pain often requires a team effort involving physiotherapists, occupational therapists (OTs), psychologists and other specialists. The most important thing to understand is that you are not alone as you walk this path. To prove it, we’ll show you real-life examples of how a multidisciplinary approach has helped everyday individuals and well-known figures regain control over their lives.
Managing chronic pain involves treating more than just physical symptoms; it also requires addressing emotional and psychological factors. A combination of physiotherapy, OT, and psychological support can offer comprehensive care, helping individuals find relief and improve their quality of life.
Despite singing about her Poker Face, Lady Gaga has been open about her battle with fibromyalgia, a chronic pain condition causing pain, fatigue, insomnia and hypersensitivity. Gaga, real name Stefani Germanotta, credits a multidisciplinary approach by a team of specialists to help her continue her dazzling career. It has been reported that, in conjunction with a prescribed treatment plan, Lady Gaga combines physical therapy and mental health support in the form of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to help her manage her pain, ensure she can continue performing, and maintain her well-being. She is also known for using ice baths and wearing compression suits to recover from her gruelling tour schedule. Lady Gaga’s team-based approach, addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of her wellbeing, has helped her regain control over her condition. Now, she stands as an advocate for others experiencing chronic pain, using her platform to talk about all the available options to lead a happier, pain-free life.
Physiotherapy plays a vital role in chronic pain management by restoring movement, strengthening muscles, and relieving discomfort. A personalised exercise program, manual therapy, and consistent monitoring can make a huge difference for chronic pain patients. Our team of Cairns physiotherapists are here to help you.
Golf legend Tiger Woods has faced chronic back pain for years, primarily due to nerve pain (sciatica) from a herniated disc. After multiple surgeries, including a spine fusion, his road to recovery involved an intensive physiotherapy regimen. When these surgeries often take 6 to 12 months to recover from, he was able to speed up his return to daily life. Woods’ dedicated team focused on targeted exercises to rebuild mobility and strength post-surgery. He has credited his return to competitive golf to this comprehensive care, which alleviated his pain and helped him regain the high level of performance needed to continue his professional career more quickly.
OTs assist people in adapting their everyday tasks to minimise pain. This often includes modifying workspaces, incorporating ergonomic solutions, and teaching patients new ways to complete activities with the least possible amount of discomfort. Our team of Occupational Therapists are here to help you.
After surviving a severe car accident, author Stephen King had to adjust to a new normal. After each of his numerous surgeries to reconstruct his leg and knees, Stephen found occupational therapy integral to his recovery. Regular work with OTs helped him regain movement and his independence. It also contributed to him “learning to write again”. How? King worked with experts who helped him find ways to continue his writing career by adjusting his posture and workspace, allowing him to reduce pain while pursuing his passion.
Chronic pain is not only a physical condition—it can deeply affect your mental health. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and other psychological support methods are key to helping patients manage the emotional toll of living with constant pain. Our Cairns Psychologist can help you.
Michael J. Fox, who has advanced Parkinson’s disease, has often spoken about how essential psychological support has been in managing chronic pain and maintaining a positive outlook. He uses both therapy and physical treatments to stay active in his career, showing the power of a well-rounded approach.
These stories show the power of a team-based approach. Wellness Embodied’s team of physiotherapists, occupational therapists, psychologists and other specialists work together to provide tailored, comprehensive care for every client. Whether it be restoring mobility, supporting mental well-being, or customising treatments to suit your unique lifestyle goals and dreams, we’re here to help you manage your pain and thrive in your everyday life. If you’re interested in experiencing how a multidisciplinary approach can fit and improve your health concerns, contact us to begin your journey to better wellness.
