Physiotherapy. This is a range of passive and active exercises and movements designed to maintain or improve movement and flexibility of joints, and maintain or improve muscle tone and strength. The Australian Physiotherapy Association Physiotherapists are highly skilled practitioners who use scientific evidence based research to manage and improve pain.

In general terms, an active exercise program is needed when suffering persistent (chronic) pain. This means a program that is individually designed for you by your physiotherapist which entails specific exercises which you can complete in your own time. The physiotherapist will assess your present physical function and gear the exercises to your personal level of attainment and overall physical health. The physiotherapist will design a treatment plan for you and liaise with other members of your health care team where appropriate. Physios can include your family or carer if you wish.

When you have persistent pain, it hurts to exercise but it hurts a lot more if you don’t. It only takes one week in bed for muscles to begin wasting and joints to stiffen so a stretching and strengthening exercise program can help build fitness which in turn helps to cope with persistent pain.

The Australian Physiotherapy Association website has a Find a Physio service at http://members.physiotherapy.asn.au/source/members/apa_MemberSearch.cfm?search=FP