Pain Management Clinic Taringa, QLD

Here, you can find more details about the main treatment procedures that our practitioners provide at our pain clinic.

Osteopathy

Our osteopathic medical professionals at Prime Health Hub’s pain clinic in Taringa, QLD, use osteopathic treatment to manage a range of health issues, including mechanical pain (pain from a structural imbalance in the muscle, tendon, or bone). They aim to treat the underlying cause of your condition. Our practitioners employ osteopathic therapy to help your body function properly and identify and prevent illness. The technique aids your body’s ability to heal itself by ensuring that your bones and muscles are balanced and in the right alignment.

Cranial Osteopathy

Cranial osteopathy is a subtle kind of osteopathy that considers the interconnection of all of the body’s systems and treats the body as a whole. At Prime Health Hub’s pain clinic in Taringa, QLD, we use cranial osteopathy to treat adults, adolescents, and children’s body aches and pains.

We work with your body gently as we help you find greater balance and movement, which will also help you feel less pain. Our team of cranial osteopaths utilizes their expertise in the sense of touch when they diagnose areas of strain or dysfunction to identify minor changes in the quality of tissue and tension in the living anatomy of the whole body. With this technique and closely relating diagnosis and treatment, they actually stimulate the natural ability of the body to heal itself.

Dry Needling

Our expert physical therapists at Prime Health Hub efficiently manage each patient by combining the dry needling technique with other evidence-based therapies. Your muscles’ trigger points are deactivated during the process using a dry needle or a needle without medicine.

A muscle can consist of trigger points, which are painful to the touch. They are formed as a result of muscular injury or overuse. When touched, an activated trigger point can cause pain to radiate to other parts of your body. Our physical therapists will utilize dry needling to relax your trigger points and minimize pain.

Acupuncture

Acupoints are specific locations on the body where small, solid, metallic needles are inserted into the skin during the acupuncture technique, which is a key component of traditional Chinese medicine. It is being used more frequently for overall wellness, which includes stress reduction.

The needles balance the body’s energy, or qi, and also trigger the body to release natural substances to treat the ailment or symptom. Patients with a variety of health issues can receive acupuncture at our pain clinic in Taringa, QLD.

Psychology

When you experience any kind of pain, you can feel angry, depressed, despairing, or hopeless. Your personality can change, your sleep can be disturbed, and your work and relationships can be affected by pain. At the pain clinic in Taringa, QLD, of Prime Health Hub, our psychologists offer psychological treatment through secure, drug-free techniques that can relieve your pain directly. By teaching you how to deal with the numerous issues related to pain, our psychological counseling also helps to improve the indirect effects of pain.

Common types of pain and their management:

• Nociceptive Pain:
  • Origins: Arises from the activation of pain receptors (nociceptors) in response to tissue damage or injury.
  • Subtypes:
    • Somatic Pain: Originates from skin, muscles, or joints. Examples include cuts, fractures, or sprains.
    • Visceral Pain: Originates from internal organs. Conditions like appendicitis or gastrointestinal disorders can cause visceral pain.
  • Diagnostic Methods:
    • Clinical assessment and medical history.
    • Physical examination to identify the source of pain.
    • Imaging studies like X-rays, CT scans, or MRI to visualise structural issues.
    • Blood tests to check for inflammatory markers or other underlying causes.
  • Conventional Treatment:
    • Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve).
    • Prescription-strength NSAIDs or opioids for more severe pain.
    • Physical therapy to improve function and reduce pain.
    • Surgical interventions to address the underlying cause (e.g., joint replacement for osteoarthritis).
  • Osteopathic Assessment: Osteopaths can use all the diagnostic methods mentioned above and Osteopathic assessments which help identify musculoskeletal issues contributing to nociceptive pain. Osteopaths use techniques like palpation, range of motion testing, and postural evaluation to locate somatic dysfunctions that may lead to pain
  • OMP (Osteopathic Management Plan): OMT (Osteopathic manipulation techniques) for nociceptive pain may include soft tissue massage, myofascial release, and joint mobilisation. These methods aim to reduce muscle tension, improve joint mobility, and alleviate pain associated with tissue damage or injury.
• Neuropathic Pain:
  • Origins: Results from damage or dysfunction of the nervous system, leading to abnormal pain sensations.
  • Examples: Diabetic neuropathy, post-herpetic neuralgia, and nerve compression syndromes.
  • Diagnostic Methods:
    • Detailed medical history and description of pain characteristics.
    • Neurological examination to assess sensory and motor functions.
    • Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies (NCS) to evaluate nerve function.
    • Imaging (e.g., MRI) to identify nerve compression or structural abnormalities.
    • Skin biopsies to diagnose conditions like small fiber neuropathy.
  • Conventional Treatment:
    • Anticonvulsant medications (e.g., gabapentin) to stabilise nerve activity.
    • Antidepressant medications (e.g., amitriptyline) to modulate pain signals.
    • Opioid analgesics for severe cases.
    • Topical treatments like lidocaine patches.
    • Physical therapy and nerve blocks for certain conditions.
  • Osteopathic Assessment: Osteopaths can use all the diagnostic methods mentioned above and Osteopaths assess the spine, nervous system, and soft tissues for restrictions or misalignments that could contribute to neuropathic pain. Manual techniques may be used to address musculoskeletal factors affecting nerve function.
  • OMP (Osteopathic Management Plan): For neuropathic pain, OMT can involve gentle techniques to release restrictions along the spine and peripheral nerves. OMT can encompass cranial osteopathy and peripheral nerve manipulation to address nerve-related issues causing neuropathic pain. These techniques aim to improve nerve function and alleviate pain.
• Radicular Pain:
  • Origins: Occurs when a nerve root is irritated or compressed, leading to pain that radiates along the nerve’s pathway.
  • Example: Sciatica, caused by compression of the sciatic nerve.
  • Diagnostic Methods:
    • Clinical evaluation, including a history of pain distribution.
    • Neurological examination to assess reflexes, sensory changes, and muscle weakness.
    • Imaging studies like MRI or CT myelography to visualise nerve compression.
    • Diagnostic nerve blocks to confirm the source of pain.
  • Conventional Treatment:
    • Physical therapy and exercise to relieve pressure on the nerve.
    • Medications such as NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, or opioids for pain relief.
    • Epidural steroid injections to reduce inflammation.
    • Surgical interventions (e.g., discectomy) for severe cases.
  • Osteopathic Assessment: Osteopaths can use all the diagnostic methods mentioned above and Osteopaths assess spinal alignment, mobility, and muscle tension to identify sources of nerve root compression. OMT techniques can help alleviate muscle tension and improve nerve function.
  • OMP (Osteopathic Management Plan): OMT techniques for radicular pain may include spinal mobilisation and stretching exercises to alleviate nerve root compression. The goal is to reduce pressure on the affected nerve and improve its function.
• Psychogenic Pain:
  • Origins: Related to psychological factors, and the pain may not have a clear physical cause. It is real and distressing to the individual.
  • Examples: Pain exacerbated by emotional stress or trauma.
  • Diagnostic Methods:
    • Comprehensive psychological assessment to identify emotional factors contributing to pain.
    • Ruling out physical causes through medical evaluations and tests.
    • Observing the patient’s response to psychological interventions.
  • Conventional Treatment:
    • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to address underlying psychological factors.
    • Medications for co-existing conditions like depression or anxiety.
    • Stress management techniques and relaxation therapies.
  • Osteopathic Assessment: Osteopaths can use all the diagnostic methods mentioned above and Osteopaths perform structural assessments to rule out musculoskeletal causes of pain and assess for somatic dysfunctions. While they can’t diagnose psychogenic pain, they can help identify any co-existing musculoskeletal issues.
  • OMP (Osteopathic Management Plan): Osteopaths may use relaxation techniques, gentle manipulations, and cranial osteopathy to help patients with psychogenic pain. These methods can promote relaxation and reduce muscle tension associated with stress and anxiety.
• Referred Pain:
  • Origins: Pain is felt in a different area from the actual source of pain, often due to shared nerve pathways.
  • Example: Pain from a heart attack being felt in the left arm or jaw.
  • Diagnostic Methods:
    • Clinical evaluation to trace the location of referred pain.
    • Identifying the source of pain through medical history and physical examination.
    • Diagnostic tests if necessary to confirm the source of referred pain.
  • Conventional Treatment:
    • Treating the underlying cause of pain.
    • Pain relief medications based on the source of referred pain.
  • Osteopathic Assessment: Osteopaths can use all the diagnostic methods mentioned above and Osteopaths use hands-on assessments, including palpation and motion testing, to identify musculoskeletal issues contributing to referred pain. They can evaluate for tender or restricted areas.
  • OMP (Osteopathic Management Plan): OMT for referred pain may involve soft tissue techniques and joint mobilisation to address musculoskeletal issues contributing to the pain referral. These methods aim to improve tissue function and alleviate referred pain.
• Phantom Pain:
  • Origins: Occurs in a part of the body that has been amputated or lost sensation. The exact cause is not fully understood but is believed to result from misfiring nerve signals.
  • Example: Phantom limb pain in amputees.
  • Diagnostic Methods:
    • Clinical history and examination to confirm the presence of phantom pain.
    • No specific diagnostic tests, as phantom pain is based on patient-reported symptoms.
  • Conventional Treatment:
    • Medications like anticonvulsants, antidepressants, or opioids.
    • Mirror therapy or sensory discrimination training.
    • Stump care and prosthetic adjustments.
  • Osteopathic Assessment: Osteopaths can use all the diagnostic methods mentioned above and Osteopaths may focus on musculoskeletal issues related to phantom pain in amputees. They can provide advice on stump care, prosthetic adjustments, and may use manual techniques to address muscle imbalances.
  • OMP (Osteopathic Management Plan): Osteopathic management for phantom pain can include stump care education and prosthetic adjustments. OMT may be used to address muscle imbalances and tension in the residual limb to improve comfort.
• Inflammatory Pain:
  • Origins: Arises due to inflammation in the body, which can stimulate pain receptors.
  • Example: Pain associated with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease.
  • Diagnostic Methods:
    • Medical history and physical examination.
    • Blood tests to measure inflammatory markers (e.g., C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate).
    • Imaging studies to visualise areas of inflammation (e.g., joint X-rays for arthritis).
  • Conventional Treatment:
    • Anti-inflammatory medications (e.g., NSAIDs) to reduce inflammation and pain.
    • Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
    • Biologics for severe inflammatory conditions.
    • Physical therapy and joint protection techniques.
  • Osteopathic Assessments: Osteopaths can use all the diagnostic methods mentioned above and Osteopathic assessments for inflammatory pain involve a comprehensive evaluation of the musculoskeletal system. Osteopaths look for areas of pain, muscle tension, and restricted joint mobility. They use techniques like palpation, range of motion testing, and postural assessment to identify somatic dysfunctions contributing to inflammatory pain.
  • OMP (Osteopathic Management Plan): OMT techniques for inflammatory pain may involve gentle stretching and soft tissue mobilisation to improve joint mobility and reduce inflammation-related muscle tension.
• Ischemic Pain:
  • Origins: Caused by reduced blood flow or lack of oxygen to tissues.
  • Example: Angina pectoris, characterised by chest pain due to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle.
  • Diagnostic Methods:
    • Clinical assessment, including medical history and symptoms.
    • Non-invasive tests like Doppler ultrasound to assess blood flow.
    • Imaging studies (e.g., angiography) for more detailed evaluation.
  • Conventional Treatment:
    • Addressing the underlying vascular issues (e.g., surgery or angioplasty).
    • Medications like antiplatelet drugs or anticoagulants to prevent clot formation.
  • Osteopathic Assessments: Osteopaths can use all the diagnostic methods mentioned above and Osteopathic assessments for ischemic pain involve evaluating the circulatory system and soft tissues. Osteopaths assess for restrictions or impaired blood flow, often using manual techniques to improve circulation and alleviate muscle tension.
  • OMP (Osteopathic Management Plan): Osteopathic management of ischemic pain may include techniques to enhance blood flow and reduce muscle tension. OMT can improve circulation and alleviate pain associated with reduced blood supply to tissues.
• Cancer Pain:
  • Origins: Resulting from the presence of cancer or its treatment, cancer pain can vary in type and location.
  • Example: Pain due to tumour pressure on nerves or post-surgical pain after cancer-related procedures.
  • Diagnostic Methods:
    • Clinical assessment and cancer history.
    • Imaging (e.g., CT scans, PET scans) to locate tumours or metastases.
    • Biopsies to confirm cancer presence and identify its type.
  • Conventional Treatment:
    • Opioids, adjuvant medications, or nerve blocks for pain relief.
    • Radiation therapy or chemotherapy to shrink tumours.
    • Palliative care for comprehensive pain and symptom management.
  • Osteopathic Assessments: Osteopaths can use all the diagnostic methods mentioned above and Osteopathic assessments for cancer pain can involve a comprehensive evaluation of the patient’s musculoskeletal system to identify any pain or dysfunction related to cancer, its treatment, or associated complications.
  • OMP (Osteopathic Management Plan): Osteopaths use OMT to address musculoskeletal issues related to cancer pain, such as muscle tension and restricted joint motion. These methods can complement medical treatments and enhance overall comfort.