Persistent Pain
Persistent pain care focuses on function, confidence, pacing and a gradual return to meaningful activity.
Arthritis & persistent pain · Information for women and girls
Quick answer
What is Persistent Pain?
Persistent pain care focuses on function, confidence, pacing and a gradual return to meaningful activity. This information guide cannot diagnose the cause of symptoms. A physiotherapy assessment determines whether conservative rehabilitation is suitable or whether medical review is needed.
What is the first step?
Start with a conversation and an assessment. Symptoms that sound similar can have different causes, so the plan should be based on your history, examination, goals and any medical guidance already provided.
Presentations included in this guide
These terms describe related presentations, not an online diagnosis. A clinician must interpret symptoms in context.
Persistent musculoskeletal pain
Assessment considers symptoms, function, medical history and the activities you need to regain.
Pain-related fear and movement avoidance
Assessment considers symptoms, function, medical history and the activities you need to regain.
Functional decline
Assessment considers symptoms, function, medical history and the activities you need to regain.
Recurrent pain with deconditioning
Assessment considers symptoms, function, medical history and the activities you need to regain.
How physiotherapy may support recovery
The exact plan depends on assessment findings, irritability, medical guidance and your goals.
Understand the presentation
Discuss symptom behaviour, health history, daily demands and what matters most to you.
Restore useful movement
Use appropriate education, movement practice and progressive exercise within comfort and clinical safety.
Build capacity and confidence
Progress strength, control, balance or endurance toward meaningful daily, work or activity goals.
An assessment-first pathway
No fixed protocol or recovery promise is appropriate before assessment.
Listen and screen
We discuss the problem, goals, relevant medical care and symptoms that may need referral.
Assess function
Relevant movement, strength, balance, coordination or activity measures are selected for your presentation.
Plan and review
A suitable plan is progressed and reassessed according to response rather than a generic timeline.
Safety and referral guidance
Assessment determines suitability
This information guide cannot diagnose the cause of symptoms. A physiotherapy assessment determines whether conservative rehabilitation is suitable or whether medical review is needed.
Medical care remains part of the pathway
Physiotherapy supports movement and function. It does not replace medical diagnosis, medication decisions, surgery or urgent care.
Seek urgent medical assessment for
- •New loss of bladder or bowel control with back pain, or saddle numbness
- •Rapidly progressive weakness or a new neurological deficit
- •Suspected fracture, dislocation or inability to safely bear weight
- •Chest pain, severe shortness of breath or stroke warning signs
- •A hot, red, swollen calf or concern about a blood clot
- •Severe pregnancy-related symptoms requiring obstetric review
Frequently asked questions
+Can physiotherapy help with persistent pain?
Physiotherapy may support movement, strength, confidence and daily function for some presentations. Suitability depends on assessment, medical stability and whether specialist or multidisciplinary care is required.
+Do I need a confirmed diagnosis before contacting the clinic?
You can ask about symptoms without already knowing the diagnosis. The clinic can explain whether a physiotherapy assessment is appropriate or whether medical review should come first.
+Will I receive the same exercise plan as everyone else?
No. Exercise selection and progression should reflect your assessment, goals, current capacity and response. This page intentionally does not prescribe exercises.