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Located in Shenton Park & Hillarys

Chronic Pain

Pain is something that everyone experiences, but what may be suprising to learn is that around 1 in 5 children and adolescents have peristing pain. It affects many dimensions of your childs life including physical wellebing, concentraition, school, hobbies, sleep, friendships and family relationships. Our therapists will assess the complex interactions of:

  • Physical factors; such as changes in your childs nervous system sensitivity, and changes within the musculoskeletal system such as deconditioning and altered movement patterns

  • Behavioural / Lifestyle changes, such as activity patterns, avoidance and sleep

  • Cognitive factors such as your childs beliefs, emotions and coping strategies

All of our therapists work together to  design a goal orientated management program in conjunction with you and your child with the aim to optimise function. Management strategies include:

  • Pain education

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) based techniques

  • Goal setting and identifying barriers

  • Graded exercise therapy including stretching, strengthening, balance and activity specific exercises

  • Relaxation, mindfulness and meditation techniques

  • Yoga

  • Motivational Interviewing

  • Sleep hygiene

  • Problem Solving

  • Liaising with schools (OT) and coaches (PT) to assist graded return to activity

  • Assistance with mood, anxiety and stress management (Psychology)

  • Assistance with diet changes and nutritional intake (Dietitian)

The therapists at Western Kids Health understand that successfully managing persistent pain needs a multidisciplinary approach. To make therapy fun, reduce the cost to families, increase independence and assist problem solving, our therapists developed the TARGiT program – a  child and parent group based CBT program. Our psychologist, OT, physiotherapist, yoga therapist and dietitian work together on this program to address the individual needs of you child and family. If you would like to attend a program please contact us.