Pain Management: How it works and who it helps

Pain management helps reduce the impact of chronic pain and restore independence. With tailored support, you can regain confidence and return to the activities that matter most.

Q&A with Angie Henderson, Service Lead Pain Management, Habit Health

Wondering what pain management actually means and whether it could help you?

Living with chronic pain can feel overwhelming. It can affect your work, your sleep, your hobbies, and your relationships. At Habit Health, our pain management services are designed to help people take back control and live more fully.

What does pain management mean?

Pain management is about more than easing symptoms. It looks at the whole picture, your whole person, how pain affects your body, your mood, your sleep, and your day-to-day life. A team of physiotherapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, and medical specialists work together to build a personalised program that supports both short and long-term goals.

Angie sums it up simply: “It’s about understanding your pain and taking control.”

 

Who we help and the types of pain we see

At Habit Health, our pain management service is here for anyone living with chronic pain. No two people experience pain in the same way, so every programme is built around individual goals and needs.

As Angie explains: “We carry out rehab programmes for all kinds of pain presentations, from chronic musculoskeletal pain such as chronic back pain to complex regional pain syndrome. Any ongoing pain experienced longer than 3 months”

Here are some of the more common types of pain we support:

• Chronic back or neck pain 
  Ongoing pain in the back or neck can make everyday life harder, from lifting at work to enjoying hobbies. Our team helps by creating tailored strategies such as movement plans, pacing, and strengthening exercises, all designed to build confidence and get people back to what matters most.

• Neuropathic pain
  This nerve-related pain can feel like burning, tingling, numbness, or even electric shocks. It often comes from conditions like vertebral disc injuries or nerve compression. We combine gentle physical activity, psychological support, and medical input to reduce the impact of symptoms and make daily activities more manageable.
• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
  CRPS is a persistent pain condition that usually affects an arm or leg, often after an injury or surgery. Along with pain, people may experience swelling, stiffness, or changes in skin colour and temperature. Our approach involves the whole team — physiotherapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, and medical specialists — working together to improve mobility, strength, and overall wellbeing.

Wondering what your treatment might involve?

What’s included in a treatment plan will look different for everyone, but it might involve:

• Physiotherapy to explore a gentle movement approach and gradually re-introduce physical activity
• Psychology and occupational therapy sessions
• Medical reviews and medication support
• Tailored exercise programmes
• Practical strategies for everyday life

The goal is always the same, to reduce the impact of chronic pain so people can move forward with more independence and confidence.

 

How does Pain Management work?

Our understanding of chronic pain has changed dramatically over the last 10-20 years, so it is exciting to deliver rehabilitation programs that are at the forefront of current scientific research. Our programs all start with an initial appointment. This first session is focused on understanding your pain story and how it affects your life. The team gathers information about the physical, emotional, and social factors that contribute to pain, then works with you to create a plan that feels realistic and achievable.

“Throughout our programmes we are always looking for signs of neuroplasticity, which is the process of the pain system changing,” explains Angie.

This progress looks different for everyone. For some, it might mean walking further or lifting more at work. For others, it could be better sleep, an improved mood, or returning to a much-loved hobby. Programmes are designed to track these changes so you can see how far you’ve come.

 

Accessing Pain Management Services

Habit Health provides both private and ACC-funded pain management services.

• ACC-funded services: For those experiencing chronic pain for 3+ months, you can access ACC-funded support. You’ll just need a referral from any registered health professional. Physiotherapists at Habit Health can provide this referral directly, making it simple to get started.
• Private services: You can self-refer at any time.

 

What surprises people

Many clients arrive unsure of what to expect but leave with new confidence. Angie says one of the most rewarding parts is seeing people realise they are capable of more than they thought: “People are often surprised at their ability to achieve a goal when they initially thought it was unattainable. We are very lucky to be able to deliver cutting edge pain management programs and see the wonderful outcomes our clients are achieving”

 

Why this work matters

Chronic pain can leave people feeling stuck and hopeless. Over time, the right support helps people regain a sense of control. Angie describes the best part of her role as “seeing the progress that clients make towards achieving their goals, and more importantly taking control of their lives again.”

 

Take the First Step

If chronic pain is holding you back, Habit Health’s pain management treatments can help you set goals, build confidence, and take control of your life again. Book a physiotherapy appointment online to see if this service is right for you and, if appropriate, receive a referral for ACC pain management support.