Pain

Pain is generally a distressing symptom, that can be both physical or psychological in nature. It can have a significant impact on a persons’ quality of a life.

Pain can be subjective, meaning people often do not experience the same type of pain. An individual’s personal beliefs, personality traits and social factors can also influence their experience of pain. What is tolerable for one person may not be for another. Our team are specialists in pain management and will work with you to ensure your pain, if present, is well controlled, so you are as comfortable as possible.

It is for this reason that during each visit/contact the Banksia clinical team will ask about your pain, including if you have any new pain issues, so we can alter your care plan accordingly. We focus on prevention and early intervention as the best way to manage your pain so it is important to always tell us, your GP or someone from your medical team about your pain.

Pain Suggestions

It is very helpful to keep a record describing the pain, including:

• • Where it is.
• • What time it occurs.
• • The type of pain (sharp, dull, muscular, cramping, constant).
• • Trying to rate the pain as a figure out of 10 (using the Client Self-Assessment Tool).
• • Noting the effect of any pain medication taken.

Pain medication should be taken at regular intervals to prevent pain from developing, rather than waiting for pain to occur.

If you have been prescribed new pain medication one of our nurses and/or your GP will discuss how and when to use the medication and any potential side effects that can occur.

We may suggest other therapies or activities that support medications, such as massage, music therapy and relaxation activities, all of which can be very effective depending on the circumstance.