Pain
The Integrative Approach to Pain
Pain is a condition that most people have experienced at some point in their lifetime, whether through injury, illness or prolonged stress, acute and chronic pain can be overwhelming and debilitating. In circumstances of prolonged chronic pain, the discomfort can have a big impact on your overall health, both physically and mentally.
Pain is a condition that has many different presentations within the body and therefore it is essential to determine the best course of action and modalities to assist in supporting and ideally easing the pain.
The integrative team at The Health Lodge work together to assist you in finding the best combination of treatments to address your pain.
Osteopathy & Pain
Osteopathy is a form of manual therapy that can provide effective support in the treatment of pain. Osteopaths focus on the body’s musculoskeletal system (joints, muscles, ligaments, soft tissues and lymphatic system), aiming to restore balance, alignment, and function. By using gentle manipulation, stretching, and massage techniques, osteopathy can alleviate musculoskeletal pain caused by conditions such as back pain, neck pain, joint discomfort, and sports injuries.
Osteopaths also consider the interconnectedness of the body, recognising that imbalances in one area can affect other areas. By addressing structural and mechanical issues, osteopathy can improve circulation, reduce tension, enhance mobility, and promote overall well-being. Osteopathic treatment plans are tailored to each individual’s specific needs for optimal pain relief and functional improvement.
Our Osteopath Melanie Dearlove works with patients to address acute and chronic pain, whilst addressing the root cause of imbalance.
Acupuncture & Pain
Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine can combine different techniques to address structural and physiological imbalances in the body. The techniques that may be used can involve the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body, acupressure, massage, cupping, moxibustion and heat therapy. These techniques are believed to treat pain by promoting the flow of energy, known as Qi, along meridians or energy pathways of the body.
Acupuncture is thought to stimulate the release of endorphins and other natural pain-relieving substances, modulate the nervous system, and reduce inflammation.
By targeting specific acupuncture points, acupuncture practitioners aim to restore balance and harmony within the body, addressing both the root cause of pain and the associated symptoms. While individual responses may vary, acupuncture has been reported to provide pain relief for various conditions, including musculoskeletal pain, headaches, and chronic pain syndromes.
Acupuncture is often used as a complementary therapy alongside conventional medical treatments. The Acupuncturists at The Health Lodge work collaboratively to effectively support the treatment of pain.
Massage & Pain
Eclectic massage, a therapeutic approach that integrates various massage techniques, can offer support in the treatment of pain. By combining different modalities such as Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, myofascial release, and trigger point therapy, eclectic massage aims to address the specific needs of individuals experiencing pain.
The techniques used can help relieve muscle tension, improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and promote relaxation. Additionally, eclectic massage can enhance the release of endorphins, natural pain-relieving chemicals in the body. By tailoring the treatment to target areas of pain and discomfort, eclectic massage can provide relief, improve mobility, and support overall well-being.
Luke Szabo is a Massage Therapist and multi-modality practitioner that works holistically to address and treat pain.
Naturopathy & Pain
Naturopathy takes a holistic approach to treating pain, including conditions like fibromyalgia and migraines, by identifying and addressing the underlying drivers. Naturopaths explore factors such as nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, inflammation, and lifestyle habits that contribute to pain.
By conducting comprehensive assessments, they create personalised treatment plans that may include dietary modifications, supplementation, herbal medicine, stress management techniques, and lifestyle adjustments. Naturopaths aim to reduce inflammation, improve nutrient status, balance hormones, and optimise overall health to alleviate pain.
By treating the root causes, naturopathy seeks to provide long-term relief and improve the individual’s quality of life, promoting a comprehensive and integrative approach to pain management.
The Integrative Naturopaths at The Health Lodge integrate other modalities in their treatment plans, for comprehensive treatment of pain.
Medical Cannabis & Pain
Medical cannabis, with its active compounds called cannabinoids, has shown potential in supporting the treatment of pain. Cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in pain modulation. By binding to cannabinoid receptors, these compounds can reduce pain signals and inflammation.
Medical cannabis may be prescribed for chronic pain conditions, neuropathic pain, and pain associated with certain diseases. It can provide relief, improve sleep, and enhance overall well-being.
It is important to note that medical cannabis should be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional, as dosage, strain selection, and potential side effects need to be carefully considered for optimal pain management.
Biological Dentistry & Pain
A biological dentist can offer support in the treatment of pain by addressing dental issues that may be causing or contributing to pain. They focus on a holistic approach, considering the relationship between oral health and overall well-being. Biological dentists use biocompatible materials and techniques that minimise toxicity and promote natural healing. They may identify and treat dental infections, decay, misalignments, or bite issues that can cause pain.
Additionally, Dentists may explore the connection between dental health and systemic conditions, such as migraines or chronic pain, to provide comprehensive care. By addressing underlying dental issues, a biological dentist can help alleviate pain and promote oral and systemic health.
A biological dentist also pays attention to how someone is breathing and sleeping in relation to the treatment of pain. They understand that breathing and sleep quality have a significant impact on overall health and well-being. They may assess for issues such as mouth breathing, airway obstructions, or sleep apnea, which can contribute to pain and discomfort. By addressing these concerns, such as providing breathing exercises, recommending oral appliances, or collaborating with sleep specialists, the biological dentist can help improve respiratory function, enhance sleep quality, and alleviate pain associated with sleep disorders.
By considering the broader aspects of oral health and its connection to breathing and sleep, the biological dentist provides a comprehensive approach to pain management and overall health promotion.
Our biological dentist Mona Board is passionate about supporting people in their health journey.
Occupational Therapy & Pain
Living with pain can present unique challenges, impacting most areas of life. Simple, everyday tasks become monumental challenges, affecting independence, social interactions, and overall quality of life. Occupational therapists (OT’s) recognise the multifaceted nature of these challenges. Whether it’s the frustration of being unable to perform routine activities, the cognitive fog that clouds decision-making, or the emotional toll of navigating life with pain, OT’s are uniquely positioned to address these challenges.
Our OT, Hayley Bowers, embodies a whole person approach to pain by supporting clients to build practical skills that contribute to the improvement of nervous system health. This incorporates mind-body interventions such as mindfulness, breathing techniques and self-regulation. Additionally, Hayley supports individuals in adopting energy conservation and pacing strategies, as well as exploring daily living aids or environmental adaptations to aimed to reduce the physical demands on the body and mind.
Learn With Us!
Our Education Portal provides you with the opportunity to learn from our exceptional team of integrative practitioners.
Explore articles, informative videos and resources created by our team to inform, educate and assist you in cultivating health and well-being in your daily life:
Suffering from Pelvic Pain? Osteopathy Can Help – read here
Low Level Laser Therapy and Neuropathic Pain Treatment – read here
Medical Cannabis for Pain and Mood Disorders – watch here
How Osteopathy Can Help to Thaw Out Your Frozen Shoulder – read here
Shop With Us!
The Remedy Room provides an online Herbal Dispensary and Naturopathic Services where you can purchase a range of healthcare products and address acute naturopathic care.
The Remedy Room also offers free Naturopathic consultations to assist you with purchasing prescription-only products.
For more information, you can contact The Remedy Room on 02 6685 6445
Integrative Treatment and Coordinated Care
At The Health Lodge, we understand that navigating ill-health can be challenging and we are here to support you in your health journey. Our integrative health professionals recognise that through combining modalities we can create more opportunities for healing.
We offer customised coordinated care programs, integrating the best modalities and treatment protocols to address your health needs.
Book a free 15min call back from one of our team to discuss how a coordinated care or day patient program may suit your needs.
