Chronic Pain Support in Perth (Malaga & Noranda)

Physiotherapy, exercise-based rehabilitation and practical strategies for daily function

Chronic pain can affect far more than your body — it can impact sleep, mood, confidence, work, and everyday tasks. At Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health, we provide evidence-informed, person-centred support for people living with chronic pain or ongoing symptoms that limit activities of daily living (ADLs). Our focus is on improving function, capacity, and quality of life, with a practical plan you can follow.

What is chronic pain?

Chronic pain is generally defined as pain that persists for longer than 3 months, often beyond typical tissue healing time. It can occur after injury or surgery, alongside inflammatory conditions, with nerve sensitivity, or as part of persistent musculoskeletal pain. In many cases, pain is influenced by a combination of physical factors, nervous system sensitivity, lifestyle demands, sleep, stress, and overall load.

Important: We do not promise to “cure” chronic pain. Our aim is to help reduce the impact of pain and build confidence, function, and capacity over time.

How Palms can help

Our approach is goal-based and practical, combining education, movement, pacing strategies, and targeted rehabilitation. We aim to help you:

• Move more confidently and safely

• Improve strength, mobility, and endurance

• Reduce flare frequency and intensity where possible

• Re-engage in meaningful activities (home, work, community)

• Build a plan you can sustain long-term

Physiotherapy for chronic pain

Physiotherapy may support:

• Individualised exercise to improve mobility, strength, and movement control

• Gait and balance strategies when mobility confidence is affected

• Posture and movement efficiency to reduce unnecessary strain

• Pain education and flare planning (pacing, graded exposure, sleep/activity routines)

• Hands-on treatment when appropriate for short-term symptom relief (as part of an active plan)

Learn more: https://www.palmsphysiotherapy.com.au/services/physiotherapy

Exercise Physiology for chronic pain and conditioning

Exercise physiology can help build a safe, structured routine — especially when pain has led to reduced fitness, reduced confidence, or a “boom–bust” pattern.

This may include:

• Graded strength and cardiovascular conditioning

• Low-impact options where appropriate (e.g., supervised gym-based programs, modified strengthening, walking programs)

• Fatigue-aware pacing and progressions

• Building consistency without flare escalation

Learn more: https://www.palmsphysiotherapy.com.au/services/exercise-physiology

Occupational Therapy for daily living and independence (ADLs)

If pain is limiting daily activities, occupational therapy can support:

• Practical strategies for bathing, dressing, cooking, and household tasks

• Energy conservation and pacing to reduce fatigue

• Equipment and environmental modifications (when clinically indicated)

• Workplace ergonomics and task-modification strategies

Learn more: https://www.palmsphysiotherapy.com.au/services/occupational-therapy

How chronic pain can affect daily life

Chronic pain may contribute to:

• Difficulty with everyday tasks (dressing, cooking, cleaning, walking)

• Stiffness and reduced movement confidence

• Fatigue and reduced stamina

• Avoidance of activity due to flare-ups or fear of worsening pain

• Stress, low mood, or anxiety related to ongoing symptoms

Common causes and contributing factors

Chronic pain can have multiple contributing factors, including:

• Persistent musculoskeletal pain (e.g., back, neck, shoulder, hip, knee pain)

• Arthritis and joint-related pain

• Post-injury or post-surgical persistent pain

• Tendon pain and recurring overload issues

• Nerve-related symptoms (e.g., sciatica-type presentations)

• Deconditioning after periods of reduced activity

• High life/work demands, poor sleep, or “boom–bust” activity cycles

Assessment helps clarify what’s driving your symptoms and what strategies are most likely to help.

Our Malaga facilities (when clinically appropriate)

Some programs may incorporate our purpose-designed spaces:

• Rehabilitation Gym: https://www.palmsphysiotherapy.com.au/our-facilities-specialised-equipment/rehabilitation-gym

• Sensory Room: https://www.palmsphysiotherapy.com.au/our-facilities-specialised-equipment/sensory-room

When to seek urgent medical review

Seek prompt medical care if you have:

• Unexplained weight loss, fever, or feeling significantly unwell with pain

• Progressive weakness, numbness, or changes in walking that worsen quickly

• Changes to bowel or bladder control

• Severe, unrelenting pain after trauma

• Chest pain, fainting, or severe shortness of breath

Book a chronic pain appointment in Malaga or Noranda

If chronic pain is limiting your daily life, our team can help you build a practical plan to improve function, confidence, and participation.

Frequently asked questions

What are Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)?

ADLs are essential daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, eating, grooming, household routines, and basic mobility. Chronic pain can make these tasks harder and more fatiguing. Therapy can help improve function and reduce the load of daily living.

What if I flare up after exercise?

Flare-ups can occur when load changes too quickly or when the body is sensitised. We plan progressions carefully and help you develop a flare plan so you can keep moving safely without losing momentum.

Do I need a referral?

You can self-refer for private appointments. Some funding pathways (e.g., Medicare/NDIS) may require specific documentation — our team can guide you.

At Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health, we are able to help individuals manage chronic pain and dysfunction that limits their activities of daily living (ADLs). 

Chronic pain and mobility challenges can significantly impact one’s ability to perform daily tasks, affecting independence, mental health, and overall quality of life. 

Our team of skilled professionals—including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and exercise physiologists—collaborates to create tailored care plans aimed at reducing pain, improving function, and restoring independence.

Our Mobile Therapy Services

Helpful Australian Resources for Chronic Pain and Dysfunction

1. Chronic Pain Australia
   https://chronicpainaustralia.org.au

2. Pain Management Network (NSW Health)
   https://www.aci.health.nsw.gov.au/chronic-pain

3. Pain Revolution
   https://www.painrevolution.org

4. Better Health Channel (Victoria)
   https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au

5. Occupational Therapy Australia
   https://otaus.com.au

Important disclaimer: This webpage contains general information only and is not intended to be relied upon as personal clinical advice. While we aim to keep information accurate and up to date, it may not reflect the most current research or your individual circumstances. Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health does not accept liability for decisions made based on this information without an individualised assessment by an appropriately qualified health professional. If you have concerns, please contact us to book an assessment or speak with your GP/medical team.