National Pain Week aims to bring awareness to the condition and encourage people to seek support and advice from others.

More than 3.6 million Australians are affected by chronic pain, according to Chronic Pain Australia.

Chronic pain is defined as a pain that lasts for more than three months or beyond expected healing time and can be caused by illness, musculoskeletal problems, injury, surgery or cancer. 

Often, chronic pain can have no obvious cause and can affect mood, sleep and mental health.

Those living with chronic pain can find it hard to work, take care of themselves or do the things they love, with more than one in two Australian adults developing anxiety or depression.

Although there is not an immediate cure for many different types of chronic pain, there are experts committed to making each day a little easier. 

This year National Pain Week 2025, July 21-27, aims to bring awareness to the condition and encourage people to seek support and advice from others. To mark National Pain Week, we have brought together some of Canberra’s experts in understanding and treating pain.

A yin yoga approach to reducing pain

Working with ligaments, tendons and fascia tissue, which wrap around the body, Healthy Living Yoga owner Heather Phillips, says yin yoga is a mostly ground-based practice that holds the shapes and poses of yoga for a longer period to encourage connection within the body.

“This slow movement and longer holds invites blood and nutrients into the tissues,” she says.

“Yin also helps to lubricate the joints and strengthen bones as well as reduce inflammation, which has been shown to reduce pain, blood pressure and rebalance the nervous system.”

A sport designed for “every single person”, Heather says yoga is a lifelong practice that benefits all stages of life.

“Yoga teaches us to connect with our mind, body and breath and gets us to think about how they all interact with the nervous system,” she says.

Balancing the autonomic or “fight, flight response”, Heather says yoga helps reduce cortisol (stress hormone) levels.

“Yoga is often referred to as an inner science because the body is both the experiment and the evidence of immediate results,” she says.

“Every day I am inspired by my students and how it changes their bodies and lives, it makes me truly grateful.”

Offering a Bali yoga retreat on September 22-28, Heather says the inclusive retreat will improve flexibility, boost circulation and help participants experience emotional relief.

Healthy Living Yoga. U38/17 Captain Cook Crescent, Griffith. Call 0427 112222 or visit healthylivingyoga.com.au

Treating chronic pain at its source

Chronic pain isn’t always related to where it hurts.

Headaches, facial tightness, tinnitus, jaw clicking and disturbed sleep are often dismissed or treated in isolation – yet they can all be signs of underlying temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction or airway-related sleep issues, says Dental Sleep and TMJ clinician Dr Kavitha Vegunta.

“What’s often overlooked is how deeply connected these symptoms are, and how non-invasive, drug-free dental therapies can offer long-term relief,” she says.

Taking a multidisciplinary approach using evidence-based protocols to address the root causes of chronic pain, Dr Kavitha says poor airway posture can contribute to bruxism, tension headaches, neck pain and fatigue.

“The good news is, we have a range of conservative treats, such as custom oral appliances, trigger point dry needling and jaw posture, all of which can dramatically reduce pain and improve quality of life,” she says.

“These are non-invasive procedures that treat pain at its source.”

According to Dr Kavitha, dry needling is now used by more than 65 per cent of manual therapists in Australia and has shown effectiveness in treating myofascial pain in the head, neck and jaw regions.

“You don’t need a referral to see us,” she says.

“Some problems don’t need extensive surgery to find relief.”

Dental Sleep and TMJ Therapy. Francis Chambers, Unit 7/40 Corinna Street, Phillip. Call 6106 9307 or visit dentalsleeptherapy.au

Pain service with a difference

Those living with chronic pain or a disability shouldn’t find themselves stuck without access to reliable help, says Arthritis ACT CEO Rebecca Davey. 

“Arthritis ACT offers ongoing programs for people who need any type of support with their chronic pain or debilitating fatigue conditions,” she says. 

Ahead of the upcoming National Pain Week, Rebecca says they will be hosting a selection of free seminars that will be open to the community to attend. 

Seminars will begin on Wednesday, July 16, and will continue until Wednesday, July 30. 

Providing support and helping people access services such as the NDIS, Rebecca says it’s a rewarding experience to know that the work they do helps people in their day-to-day lives. 

“These kinds of services make such a big difference in people’s lives, and help open up doors,” she says.

“We want to provide them with the support they need so they can participate fully in the community. ”

An allied health practice with a difference, Rebecca says they have physios, exercise physiologists and occupational therapists available, as well as a team of peer workers, many of whom have lived experience of the conditions they support others with. 

RSVP for information seminars at info@arthritisact.org.au or call 1800 011041.

Arthritis ACT, 170 Haydon Drive, Bruce. Call 1800 011041, or visit arthritisact.org.au

Pain centre targets individualised treatment

With a commitment to manage all chronic pain conditions, such as joint pain, migraines, pelvic pain (among many other conditions), specialist pain medicine physician, radiation oncologist and interventional pain specialist, Dr Roopa Gawarikar, says the team at Canberra Region Neurology and Pain Centre is committed to managing pain in a multidisciplinary fashion with tailored treatment. 

“It is important to manage pain as it significantly impacts quality of life, ability to function, sleep and overall mood,” she says. 

“[Similar to] mental health conditions, pain is difficult to visualise and patients might struggle to speak up for the fear of being judged.”

Dr Gawarikar says they treat
their patients as individuals and manage them holistically in a multimodal fashion. 

“We use evidence-based practice with respect and empathy,” she says. 

Using a combination of treatments, such as infusion therapies, minimally invasive treatments (such as pulsed radio frequency or radiofrequency ablation), regenerative medicine option and botox injections for headaches and nerve pain, Dr Gawarikar says she finds the work she and her team do, incredibly rewarding. 

The centre also offers rehabilitation and exercise classes if needed with pain psychologists. 

“Helping patients [feel better] is what we strive towards,” she says. 

Canberra Region Neurology and Pain Centre. Unit 2, 34 Corrina Chambers, 36-38 Corrina Street, Phillip. Call 6253 0066 or visit crneurologyandpain.com.au

Expertise in wide range of occupational rehabilitation

Championing health outcomes for everyday Australians, Ascent Rehabilitation owner and director, Jonathan Ford, says it is their purpose-driven approach and comprehensive range of services that leads to helping those dealing with pain. 

“Ascent Rehabilitation’s expertise lies in providing a comprehensive range of occupational rehabilitation services, including personalised ergonomics assessments, dedicated pain management support, hazard and risk identification, counselling services, mental health and resilience training, and vocational services,” he says.

“The company’s focus on individualised care, community connection and commitment to excellence is instrumental in improving the well-being of our clients. 

“By supporting those impacted by a workplace injury we empower individuals to navigate the workers’ compensation and health systems, to access the right supports at the right time, to be provided with the knowledge on how to best approach a return to work.”

Jonathan says understanding the definition of pain is pivotal to creating support. 

“Pain is characterised as an unpleasant symptom of actual or potential damage that can be an emotional or psychological experience,” he says. 

“Everyone experiences pain differently, but when pain is suspended, it can become chronic and debilitating, which might impact lives.

“It is important for people to understand chronic pain can influence mood, ability to work and even relationships.”

Looking into helping the misunderstood and misrepresented, Jonathan says it is their role to support people in their workplace and living situation.

Ascent Rehabilitation. Call 6156 4109, or visit ascentrehab.com.au

Dentists with an eye for new technology

Tailoring treatment plans to address individual needs, My Dentist Canberra owner and dental hygienist Afra Yazdan says after 18 years in the field, patient care remains at the heart of everything she and the practice strives for. 

“From the moment you walk through our doors, our team is dedicated to making you feel welcome, comfortable and fully informed about your dental health and treatment options,” she says. 

Airflow technology, a Swiss Innovation, is incorporated as a core part of their dental cleaning services. “Airflow eliminates the need for traditional scraping instruments, making cleanings more comfortable, especially for patients with sensitive teeth or dental restorations,” she says.

“This innovative system gently removes plaque and stains using a fine powder, air, and water for a comfortable, effective clean.”

Offering a comprehensive range of treatments, including preventive care, restorative dentistry, cosmetic procedures and thorough dental cleanings, Afra says each service is delivered with meticulous attention to detail and a focus on long-term oral health. 

“We are committed to providing the best dental services by combining clinical expertise with advanced technology,” she says. 

Open seven days a week, Afra says they have received more than 50 five-star google reviews for their service after only opening the clinic six months ago. 

My Dentist Canberra. 36/21 Thynne Street, Bruce. Call 6225 2855 or visit mydentistcanberra.com.au

 

 

Massage specialist provides gentle touch for all

Specialising in massage for people with cancer, anxiety, in recovery or in palliative care, Deakin Wellbeing House owner Nim Osborne has been practising massage therapy for more than 15 years. 

A member of the Australasian Lymphology Association (ALA) and an accredited lymphoedema practitioner, Nim says her training in complex physical therapy for the assessment and management of lymphoedema is supported by her background in remedial, pregnancy and oncology massage.

“My training and background provide me with the knowledge and skills to assist people who are in pre and post-treatment for cancer, or other similar conditions,” she says.  

“This includes people recovering post-surgery conditions that may have affected their lymphatic system. 

“This is observed through swelling of the limbs and may require a medical practitioner’s referral for post-surgery treatment.”

Retiring from her 20-year public service career 10 years ago, Nim reskilled into health and wellbeing, something she always had a passion about. 

Nim now wants to pass that knowledge on and is conducting weekend workshops in her Woden clinic. 

These workshops are designed for people to care for their families through basic massage techniques.

Deakin Wellbeing House, Unit 12, 40 Corinna Street, Phillip. Call 0412 885804 or visit deakinwellbeinghouse.com.au

Social walking offers low-intensity exercise

Nordic Walking, or more commonly known as “pole walking”, uses walking poles not dissimilar in looks to ski stocks. 

Owner of Capital Nordic Walking, Claudia Martin says it is an accessible, effective and easy sport that can be done by people from all walks of life and ability. 

“It’s a low-intensity, high-impact exercise,” says Claudia. 

“It really can benefit everyone.” 

According to Claudia, Nordic Walking is an excellent cardiovascular workout for those in rehabilitation, with chronic conditions, neurological conditions or those looking for a social experience. 

“It’s a fun and inclusive social sport,” says Claudia. 

“One of our groups even meets up for coffee at the end of each walk.

“I actually think the social element is their favourite part!”

Nordic Walking is collaborating with the University of Canberra on a research project on whether the sport can be beneficial for those with persistent pain. 

“This is the first locally produced piece of research on the benefits of Nordic Walking and we are super excited to help show how it changes lives, but we need your help,” says Claudia. 

“Participants will receive a $30 gift voucher to the Canberra Centre for their time and dedication to helping out this research.”

Capital Nordic Walking, call 0423 789614, email hello@capitalnordicwalking.com.au or visit capitalnordicwalking.com.au