Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham (QEHB) offers a comprehensive pain management service, involving pain management consultants, psychologists, nurses and physiotherapists. Patients are seen by the whole team to develop an understanding of their individual needs, which ensures the best treatments are selected for each person.

Physiotherapy is offered by a team which is experienced in the management of persistent pain. Sessions may be on a one-to-one basis, or sometimes within a group.

Following a detailed assessment, goals are agreed between the physiotherapist and the patient. Specific work is then undertaken to achieve these goals. Treatments incorporate strategies to manage pain so that it has less effect on the person's function and lifestyle. Ultimately, the patient may feel ready to attend one of the available classes, which are aimed at optimising function and improving fitness.

Location/facilities

Initial multidisciplinary assessment would take place within the main outpatient department on level 0 at QEHB. Individual physiotherapy assessments and treatment will take place within Therapy Services (North Suite) on level 1.

What sort of pain problems do we treat?

Persistent pain problems may include:

• fibromyalgia
• polyarthralgia
• arthritis
• temporomandibular (jaw) joint dysfunction
• fatigue (perhaps after treatment of cancer)
• chronic fatigue
• complex regional pain syndrome
• headaches
• myofascial pain syndrome
• neuropathic pain
• neuropathy
• back, neck or pelvic pain