Pain physiotherapy support service

Overview

WorkSafe offers the PPSS to help injured workers improve their recovery and return to work outcomes.

The service offers sessions with Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) titled pain physiotherapists. These physiotherapists have advanced skills in managing persistent pain.

It provides additional support to injured workers who have, or are at risk of, developing complex persistent pain. It works alongside their current treatment plan to support recovery and return to work.

Injured workers who have completed the sessions have reported reduced pain, less disruption to daily activities, better sleep, improved mental health and increased confidence to take part in daily activities.

Eligibility

Injured workers can access the PPSS through two pathways. Both options allow treating health practitioners, case managers, and clinical panellists to provide workers with a more considered and tailored recovery pathway.

Frequently asked questions

What are the key components of the Pain Physiotherapy Support Service sessions?

PPSS sessions start with assessing the injured worker, including history, screening and a physical examination. Each injured worker receives an explanation of contemporary pain neuroscience within their individual biopsychosocial context. Injured workers learn practical skills such as activity pacing, to help them return to their valued life roles. Pain flare-ups are discussed, and a plan is developed together to manage them. Future management options and any other areas of concerns are also discussed.

Collaboration with the injured worker’s treating team is key.

Are sessions in person or online?

Sessions are available both in person and via telehealth. Services provided by telehealth will be delivered in line with WorkSafe’s telehealth policy.

Clinicians are currently available in metropolitan Melbourne, regional Victoria, New South Wales and Tasmania, with plans to expand in the future.

What is the WorkSafe Clinical Panel?

The WorkSafe Clinical Panel is made up of experienced allied health and medical practitioners who contribute to the broader development and implementation of WorkSafe’s policies and initiatives to improve health service provision.

They support health providers in applying the principles of the Clinical framework for the delivery of health services and Health benefits of safe work when treating injured workers. Clinical panellists focus on facilitating treatment that is clinically reasonable, evidence based and beneficial to an injured worker’s recovery and return to work.

What is an APA titled pain physiotherapist?

APA titled pain physiotherapists are recognised by the Australian Physiotherapy Association for demonstrating skills and experience in identifying and addressing the key barriers to prevention or recovery from persistent pain conditions.

This service can only be delivered by an APA titled pain physiotherapist.

Why can't I just provide the PPSS sessions to my client?

Injured workers accessing this service are likely to have complex pain presentations that haven’t adequately responded to your treatment.

Not all treating health practitioners have the skills or feel comfortable delivering this type of support to injured workers with complex pain presentations.

This service connects injured workers with clinicians who have highly developed skills in this area and can provide tailored guidance to each injured worker and to yourself.

How can I get involved in the service?

If you are an APA titled pain physiotherapist interested in being involved, please email [email protected] for more information.

Can I refer a worker to this service?

Currently, direct referral of injured workers into the service is not available.

If you believe the PPSS would be of benefit for injured workers you support, please contact WorkSafe’s Clinical Support Service to speak with a WorkSafe Clinical Panel expert. They will help determine if the worker is eligible.

An injured worker has told me they're eligible for the PPSS, who can I discuss this with?

Please email the Clinical Panel at [email protected] and include the worker’s name and claim number in the subject line. We will direct your query to the appropriate Clinical Panel member.

You can also contact the worker’s claims manager.

Can I still see my patient if they're referred to the service?

Yes, these sessions are in addition to an injured worker’s usual treatment. The APA titled pain physiotherapist will work with you to support a coordinated approach to care.

Feedback

This service aims to add value to the management of injured workers, and your questions and feedback are welcome at any time by emailing: [email protected]