Pain Clinic Co-located at QMC

Who is leading the clinic?

The pain clinic is headed up by Dr.Nick Penney, PhD (Musculoskeletal Medicine) FRSM (Fellow of The Royal Society of Medicine). Nick originally trained as an osteopath in London before completing his PhD at The Centre for National Research on Disability and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Queensland, in 2009. Nick’s doctoral research investigated the biopsychosocial model of pain and obstacles to recovery(e). The biopsychosocial model of pain explains that pain is experienced through a combination of physical causes, psychological responses, and social circumstances, rather than solely from physical damage alone.  Nick also trained to teach mindfulness-based cognitive therapy which is integrated into his clinical work.

What and where is the pain clinic?

The pain clinic is co-located at QMC, Isle Street practice and Laryn Allied Health in Frankton.

Nick combines his background in allied health and medical research to inform his practice of Integrative Pain Care, which addresses the entire person’s experience of pain, not just the physical symptoms. Based on patient-reported outcomes, Nick previously ran one of New Zealand’s most successful pain clinics in Auckland.

Some examples of people’s experiences can be found at www.mindfulhealth.nz

Who is the pain clinic for?

The pain clinic is suitable for anyone who would like to better understand pain and what they can do about it. Pain is a multi-dimensional experience influenced by many factors that often go unnoticed yet need to be recognized and treated to alter the pathway to persistent pain and disability. This encompasses the most common musculoskeletal pain issues (back and neck pain), widespread pain, such as fibromyalgia, and post-traumatic or post-operative pain when the pain persists long after the tissue has healed.

It should also be noted that persistent pain is just as common in teenagers as itis in adults, and can present a ‘window of opportunity’ to alter the trajectory of the pain, as children and adolescents with persistent pain (pain that has been present or recurred longer than 3 months) grow up to be adults with persistent pain.

What outcomes patients may see

Initially, a patient's pain is assessed using some objective scales (questionnaires) which helps Nick understand what factors may be influencing recovery from pain, and which ones need addressing. A personalised pain recovery plan is then formulated together. Evidence shows that an integrative approach can reduce pain severity (how much it hurts) by 40% and pain interference (how much the pain bothers a patient in every aspect of their life) by as much as 60%.

The graphs below are based on reports of former patients:

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The benefit of co-location with GPs

Co-location of the pain clinic with QMC GPs means patients have access to a ‘one-stop shop’ and their pain can be managed better through a multi-disciplinary setting and approach that is recognised as ‘worlds best practice’ and a truly integrative approach.  Co-location will also enhance communication between busy practitioners to ensure everyone is on the same page ensure the best possible recovery without the need to consult multiple different practitioners in remote locations look for an answer to a patient's pain.

The pain clinic will run every second week, on Tuesday afternoons at QMC in Isle St, Queenstown, and all-day Wednesdays at Laryn Allied Health in Frankton.

Bookings can be made through Laryn Allied Health here

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