Managing Pain Pain Management: Find Relief and Keep Moving

Whether it’s a sprain from an active lifestyle or ongoing discomfort, pain doesn’t have to hold you back. With the right care, you can continue working towards your goals and feel your best. Understanding your pain is the first step to effective management.

Understanding Your Pain: Acute vs. Chronic

Pain affects everyone differently but knowing whether your pain is acute or chronic can help determine the best approach for relief.

Acute Pain 

• Duration: Short-lived

• Cause: Usually results from an injury

• Examples: Sprains, strains, or sports injuries (e.g., ankle sprains, shoulder strain, back muscle pain)

• Response to Treatment: Generally, responds well to pain relief treatments

Chronic Pain 

• Duration: Long-lasting (more than 3 months)

• Cause: Often linked to an underlying condition or long-term illness

• Examples: Persistent pain due to conditions such as arthritis or nerve damage

• Response to Treatment: Can be resistant to some pain relief options, requiring a tailored approach

How to Manage & Relieve Pain Effectively?

Pain can be challenging, but the right approach can help you manage it effectively. Our pharmacy team is here to support you with expert advice and tailored solutions, so you can get back to living life to the fullest.

Pain Relief Medications 

• Voltaren Gel – Provides targeted relief for muscle and joint pain. Apply directly to the affected area to reduce inflammation and promote recovery.

• Paracetamol – A trusted option for general pain relief, ideal for mild to moderate discomfort. Consult our pharmacist for proper dosage recommendations.

• Ibuprofen – Helps with inflammation and pain relief, making it a good option for injuries like sprains and strains.

Natural Pain Relief Options 

• Cold Therapy – Cold packs are essential for injuries, forming a key part of the RICE method—Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.

• Heat Therapy – Applying heat before or after exercise can relax stiff muscles, increase blood flow, and improve flexibility.

• Magnesium Supplements – Supports muscle relaxation and helps prevent cramps, making it a great option for active individuals.

• Turmeric & Ginger – Known for their anti-inflammatory properties, these natural remedies may help reduce pain and swelling.

When to Seek Professional Help

If your pain persists despite treatment, it’s important to seek medical advice. Visit your doctor or pharmacist if you experience:

• Pain that lasts longer than three months (chronic pain)

• Pain that worsens over time rather than improves

• Swelling, redness, or signs of infection at the site of pain

• Difficulty performing daily activities due to pain or stiffness

Prevent Pain Before It Starts

Preventing pain is just as important as treating it. By taking the right precautions, you can reduce the risk of injury and discomfort, especially if you’re an active individual or a runner.

Minimise Risks When You Run 

Running and run clubs are on the rise and are a fantastic way to boost physical and mental health. However, with increased popularity, running-related injuries have also increased. Here are some tips to help you stay injury-free:

• Bend to Mend – Proper warm-up and cool-down routines, including stretching, are essential to prepare your muscles and reduce injury risk. Include gentle stretches daily to keep joints flexible and prevent stiffness.

• Pace Yourself – Building up running frequency, distance, and intensity gradually (no more than a 10% increase per week) helps avoid overuse injuries like shin splints and tendinitis, which are common among runners.

• Gear Up – Wearing running shoes suited to your foot shape and build can prevent foot and ankle injuries.

• Choose the Right Path – Running on softer surfaces, like grass or trails, reduces impact on joints compared to hard surfaces like concrete.

Our Pharmacy Support Services

Our pharmacy team is dedicated to providing support beyond medication. We offer services to help you manage your pain effectively:

• Pain Consultations – Meet with our pharmacists to explore the best options for your pain management needs.

• Medication Reviews – Review your current medications to ensure they’re effective and safe for long-term relief.

• Lifestyle Advice – Our pharmacists can provide additional guidance on diet, exercise, and stress management for a holistic approach to pain relief.

Mind-Body Techniques for Pain Relief

Reducing stress can support pain recovery. Incorporating mind-body techniques into your routine can help manage discomfort:

• Meditation – Regular meditation can help manage pain and reduce stress by promoting relaxation and mindfulness.

• Yoga & Deep Breathing – Gentle yoga and breathing exercises improve flexibility, promote relaxation, and enhance circulation to reduce muscle tension.

Your Guide to Effective Pain Management

Key Takeaways: 

• Acute Pain: Short-term, often injury-related, and usually responds well to treatment.

• Chronic Pain: Persistent discomfort requiring long-term strategies for relief.

• Early intervention is key to preventing pain from worsening.

• Prevention is key – Proper warm-ups, pacing, and footwear can help reduce injury risks.

• Holistic Approaches Matter – Combining medication, lifestyle changes, and mind-body techniques can improve overall pain management.

Understanding the nature of your pain is key to finding the best solution. If you’re unsure, our pharmacist can guide you in narrowing down the type of pain you’re experiencing and recommend suitable treatments.

Download your full guide to pain management HERE [link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wXo1SskIxasWNH9tN_AfusiR4-uxC8Qp/view]

Our IPA Pharmacies can provide expert advice and tailored solutions to help manage both acute and chronic pain. From fast-acting relief to long-term care strategies, we’re here to support your health every step of the way.

Visit us today to explore pain relief options and let’s work together to keep you moving, feeling better, and living pain-free!

Who Are IPA Pharmacists?

IPA Pharmacists are part of Australia’s largest network of independent pharmacies. They offer personalised healthcare and expertise in medicines. Specialising in various health aspects such as sleep, diabetes, and pain management, they are dedicated to supporting your wellness journey.

With a network of over 1,100 pharmacies and growing, an IPA pharmacy near you is ready to provide exceptional advice, services, and products to enhance your health outcomes. Whether you need expert pain relief guidance, medication reviews, or holistic wellness advice, our IPA Pharmacists are here to help.

References

1. Wong DL, Baker CM. Pain in children: Comparison of assessment scales. Pediatrics. 1988; 70(4): 593-7. Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/237751083_Visual_Analog_Scale_VAS_modified_with_ using_numerical_rating_scales_and_Wong-Baker_Faces. Accessed November 12, 2024.
2. Sports Medicine Australia. Running Fact Sheet. Available at: https://sma.org.au/resources-advice/fact-sheets/ running/. Accessed November 12, 2024.
3. Better Health Channel. Running and jogging: Preventing injury. Available at: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov. au/health/healthyliving/running-and-jogging-preventing-injury. Accessed November 12, 2024.
4. Australia Wide First Aid. 12 Common Running Injuries. Available at: https://australiawidefirstaid.com.au/ resources/12-common-running-injuries. Accessed November 12, 2024.

Important Information

The information provided on this website is shared in good faith for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation of any specific treatment, product, or service, nor is it a substitute for professional advice. Always consult with qualified professionals regarding matters related to your health, wellbeing, or other personal concerns. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information, we cannot accept responsibility for any injury, loss, damage, or consequences resulting from its use.