Chronic Pain Physio Sydney

Our chronic pain physio in Sydney offers complete care for people living with long-term pain conditions. From detailed assessments and hands-on treatment to tailored exercise programs, education, and self-management strategies, we focus on reducing discomfort, restoring mobility, and helping you move with confidence again. Led by Jan Sargood, an APA Titled Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist, our experienced team combines evidence-based physiotherapy with ongoing support to give you practical tools for lasting relief and a more active lifestyle.

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Book a Physio for Chronic Pain

Our chronic pain physiotherapy is guided by a dedicated team of clinicians led by Jan Sargood (APA Titled Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist), supported by Kam Bhabra (sports injury expert), Karen Westcott (Principal Physiotherapist), Niamh Davies (Physiotherapist), Gurasees Bajwa (Physiotherapist), and Angel Nang (Exercise Physiologist).

We specialise in helping people living with:

  • Long-standing musculoskeletal pain (back, neck, and shoulder)
  • Chronic sports injuries
  • Pain related to arthritis or osteoporosis
  • Headaches and recurring joint discomfort

No matter where you are in your journey, we’ll work closely with you to reduce pain, restore function, and give you tools to manage flare-ups confidently.

You’ll find us at:

Opening Hours

  • Mon – Tue: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Wed: 7:00 AM – 7:30 PM
  • Thu: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Fri: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Sat: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
  • Sun: Closed
Jan and elderly woman doing strength training for osteoporosis and chronic pain

How Does a Physio Help With Chronic Pain?

Managing chronic pain requires a broad toolkit. At Lilyfield Physio, we combine hands-on therapy, active rehabilitation, and education to address both the symptoms and the causes of pain. Each treatment is designed with a clear purpose and outcome in mind:

Detailed Assessment and Diagnosis

  • What it involves: A detailed review of your medical history, lifestyle, posture, movement, and strength.
  • Aim/outcome: To identify underlying drivers of your pain and design a personalised treatment plan that targets the right areas.

Manual Therapy

  • What it involves: Gentle joint mobilisation, soft-tissue release, and stretching techniques.
  • Aim/outcome: To reduce stiffness, improve joint range of motion, ease muscle tension, and provide short-term pain relief.

Dry Needling and Therapeutic Modalities

  • What it involves: Inserting fine needles into tight muscles or trigger points, combined with heat, cold, or electrotherapy if appropriate.
  • Aim/outcome: To release muscle spasm, calm irritated nerves, and create lasting reductions in pain sensitivity.

Exercise Therapy

  • What it involves: A tailored program of strengthening, stretching, and low-impact aerobic activity.
  • Aim/outcome: To build resilience, restore balance and coordination, and give you safe ways to stay active while reducing the risk of flare-ups.

Movement Retraining & Cognitive Functional Therapy

  • What it involves: Guided practice to change the way you move and respond to pain, focusing on natural, efficient patterns.
  • Aim/outcome: To reduce fear of movement, build confidence in your body, and retrain the nervous system to respond more calmly to activity.

Education and Lifestyle Coaching

  • What it involves: Clear explanations of your condition, pacing strategies, ergonomic advice, and guidance on sleep, stress, and daily activity.
  • Aim/outcome: To empower you with the knowledge and self-management skills needed to control pain outside the clinic.

Ongoing Support and Progress Reviews

  • What it involves: Regular check-ins, outcome tracking, and adjustments to your program as your needs evolve.
  • Aim/outcome: To keep you progressing, ensure long-term improvements, and provide strategies for managing future flare-ups.

Chronic Pain Physio Appointment Pricing

Initial Consultation: $160

Review Assessment and Consultation: $155

Standard Consultation: $125

Please note: A cancellation fee of $83 applies for cancellations within 24 hours of the scheduled appointment. Private health rebate applicable.

Ongoing Rehab & Exercise Classes for Chronic Pain

In addition to one-on-one physiotherapy, Lilyfield Physio offers group rehab and exercise classes designed to support your long-term health. These classes focus on building strength, improving mobility, correcting movement patterns, and maintaining joint resilience.

With a wide range of class types and convenient times, there’s plenty of opportunity to continue progressing safely under expert guidance.

Ready to Move Beyond Pain?

Pain doesn’t have to define you. Our expert physiotherapists at Lilyfield Physio are here to support you with personalised, evidence-based care that focuses on restoring function, building confidence, and helping you enjoy the activities you love again.

Book your chronic pain physio appointment online today and take the first step toward freedom of movement.

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Jan providing knee physio in Inner West Sydney for a female patient with chronic knee pain

Our Approach to Chronic Pain Physio

At Lilyfield Physio, we recognise that no two people experience chronic pain the same way. Our approach is centred on restoring confidence and promoting sustainable recovery:

  • Comprehensive Assessment: We take time to understand your history, symptoms, lifestyle, and goals. Pain is often influenced by physical, emotional, and environmental factors, so we look at the bigger picture.
  • Individualised Care Plans: Every program is customised. Whether you need joint mobilisation, exercise-based rehab, or strategies for managing flare-ups, your plan reflects your needs.
  • Hands-On Care and Active Rehabilitation: Manual therapy is combined with structured exercise to reduce pain and build strength. We teach you how to move more efficiently, reduce pressure on sensitive joints, and restore confidence.
  • Empowerment Through Education: We provide clear explanations of your condition and equip you with self-management skills. This includes advice on posture, pacing, and practical daily strategies so you can take control outside the clinic.
  • Collaboration with Healthcare Network: Where necessary, we liaise with your GP, specialists, or allied health providers to ensure a coordinated approach to your care.
  • Long-Term Focus: Our aim is not just short-term pain relief, but lasting improvements. By building strength, resilience, and better movement habits, we help you enjoy an active life with reduced flare-ups.

Common Causes of Chronic Pain

Chronic pain can persist long after an initial injury has healed, or arise without a clear cause. It often results from a complex mix of physical, neurological, and lifestyle factors:

  • Previous Injury or Surgery: Pain may linger due to changes in movement patterns, scar tissue, or incomplete rehabilitation.
  • Degenerative Conditions: Osteoarthritis, spinal changes, and age-related wear on joints can lead to persistent discomfort.
  • Inflammatory Conditions: Ongoing inflammation from conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis can trigger chronic pain.
  • Muscle Imbalances and Poor Posture: Weakness, tightness, or prolonged poor posture can place strain on muscles and joints over time.
  • Nerve Sensitisation: In some cases, the nervous system becomes overly sensitive, amplifying pain signals and prolonging discomfort even after tissue healing.
  • Repetitive Strain and Overuse: Ongoing workplace or sport-related strain can prevent full recovery and lead to recurring pain.
  • Lifestyle and Psychosocial Factors: Stress, lack of sleep, low physical activity, and emotional wellbeing can all influence how pain is felt and managed.

Understanding the underlying cause is key. Our physiotherapists work with you to identify contributing factors and design a management plan that addresses not just the symptoms, but the root drivers of your pain.

Osteoarthritis physio instructing an elderly man during strength exercises to reduce his chronic pain

Meet Our Chronic Pain Physios & Exercise Physiologists

Lilyfield Physiotherapy is proud to offer some of Australia’s most experienced and highly qualified physiotherapists, committed to helping you move better, faster.

FAQs

What is chronic pain?

Chronic pain is pain that lasts longer than three months, often continuing after the original injury or condition has healed. It can affect muscles, joints, or nerves and may be constant or come and go in flare-ups.

What are the benefits of physiotherapy for chronic pain?

Physiotherapy helps reduce discomfort, improve mobility, and restore strength. It also provides long-term strategies such as pacing, movement retraining, and exercise programs that empower you to manage pain more effectively.

When should I see a physio for chronic pain?

You should see a physio if pain has persisted for more than three months, interferes with your daily activities, affects sleep, or limits your ability to exercise or work. Early support helps prevent symptoms from worsening.

Can physiotherapy cure chronic pain?

Chronic pain may not always be fully cured, but physiotherapy can greatly reduce symptoms, improve movement, and help you live a more active, confident life with fewer limitations.

How long does it take to feel results from physio for chronic pain?

Some patients notice improvements in comfort and mobility within a few sessions, while others require a longer program. Chronic pain management is usually ongoing, with steady progress over weeks to months.

Is exercise safe if I have chronic pain?

Yes. Gentle, structured exercise is one of the most effective ways to manage chronic pain. Your physiotherapist will prescribe movements that are safe, progressive, and tailored to your ability.

Is physio covered by Medicare?

Yes, in some cases. Medicare now offers chronic disease management referred to as Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) plans, for people with chronic conditions. This allows for a Medicare rebate, for up to 5 physio or exercise physiology treatments a year. You must be referred by your GP and you need to bring your Medicare card with you.  If you have any queries regarding this service, please don’t hesitate to speak with our staff or discuss your eligibility with your GP.

What happens at my first treatment?

Following a comprehensive assessment, including functional testing and physical examination, we shall establish a preliminary diagnosis and discuss your treatment options and expected outcomes with you.

Treatment may involve different options for relieving pain, restoring function, flexibility and strength.

You will learn techniques to use at home to manage your problem, which may include preventative measures and exercise.

During your consultation, please feel free to ask ass any questions as you wish. A good understanding of your condition is important for your recovery. This includes your likely recovery time, number of sessions required and future exercise advice.

We may liaise with others involved in your care., If applicable, we shall also refer you onto other health professionals to play a role in your recovery.

What to bring to your first appointment?

You are welcome to wear whatever you are most comfortable in. For Exercise sessions and classes, please wear exercise clothes and a pair of socks, making sure you able to move freely 

Please bring along any doctor’s referral letters, scan or x-ray results and your private health insurance card so you can claim for your treatment on the spot. 

What should I expect at my first appointment?

Your Physiotherapist will complete a thorough assessment of your complaint and then provide you with a preliminary diagnosis and appropriate treatments based on their findings. This will generally consist of some hands-on treatment, advice and often you will receive some exercises to do at home. Your Physiotherapist will also discuss with you their plan for management which will include likely recovery time, number of sessions required and future exercise advice. 

What payment methods do we accept?

We accept cash, EFTPOS, VISA and MasterCard. If you bring your private health insurance card with you, we can process an on-the-spot claim via our HICAPS terminal and you will then only need to pay the gap fee.

Can a physio refer for an MRI?

Yes. Physiotherapists can refer patients directly for MRI scans, provided they have completed the appropriate training and accreditation. Your physiotherapist will determine if an MRI is necessary based on your assessment and condition.

Can a physio give a medical certificate?

Yes. Physiotherapists can provide medical certificates (sick notes) for issues related to musculoskeletal or physical health concerns. These certificates can cover time off work, recommendations for modified duties, or clearance for returning to regular activities.

CTP Insurance information

We accept referrals for Compulsory Third-Party Insurance claims. Once you have seen your GP and received a claim number, we are able to send any invoices directly to the insurer. If you need to start treatment before you have a claim number, we shall ask you to cover the cost of the treatment and claim from the insurer later. 

What is our cancellation or missed appointment policy?

You can cancel and re-schedule by calling our rooms on 9810 2203. For after hours, we have an answering machine service for you to leave a message. Our receptionist will contact you shortly after it is received to confirm cancellation or to help you re-schedule.

We request that if you are unable to make a consultation or class that you let us know at least 24 hours prior to your appointment so that someone else can use your treatment time.

We have a cancellation fee policy for late cancellations or missed appointments.

What is our privacy policy?

This practice takes great care to ensure that our information records are accurate and are treated with full regard to the privacy of our patients. We only collect information from our patients that is necessary for good health care and aim to ensure that any information we hold is accurate, complete and up-to-date.

The health information we hold helps us provide our patients with the best possible health care, and is disclosed only to others involved in your treatment, such as your doctor. If we need to disclose information about you to people other than those associated with your treatment, we will seek your permission first.

Occasionally we may be involved in research on health issues. If any data from this practice is used in research, it will not include information which identifies our patients.

This practice is bound by the Privacy Amendment (Private Sector) Act 2000, and operates in accordance with the Code of Conduct of the Australian Physiotherapy Association. If you would like to discuss any aspects of our privacy policy, or review your health records, please advise your treating Physiotherapist or Exercise Physiologist.

Find Us

780 Darling Street, Rozelle NSW 2039

Mon6:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Tue7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wed7:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Thu7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Fri7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sat7:00 AM - 1:00 PM
SunClosed

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Contact Information

  • (02) 9810 2203
  • info@lilyfieldphysio.com.au

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