Supporting Persistent Pain

Persistent pain is complex. It rarely exists in isolation and is often influenced by a combination of physical, psychological and lifestyle factors. 

At Currumbin Clinic, the Persistent Pain Program is designed with this complexity in mind—bringing together evidence-based psychological therapy, pain science education and multidisciplinary care to support people living with chronic pain.

From March 10, the program is being further strengthened with the inclusion of Pain Coach, a digital health platform that supports patients to better understand how everyday lifestyle factors influence their pain experience.

A practical extension of pain science education

Participants in the eight-week Persistent Pain Program will receive three months’ access to Pain Coach, guided by their treating clinicians throughout the program.

Pain Coach allows participants to explore key lifestyle domains that are known to influence persistent pain, including:

• Sleep
• Physical activity and movement
• Stress and emotional wellbeing
• Nutrition
• Social connection

As participants learn about contemporary pain science during the program, Pain Coach provides a way to see that knowledge play out in real life. By tracking daily inputs and outcomes, patients often experience powerful “aha moments” as they begin to notice relationships and trends within their own data.

Seeing how sleep quality, stress levels or activity patterns correlate with pain intensity or flare-ups can be a turning point. It shifts pain from something that feels unpredictable and overwhelming into something that can be understood, influenced and managed.

A program grounded in psychological and behavioural care

Currumbin Clinic’s Persistent Pain Program takes a CBT- and ACT-informed approach, recognising the strong and well-established link between chronic pain and mental health.

As a 104-bed private mental health facility on the Gold Coast, Currumbin Clinic is uniquely positioned to support people whose pain is intertwined with conditions such as anxiety, depression, trauma or emotional distress. The program focuses on helping participants:

• Build a more flexible relationship with pain
• Reduce fear and avoidance around movement
• Improve emotional regulation and coping strategies
• Re-engage with meaningful activities and life roles

This approach acknowledges that effective pain management is not about eliminating pain at all costs, but about improving function, confidence and quality of life.

The value of a multidisciplinary team

One of the most exciting aspects of integrating Pain Coach into the Persistent Pain Program is the multidisciplinary team (MDT) perspective it supports.

Persistent pain is influenced by many factors, and when clinicians across disciplines can view the same information and trends, care becomes more cohesive and targeted. Psychologists, physiotherapists and other members of the treating team are able to work from a shared understanding of what may be driving an individual’s pain experience.

This collaborative approach enhances clinical decision-making and ensures that interventions are aligned, consistent and patient-centred.

Who the program is suitable for

The Persistent Pain Program may be suitable for people experiencing long-standing pain who:

• Have not found relief through purely biomedical treatments
• Experience co-occurring mental health challenges
• Feel stuck in cycles of pain, avoidance or flare-ups
• Are motivated to better understand and actively manage their pain

The program provides a supportive, structured environment where participants can build skills, confidence and insight alongside others with similar experiences.

Referral pathways

Referrals to the Persistent Pain Program at Currumbin Clinic are welcome from:

• General Practitioners
• Medical specialists
• Allied health professionals

Patients and referrers can also contact the Currumbin Clinic admissions team directly to discuss suitability, referral requirements and availability.

Phone: 1800 119 118​

Email: currumbin.admissions@aurorahealth.com.au 

With the next program commencing on March 10 and places limited, early referral is encouraged.