Comprehensive Pain Assessment
A thorough 75-minute evaluation to understand your unique pain experience and develop your personalised recovery plan
Why a Comprehensive Assessment Matters
Chronic pain is complex, and quick assessments often miss crucial factors. Unlike a standard 30-minute appointment, my comprehensive assessment gives us time to truly understand your pain experience and all the factors contributing to it.
Most of my assessments are conducted online via video call, which allows me to work with people anywhere. While this means I can't do hands-on examination, it doesn't limit our ability to understand what's happening. Through observation of movement, discussion of your symptoms and patterns, and exploring your history and life context, we can build a detailed picture of what's influencing and maintaining your pain.
This isn't about rushing through a checklist or giving you generic exercises. It's about listening to your story, understanding your unique situation, and collaboratively developing a recovery plan that makes sense for your life and goals.
By the end of the assessment, you'll begin to see how the pieces fit together and have a concrete plan for moving forward. Many people say this is the first time someone has really taken the time to understand their condition.
What's Included in Your Assessment
Meeting and Deep Listening
We'll start by taking time to get to know each other. I'll listen deeply to your story—your experience of pain, your journey so far, your history, and what you're hoping for. This isn't about rushing through questions; it's about understanding you as a person.
Collaborative Sense-Making
Through clarifying questions and exploration, we'll work together to make sense of what's happening. I'll draw on pattern recognition, the best available science, my clinical experience, and—most importantly—your own understanding to build a picture of what's influencing and maintaining your pain.
Exploratory Movement & Exercises
I'll guide you through some simple exploratory exercises during the session. This helps us understand your experience more deeply and begin to identify which approaches might be most helpful for you.
Understanding What's Happening
Throughout the session, we'll work to make better sense of your pain. This might include exploring relevant pain science, discussing beliefs and emotions, and understanding how lifestyle factors influence your symptoms. The focus is on clarity, not overwhelming you with information.
Co-Creating Your Treatment Plan
We'll spend at least 15 minutes of the 75-minute session developing the first steps of your treatment plan together. Initially, I'll guide this more, but over time it becomes increasingly collaborative. We'll discuss what treatment looks like going forward—including session frequency and the level of support that works for you.
Foundations for Lasting Change
The assessment establishes the foundation for behaviour change and habit forming. We'll explore specific approaches that might help—graded exposure to activities or exercises, sensory work, and techniques like Graded Motor Imagery—tailored to what makes sense for your situation.
What Happens After Your Assessment?
By the end of our session, we'll have developed the first steps of your treatment plan together. This is where the real work begins.
Understanding what's happening is important, but lasting change requires action—trying strategies, seeing what works, and refining our approach based on your response. We won't know if the plan is right without committing to testing it together.
For most people, the next step is beginning an Ongoing Recovery Programme with regular structured sessions (typically every 2-3 weeks). This gives us time to:
- Trial the strategies we've discussed and adjust based on what you learn
- Introduce new approaches gradually as you build confidence and capability
- Work through challenges as they arise, rather than leaving you to figure things out alone
- Layer different strands of treatment over time—because trying to change everything at once rarely works
Recovery is a process, not an event. People who benefit most commit to regular sessions where we can shape treatment together based on what's actually working in your life.
At the end of your assessment, we'll schedule your first follow-up session. This keeps momentum going and ensures you have support as you begin implementing what we've discussed.
If an ongoing programme doesn't feel right, other options include self-management with periodic check-ins or referral to other healthcare professionals. But most people find that sustained support makes the difference between understanding what to do and actually doing it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral?
No, you can book directly without a GP referral. However, it's helpful if you can bring any relevant medical reports, scan results, or letters from specialists you've seen.
What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing that allows easy movement and access to the area of pain. For pelvic pain assessments, loose-fitting trousers or shorts work well.
Will I need to exercise during the assessment?
I'll ask you to perform some simple movements to observe your patterns, but nothing strenuous. Everything is done within your comfort level, and you can stop at any time.
Can I bring someone with me?
Yes, you're welcome to bring a partner or family member if that would make you more comfortable, particularly for discussing sensitive issues.
Ready to Get Started?
Book your comprehensive assessment and take the first step towards understanding and managing your pain.
Book Your Assessment