Our experienced team at GO2 Health understands that being a veteran is a unique experience, one that often comes with its own unique challenges. We also understand that chronic pain can be a significant part of this journey, and we are here to help.
Chronic pain can affect anyone, but for those who have served, the numbers are significantly higher. In 2018, over 3 million Australians reported living with chronic pain, with higher rates reported in military populations and up to 66% in PTSD sufferers.1,2 If you are one of these individuals, you’re not alone, and there are solutions beyond simply “popping pills.”
Our approach at GO2 Health is different.
We believe in treating you as a fellow human first, not just another name on a script or another number in our booking system. We recognise your pain, and we want you to know that it’s okay to seek help. We also understand that managing pain can feel like an uphill battle. But we’re here to help you climb that mountain and see the view from the top: a life where pain is manageable and doesn’t define your existence.
At GO2 Health, we have a specialist pain management program designed specifically for veterans, the REFORGE Pain Program. This program employs an interdisciplinary, evidence-based approach to pain management. It’s delivered in a small group setting, allowing us to optimise outcomes for veterans with chronic pain.
But what does that actually mean?
Well, it means that we don’t just prescribe medication. Yes, pharmaceuticals have their place in pain management for some patients, but they are not our primary approach. We use a blend of modalities, including general medicine, physiotherapy, psychology, naturopathy, exercise physiology, pain specialist care, medical acupuncture, pharmacology, Tai Chi, pilates, and hydrotherapy. We have over 70 experienced practitioners on-site, and most of these have specialist training in veteran healthcare requirements.
The approach to pain management that we use here at GO2 Health is not unique to us. Evidenced-based, multi-modality pain management is gaining traction worldwide and the evidence in the research is clear. A 2020 study demonstrated that programs like ours, with pain education and multidisciplinary care targeted at veterans, resulted in significantly improved mood, self-efficacy, and confidence levels in veterans, both with and without PTSD.3 In this same study, up to 17% of veterans reported reduced opioid use, and 20% stopped all opioid medication. This is our goal too: to bridge the gap in pain management for veterans after discharge, resulting in improved quality of life, self-efficacy, and mood.
Pain can be a lonely experience, and we understand that. It’s not just about physical discomfort. Chronic pain can have a deep impact on mental health, with almost half of persistent pain sufferers also experiencing depression and anxiety.4 We know there’s a link between chronic pain and increased rates of substance abuse, alcohol misuse, and even suicide.5 That’s why our pain management program doesn’t just focus on your physical wellbeing, but your mental health too.
We aim to empower you.
Our practitioners are not just here to treat your symptoms, but to guide you on your journey of understanding and managing your persistent pain condition. We believe in self-empowerment and provide you with strategies to manage pain and flare-ups. At GO2 Health, we’re not just treating pain, we’re helping you to navigate a life beyond it.
We’re on a mission to change the standard of pain management in veterans, not just for our patients today, but for future generations. Your experience and outcomes are vital in helping us develop future pain management interventions and in training future practitioners in the field of veteran pain management.
Ready to take the next step on your pain management journey?
Looking for a team that sees you as a person first, rather than just another patient? Reach out today and make an appointment with one of our GPs. At GO2 Health, we’re ready to help you reforge your life from chronic pain.
References:
1. Painaustralia (2019). Australia’s challenge: The $139.3 Billion Cost of Pain. Retrieved from: www.painaustralia.org.au
2. Gauntlett-Gilbert, J. (2013). Chronic pain in the military. Clinical Pain Advisor. Retrieved from: www.clinicalpainadvisor.com
3. Merwe, et. Al. (2020). Military veterans with and without post-traumatic stress disorder: results from a chronic pain management programme. Pain Medicine Journal. Retrieved from: www.discovery.ucl.ac.uk
4. Nicholson, B. (2011). Differential diagnosis: Nociceptive and neuropathic pain. American Journal of Managed Care. 17(11), p262-268.
5. GO2 Health. (2022). Forging ahead: A solutions focussed submission to the Royal Commission. Retrieved from https://reforge.com.au/royal-commission/
