The AFP is a multidisciplinary programme for clients who have persistent pain-related disability with significant functional problems which are due to an injury and which have lasted for more than 12 weeks.
The client will have had a Comprehensive Pain Assessment (CPA) recommending an AFP to help their rehabilitation.
The purpose of the AFP is to assist clients adopt a self-management approach to independent functioning both at work and home, despite pain.
The Team
The programme is delivered by a multidisciplinary team which is a combination of all or some of the following professions:
- Registered Psychologist
- Medical Practitioner
- Physiotherapist
- Occupational Therapist
- Registered Nurse
The team will provide an integrated approach to the client’s rehabilitation and together will design an individualised programme with the client following liaison with other health professionals working with the client and considering the client’s functional difficulties and goals.
The Programme
The AFP comprises an individualized programme and the application of a range of pain management strategies to assist the client return to independent functioning with a strong psychological focus to address key pain-related disability factors.
The programme will include the following components:
- Goal related activities ~graded and monitored exposure to physical activity that the client can practice at home. This is delivered in the most appropriate environment for the clients identified functional goals
- Behavioral Intervention and Education on pain management practices (which follow the principles of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy) and will address the pain-related disability factors, and
- Self Management Component ~ Self-management training will be tailored towards the clients needs and may include:
- Goal setting
- Activity pacing
- Problem solving
- Communication skills
- Addressing unhelpful thinking
- Relaxation, self talk and visualisations
- Skills for managing low mood and anxiety
- Flare-ups and relapse management
The programme may include an additional worksite and/or home visit component if require.
We are able to offer this service in the Rodney district with experienced clinicians able to design and deliver a programme individualised for the client.
