Expert Pain Management

Understanding pain that persists

Persistent pain, often referred to as chronic pain, is pain that continues for longer than three months or beyond the normal healing time of an injury.

Unlike acute pain, which signals immediate harm and subsides with healing, persistent pain lingers and can become a condition in itself. It may result from various sources joint, muscle, tendon, or nerve damage, or sometimes an unknown cause, making everyday activities challenging.

The longer that pain lasts, the more complex it becomes and the greater difficulty in treating it. Therefore, time is an important factor. Long waiting times in the health service make it more likely that a pain condition will continue to persist or take more effort, bigger procedures or stronger medication to resolve.

 

Pain in shoulder, wrist and lower back

The Impact of Persistent Pain

Living with persistent pain can be overwhelming and affects multiple aspects of life:

  • Physical Limitations: Difficulty performing daily tasks, including work and exercise, due to constant pain.
  • Emotional Distress: Ongoing discomfort can lead to feelings of frustration, anxiety, or depression.
  • Social Isolation: Strained relationships and reduced engagement in social activities.
  • Reduced Quality of Life: Sleep disturbances, fatigue, and loss of independence.

Beyond Painkillers: A Holistic Approach

Many pain conditions, especially persistent pain, cannot be effectively treated solely with painkillers. While medications may offer temporary relief, they do not address the underlying causes of pain and can lead to dependence or side effects over time. A multifaceted approach is essential for meaningful improvement.

yin yang sign, tablets, capsules, injection vial and dumbells.

Bridging the Knowledge Gap in Healthcare

Many healthcare providers may not fully grasp the complexities of persistent pain, leading to less effective treatment plans. Dr Amer Sheikh is an expert in the management of persistent pain. He has a Masters degree in Pain Management and designed the current award-winning musculoskeletal pain service in North-West Surrey, Surrey iMSK, which serves the 360,000 population of the region. Dr Sheikh co-authored the chronic and musculoskeletal pain course for a leading medical education company, Red Whale, and is a past lecturer and president of the British Medical Acupuncture Society. He specialises in a holistic approach to treating chronic and musculoskeletal pain by integrating conventional and complimentary methods of treatment including acupuncture.

Personalised Pain Management Strategies

With the correct advice and management from a knowledgeable clinician, you can take control of your pain and improve your quality of life. :

  • Comprehensive Assessments: In-depth evaluations to identify the root causes and factors contributing to your pain. Please make at least a 30 minute initial appointment to discuss the history of your problem in detail.
  • Customised Treatment Plans: This is the era of personalised medicine. You will need a tailored strategy that may include selective use of medicine, lifestyle change, one or more physical therapy types, or psychological support.
  • Multidisciplinary Approach: Collaboration with specialists such as yogatherapists, physiotherapists, psychologists, and occupational therapists.
  • Ongoing Support: Regular follow-ups to adjust your plan and ensure you are progressing towards your goals.

Why Choose Us

  • Expertise in Pain Management: Specialised training and experience in addressing various persistent pain conditions.
  • Patient-Centered Care: A compassionate approach that focuses on your individual needs and preferences.
  • Collaborative Partnership: Working together to make informed decisions about your treatment.
  • Holistic Focus: Considering physical, emotional, and psychological aspects to promote overall well-being.

Take the First Step Towards Relief

You don’t have to face persistent pain alone. With the right guidance and comprehensive management, improvement is within reach. Let’s collaborate to develop a plan that moves beyond painkillers and towards lasting relief.


Book an Appointment

Tel. 01932 344 004

 

Healthcare and other organisations should contact Dr Sheikh by email to book consultations and speaking engagements.

Empowering you to live a life less burdened by pain.