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Chronic Pain Physiotherapy Edmonton

Restoring movement, rebuilding confidence, and supporting long-term pain management

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Chronic Pain Physiotherapy, Edmonton

Rebuilding strength, confidence, and movement capacity despite persistent pain challenges

Living with ongoing pain can quietly reshape how you move, work, and engage with daily life. Unlike short term discomfort, chronic pain often persists for months or even years, affecting both physical function and emotional well-being. At our clinic, we understand that long-standing pain is complex and rarely linked to a single cause. Through Chronic Pain Physiotherapy in Edmonton, we help individuals reconnect with movement, rebuild tolerance to activity, and develop strategies that support sustainable progress. Our approach focuses on education, guided movement, and individualized care that adapts as your needs evolve.

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What Is Chronic Pain?

After the anticipated healing period, pain that persists for longer than three months is referred to as chronic pain. It may fluctuate in intensity, shift locations, or persist even when medical imaging does not show active tissue damage. This type of pain often involves changes in the nervous system, movement patterns, and pain perception.

Types of Chronic Pain

Chronic pain can present in several forms, often overlapping and influencing one another. Understanding these categories helps guide appropriate physiotherapy strategies and long-term management approaches. Chronic pain can present in several forms, including:

1
Nociceptive Pain
This type of pain is associated with ongoing tissue stress or mechanical strain. It is commonly linked to muscles, joints, ligaments, or connective tissues and may worsen with specific movements or prolonged postures. Nociceptive pain is often seen in conditions such as chronic lower back pain, chronic joint discomfort, or persistent muscle tension.
2
Neuropathic Pain
Neuropathic pain occurs when nerves become irritated, compressed, or sensitized. It may present as burning, tingling, sharp, or electric-like sensations. This type of pain can affect areas such as the neck, spine, or limbs and may contribute to chronic ankle pain or radiating symptoms in chronic back pain.
3
Central Sensitization
Central sensitization involves increased sensitivity within the nervous system, where pain signals are amplified even without ongoing tissue damage. Individuals may experience widespread discomfort, heightened pain responses, or sensitivity to normally non-painful stimuli. This form of pain is commonly associated with long-standing pain conditions.
4
Musculoskeletal Chronic Pain
This category includes persistent pain affecting muscles, joints, and surrounding soft tissues. It may develop due to repetitive strain, prolonged inactivity, previous injuries, or altered movement patterns. Chronic musculoskeletal pain often affects the spine, hips, shoulders, and lower extremities.
5
Mechanical Pain
Mechanical pain is influenced by movement, posture, and loading. Symptoms may increase with certain activities and ease with rest or position changes. This type of chronic pain is commonly associated with chronic lower back pain, postural strain, and work-related physical demands.
6
Referred Pain
Referred pain is felt in a different area than its original source. For example, discomfort originating from the lower back may be felt in the hips or legs. Understanding referred pain patterns is important when addressing chronic pain through physiotherapy-based movement strategies.
7
Myofascial Pain
Myofascial pain involves tension and sensitivity within muscles and the surrounding connective tissue. It may present as localized tenderness, tightness, or restricted movement and often contributes to chronic neck, shoulder, or pelvic pain patterns.
7
Viscerosomatic Pain
This type of pain originates from internal structures but is perceived in musculoskeletal areas. Chronic pelvic pain may involve both visceral and musculoskeletal components, requiring a coordinated physiotherapy approach focused on movement, breathing, and core control.
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Conditions That May Benefit from Chronic Pain Physiotherapy

Chronic pain physiotherapy management can support individuals experiencing long term discomfort across a wide range of conditions. Persistent pain often involves a combination of physical, neurological, and movement-related factors, all of which can be addressed through structured physiotherapy care.

Spine and Back-Related Conditions

Physiotherapy may be beneficial for individuals experiencing:


  • Chronic back pain affecting posture and daily mobility

  • Chronic lower back pain linked to prolonged sitting, repetitive tasks, or reduced activity tolerance

  • Persistent neck and upper back pain related to work demands or sustained postures

  • Long-standing spinal stiffness or movement-related discomfort


Pelvic and Core-Related Conditions

Chronic pain physiotherapy can assist with:

  • Chronic pelvic pain affects movement, breathing, and core coordination

  • Ongoing pelvic or hip discomfort associated with muscle tension or movement restrictions

  • Core instability contributing to persistent pain patterns

Joint-Related Chronic Pain

Individuals with ongoing joint discomfort may benefit from physiotherapy for:

  • Chronic ankle pain following previous sprains or incomplete rehabilitation

  • Chronic knee pain related to altered loading or movement patterns

  • Persistent hip, shoulder, or elbow pain that limits functional activities

  • Joint pain associated with reduced strength, mobility, or endurance

Post-Injury and Post-Surgical Pain

Physiotherapy may help manage:

  • Long-standing pain following fractures, soft tissue injuries, or joint injuries

  • Persistent symptoms after surgery, where movement confidence has not fully returned

  • Ongoing stiffness or weakness contributing to activity avoidance

Nerve-Related and Sensitivity-Based Pain

Chronic pain physical therapy may support individuals experiencing:

  • Nerve-related pain with tingling, burning, or radiating symptoms

  • Ongoing sensitivity following nerve irritation or compression

  • Painis influenced by heightened nervous system responses

Widespread and Multi-Region Pain

Physiotherapy can be helpful for:

  • Widespread pain affecting multiple joints or muscle groups

  • Pain patterns associated with reduced tolerance to activity

  • Conditions involving central sensitization and movement-related fear

Work- and Lifestyle-Related Chronic Pain

Chronic pain physiotherapy may also support:

  • Pain associated with repetitive work tasks or prolonged static positions

  • Activity-related flare-ups that limit daily participation

  • Deconditioning due to long-term avoidance of movement
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How Chronic Pain Physiotherapy Works

Chronic pain physiotherapy focuses on understanding how pain affects movement, confidence, and daily function over time. Rather than applying a single approach, our physiotherapists use a structured, adaptable framework that addresses physical capacity, nervous system sensitivity, and activity tolerance. Care is designed to evolve as your body responds, supporting steady progress while respecting individual limits.

1
A Movement-Focused Perspective
Our physiotherapists evaluate your entire body's movement rather than just the area where you are in pain. Restricted mobility, muscle guarding, altered posture, and compensatory movement strategies can all contribute to ongoing symptoms. By addressing these patterns, physiotherapy supports more efficient, balanced, and confident movement during daily activities.
2
Nervous System Regulation
Chronic pain physical therapy often includes techniques that help calm heightened nervous system responses. When pain persists, the nervous system may become overprotective, amplifying sensations and reducing tolerance to movement. Gentle exposure to movement, controlled loading, breathing strategies, and education around pain science help reduce fear, improve movement confidence, and gradually lower sensitivity.
3
Gradual Activity Progression
Sustainable improvement relies on pacing rather than pushing through discomfort. Our therapists guide gradual increases in activity levels to help rebuild strength, mobility, and endurance without overwhelming the system. This approach supports consistency while reducing the risk of flare-ups.
4
Strengthening and Load Management
Targeted strengthening helps improve tissue tolerance and supports joints during everyday tasks. Our physiotherapists select exercises that match current capacity and progressively increase load to encourage safe adaptation over time.
5
Functional Integration
Physiotherapy focuses on translating gains into real-life activities. Movement strategies are tailored to work tasks, household activities, and recreational demands, helping individuals return to meaningful movement with greater confidence.
6
Education and Self-Management Strategies
Understanding pain is important for long-term management. Our physiotherapists provide education on pacing, movement variation, and flare-up management so individuals can respond effectively to changing symptoms and maintain progress outside the clinic.

Comprehensive Techniques Used in Chronic Pain Physical Therapy

To provide the most effective care, we incorporate various modalities within chronic pain physical therapy. Every person’s experience is unique, so we tailor these techniques to your specific needs and tolerance levels.

Therapeutic Exercise and Movement

Movement is often the most effective tool for long term improvement. We help you find the “sweet spot” where you can exercise without causing a significant flare-up.

Graded Motor Imagery:

Techniques to retrain the brain's connection to the painful body part.

Progressive Strengthening:

Building the capacity of muscles to support sensitive joints.

Pacing Strategies:

Learning how to break tasks into smaller parts to avoid the "boom and bust" cycle.

Manual Therapy and Hands-On Care

While movement is key, our physiotherapists also use manual techniques to help reduce muscle tension and improve joint mobility.

Soft Tissue Release:

To address muscle guarding and tension.

Joint Mobilization:

Gentle movements to improve the glide and slide of joints.

Manual Stretching:

Assisting the body in reaching a relaxed state.

Education and Cognitive Functional Therapy

Understanding why you feel what you feel is a cornerstone of Chronic Pain Physiotherapy in Edmonton. We provide education on:

Pain Neuroscience:

Learning how the brain and nerves create the sensation of pain.

Sleep Hygiene:

Improving rest to help the body recover.

Stress Management:

Techniques to lower the systemic "volume" of pain signals.

Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) and Dry Needling

For many dealing with chronic lower back pain or chronic back pain, tight “knots” or trigger points can be a major factor. We offer dry needling to help release these deep muscle contractions and improve local blood flow.

The Benefits of a Multimodal Approach

We believe that no single treatment works for everyone. By combining different types of pain physiotherapy, we create a robust plan of care.

1
Reduced Reliance on Medication:
Through physical strategies, many clients find they can reduce their need for over-the-counter relief.
2
Increased Mobility:
We provide exercises that make daily tasks like grocery shopping or gardening easier.
3
Improved Mental Health:
Reducing physical limitations often leads to a better mood and lower anxiety.
4
Long-Term Independence:
We provide you with a "toolkit" of stretches and movements to use at home.

Reclaiming Your Quality of Life

Persistent discomfort does not have to define your future. With the right support and evidence-based strategies, you can improve your function and find meaningful relief. Chronic Pain Physiotherapy in Edmonton at Next Step Physiotherapy is centred on empowering you with knowledge and movement. Whether you are dealing with chronic back pain, chronic pelvic pain, or other long term conditions, our team is here to walk with you toward a more active and fulfilling life. 

We invite you to connect with our team to learn how our personalized approach supports symptom management and functional movement. Our physiotherapists help you move with greater confidence and independence. Contact us today to book your consultation for Chronic Pain Physiotherapy in Edmonton.

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Meet Our Dedicated Therapy Team

Giri

Giri Srinivasan

Registered Physiotherapist

With over 25 years of experience in orthopedic and neurological rehabilitation, Giri has extensive expertise in managing complex and persistent pain conditions. He is certified in Gunn’s Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS), Graded Motor Imagery, Cognitive Functional Therapy, and acupuncture, all evidence-based approaches commonly used in chronic pain physiotherapy. His background in neurological rehabilitation and functional movement assessment allows him to address central sensitization, nerve-related pain, and long-standing musculoskeletal conditions through a structured, individualized treatment approach focused on restoring movement confidence and function.

Jaiganesh

Jaiganesh Ravindra Babu

Registered Physiotherapist

Jaiganesh brings experience in orthopedic, neurological, and sports rehabilitation, supporting individuals dealing with long-term musculoskeletal pain. His treatment approach combines hands-on therapy with progressive exercise programs designed to improve mobility, strength, and tolerance to activity. He focuses on helping patients gradually return to daily tasks, work, and recreational activities while addressing the underlying movement patterns contributing to persistent pain.

Ankitha

Ankita Vashisht

Registered Physiotherapist

Ankita provides patient-centred care for individuals experiencing chronic musculoskeletal pain. Her rehabilitation plans emphasize posture correction, movement retraining, strengthening, and gradual exposure to activity. By combining therapeutic exercise with education and self-management strategies, she supports individuals in building resilience and improving long-term function.

Rachit

Rachit Bhatia

Registered Physiotherapist

Rachit has experience working with individuals managing neurological and musculoskeletal conditions across various clinical settings. In chronic pain physiotherapy, he focuses on functional rehabilitation, guided exercise progression, and individualized therapeutic interventions that aim to improve mobility, reduce sensitivity, and enhance quality of life. His person-centred approach ensures treatment plans are adapted to each individual’s goals and tolerance levels.

Chronic Pain Physiotherapy

Gipin Sisupal

Registered Massage Therapist

Gipin provides therapeutic and deep-tissue massage to complement chronic pain physiotherapy programs. His treatments focus on reducing muscular tension, improving circulation, and promoting relaxation, particularly in cases of long-standing muscle guarding or stress-related pain patterns. Massage therapy can support overall symptom management alongside active rehabilitation.

Melva

Melva Chen

Registered Acupuncturist

Melva incorporates acupuncture as part of an integrated approach to chronic pain management. His treatments aim to support pain modulation, muscle relaxation, and overall well-being. Acupuncture may be used alongside physiotherapy to help manage persistent discomfort and support functional recovery.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FAQ

Understanding Chronic Pain

How is chronic pain different from acute pain in physiotherapy care?

Chronic pain persists beyond normal tissue healing timelines and often involves nervous system sensitivity and movement adaptations. Physiotherapy focuses on improving movement tolerance, addressing sensitivity, and restoring functional capacity rather than targeting short-term symptom relief alone.

Can chronic pain exist even if imaging results are normal?

Yes. Chronic pain can persist despite normal scans because pain is influenced by nervous system processing, movement habits, and sensitivity. Physiotherapy addresses these contributing factors through movement retraining, education, and gradual activity exposure rather than relying solely on imaging findings.

Assessment & Treatment Approach

What does a chronic pain physiotherapy assessment typically involve?

Assessment includes reviewing pain history, movement patterns, activity tolerance, posture, and functional limitations. Our physiotherapists also consider lifestyle factors and symptom triggers to develop a care plan that supports safe movement progression and long-term management.

Why does physiotherapy focus on movement rather than only the painful area?

Chronic pain often alters how the entire body moves. Compensation, stiffness, or weakness elsewhere can increase strain. Addressing whole-body movement patterns helps improve efficiency, reduce overload, and support confidence during daily activities.

Nervous System & Pain Sensitivity

How does physiotherapy help calm an overactive nervous system?

Physiotherapy uses graded movement, controlled loading, breathing strategies, and pain education to reduce threat responses. Over time, these approaches help the nervous system respond more appropriately, improving tolerance to movement and reducing sensitivity during daily tasks.

Is pain education really important in chronic pain physiotherapy?

Yes. Understanding how pain works helps reduce fear and uncertainty around movement. Education supports informed decision-making, encourages consistent activity, and helps individuals manage flare-ups more effectively without unnecessary movement avoidance.

Exercise & Activity Progression

How is exercise adjusted for someone with long-standing pain?

Exercises are selected based on current tolerance and progressed gradually. Physiotherapists monitor responses closely, adjusting intensity, volume, and complexity to encourage adaptation without overwhelming the system or triggering prolonged symptom flare-ups.

What role does pacing play in chronic pain physiotherapy?

Pacing helps balance activity and rest to prevent symptom spikes. Physiotherapy teaches individuals how to distribute activity throughout the day, gradually increasing capacity while maintaining consistency and reducing cycles of overactivity and flare-ups.

Conditions & Pain Presentations

Can physiotherapy help with widespread or multi-region chronic pain?

Yes. Physiotherapy addresses movement confidence, nervous system sensitivity, and overall conditioning. A whole-body approach supports individuals experiencing pain across multiple regions by improving tolerance, coordination, and functional endurance over time.

How does physiotherapy support chronic pelvic pain management?

Physiotherapy focuses on movement coordination, breathing patterns, core control, and muscle relaxation. Addressing posture, load management, and functional movement helps reduce strain and supports improved tolerance to daily activities.

Functional & Daily Life Integration

How does physiotherapy help with work-related chronic pain?

Physiotherapists assess work demands, posture, and movement patterns. Care focuses on improving tolerance to repetitive tasks, prolonged positions, and physical loads while teaching strategies to manage symptoms during the workday.

Can chronic pain physiotherapy support return to physical activity?

Yes. Physiotherapy helps individuals reintroduce activities gradually, addressing strength, mobility, and movement confidence. Progression is structured to match personal goals while minimizing flare-ups and supporting long-term participation.

Flare-Ups & Long-Term Management

Are flare-ups normal during chronic pain physiotherapy?

Flare-ups can occur and do not necessarily indicate harm. Physiotherapy helps individuals recognize early signs, adjust activity levels, and apply movement strategies to recover more efficiently and maintain overall progress.

How does physiotherapy help manage long-term pain outside the clinic?

Physiotherapy emphasizes self-management through education, home exercises, pacing strategies, and movement awareness. These tools help individuals respond confidently to changing symptoms and maintain functional improvements independently.

Expectations & Progress

How long does it usually take to notice changes with chronic pain physiotherapy?

Progress varies based on pain history, activity tolerance, and consistency. Many individuals notice gradual improvements in movement confidence and function over time rather than immediate symptom changes.

Is the goal of physiotherapy to eliminate pain completely?

The primary focus is improving function, movement tolerance, and quality of life. While symptom levels may change, physiotherapy supports long-term management by helping individuals move confidently and participate in daily activities despite ongoing symptoms.

Individualized Care

How is treatment adapted if symptoms change over time?

Physiotherapy care is flexible. Our physiotherapists regularly reassess movement, activity tolerance, and symptom response, adjusting exercises and strategies to match current needs and ensure continued progress.

Can chronic pain physiotherapy support older adults?

Yes. Care is adapted to individual capacity and goals, focusing on balance, strength, mobility, and endurance. Physiotherapy supports safe movement and independence regardless of age or activity level.

Getting Started

Do I need a referral to begin chronic pain physiotherapy?

In most cases, a referral is not required. Physiotherapists can assess and provide care directly, coordinating with other healthcare providers when appropriate to support comprehensive management.

What makes chronic pain physiotherapy different from standard physiotherapy?

Chronic pain physiotherapy places greater emphasis on nervous system sensitivity, pacing, education, and long-term movement adaptation. Care focuses on building tolerance and confidence rather than short-term symptom-focused interventions.

Related services at Next Step:

Available at our Millwoods clinic in Edmonton. Book an appointment.

CLIENT TESTIMONIAL

Patient Experiences with Chronic Pain Physiotherapy

Hearing from individuals who have navigated long-term pain can provide a valuable perspective. These testimonials reflect personal experiences with our physiotherapy approach, highlighting how guided movement, education, and consistent care have supported improved confidence, function, and day-to-day activity over time.

I am highly recommended this location. After my first day appointment on my lower back pain I felt different compared to other location. Mercy is really good on what she do. She is so knowledgeable about her profession. Really happy the results and outcome after my visit. Also, Jagpreet is so nice as well all receptionists. They are helpful when booking the appointments. Customer service above and beyond. Good job on helping people. Thank you so much.
anjulyn ramirez
Physiotherapist Jay (Jaiganesh Ravindra Babu) is great, he was able to lessen my shoulder pain through exercises and the equipment he uses for my back shoulder (electrodes). Front desk is also accomodating with appointment flexibilty. No wait times, they will assist you immediately. Clinic is accessible and nice interior. Love the app they provided for excercise program/guide. Great job. Thank you.
Raffy Yap
Amazing clinic! I have had treatments from Mercy (physio), Albert (acupuncture) and Cam (massage). They are all very thorough and informative about their treatment process. They have relieved my pain immensely. And the girls at the front are AWESOME!! I recommend Next Step Physiotherapy 100%!!
carly golis
Im always looking forward for my physio. It alleviates my comfort and remove my pains. Mercy and her assistant are sp knowledgeable and compassionate. The reception is friendly and the place is clean and calm.
elenita francisco
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