What can be expected
What the patient can expect at their appointment:
- Once you have emailed an ACC referral letter to us requesting specialist physiotherapy, we will contact the patient to arrange an appointment, either in-person or via Zoom. A registration and consent form (online) will be sent to the patient as well as some symptom, sensory profile and coping style questionnaires.
- The patient will be asked to complete these and return by email prior to the assessment appointment.
- Their initial appointment will take 50 to 60 minutes.
- Dr Jacqui will take a detailed in-depth biopsychosocial-spiritual narrative history, and may do some physical and sensory processing tests, before making her diagnosis.
- From this information Dr Jacqui 1) may need to recommend for further investigations and refer them accordingly (e.g. blood tests, X-rays or ultrasound) to confirm a diagnosis and /or 2) will explain the pain diagnosis to the individual.
- Giving someone a clear, evidence-based understanding of why they are experiencing persistent symptoms can be very empowering for them.
- A rehab plan is developed together with the patient depending on what is realistic for them, and recommendations are written back to you to carry out if appropriate. If you are not in a position to provide the recommendations we can provide pain physiotherapy support at Pains and Brains.
- ACC allow 4 x follow-up reviews with Dr Jacqui for further recommendations and rehab progressions.
On-site ACC pain rehabilitation available.
ACC funded physical rehab treatments may be provided by senior pain physiotherapist, Sarah Astwood, at Pains & Brains, according to Jacqui's recommendations, if the patient does not have an experienced treating physiotherapist already supporting them. There is a co-payment for this, payable by the patient.
Private clients
Dr Jacqui also runs a private clinic, and provides the rehab for private clients herself www.drjacqui.net. These sessions can be provided via Zoom for those who live too far away to travel in person, or who cannot travel locally.
Rehab network
Dr Jacqui may also suggest other members of the multi-disciplinary team associated with Pains & Brains such as:
Pain psychologists
Eden Sleep - for sleep disorders: www.edensleep.co.nz
Tauranga Wellness Clinic - Clinical Nutritionist: www.taurangawellnessclinic.co.nz
Bay Nutrition - dietitian and nutritionist: www.baynutrition.co.nz
The Centre for Health - autonomic dysfunction stress testing by exercise physiologists: www.thecentreforhealth.co.nz
Complex Chronic Illness Support - year long support: www.ccisupport.org.nz
