Pain management event for arthritis awareness

THE Eastern Cape branch of the Arthritis Foundation of South Africa is hosting an awareness morning about pain management tomorrow in Walmer.

Physiotherapist Beverley Bolton will cover the theme: Living a Life Worth Living – New Insights in Pain Management at 9.30 tomorrow morning at St John's Anglican Church hall.

The church is on the corner of Church Road and Eighth Avenue.

The foundation said the traditional way of managing painful conditions was to aim at treating the injury or illness with the idea that once the underlying cause was removed, the symptoms would also be relieved.

However, there were a significant number of people who would continue to have symptoms despite the best medical care and the problem of pain was much more common than had been previously realised. "Research is showing that about 10-15% of all people struggle to recover after any injury or illness," a spokesman said.

"The problem may be compounded by well-meaning health professionals who recommend rest or reduced activity and even frequently, to stop work," the spokesman added.

The foundation therefore invited a physiotherapist with a special interest in pain management to address the subject.

Today the focus of rehabilitation of people living with pain or a debilitating illness is often geared towards helping them resume participation in activities that once gave their life a sense of purpose and meaning.

Further information from Jeanette Bradfield, (041) 365-1419, e-mail: jeanette@arthritis.org.za or visit the website at www.arthritis.org.za