Pain Management in Werribee
Our GPs at Harpley Doctors in Werribee help with ongoing pain management and thorough end-to-end care, whether your pain is chronic, acute or intermittent.
Understanding Pain
Pain can come on suddenly after an injury or illness, or it can linger. Pain that lasts for more than three months, or beyond the expected healing time, is known as chronic or persistent pain, and it affects around one in five Australians. Ongoing pain can also affect your sleep, mood and ability to work, so good care looks at more than the pain itself.
Pain We Help With
- Long-lasting pain
- Acute pain after surgery or a recent injury
- Intermittent pain that comes and goes, such as recurring headaches or migraines
- Back, neck and joint pain
- Pain from sports injuries
- Pain linked to arthritis or other long-term conditions
Our Approach
Your GP will ask about your pain, what makes it better or worse, how it affects your daily life and what you have already tried. Together you can build a plan that may combine several approaches, such as:
- Reviewing and adjusting your medicines
- Staying as active as you can, with the right support
- Referrals to other health professionals or specialists where needed
- Strategies for sleep, stress and pacing your activities
Ongoing Care
Pain management works best with regular reviews, so your plan can change as your pain and your needs change.
Keeping a Pain Diary
A simple diary can help. Each day, note how strong the pain is, what you were doing, how you slept and any medicines you took. Patterns in the diary help your GP see what is working and what to change.
When to Seek Urgent Help
Call 000 for sudden severe chest pain, a sudden severe headache unlike any you have had before, or severe pain after a serious injury.
Bulk Billing
All consultations and procedures at Harpley Doctors are bulk billed.
For our fees, billing and appointment policies, see Patient Info and Fees.
Our Doctors
Get to know the GPs at Harpley Doctors on our Our Team page, or browse everything we offer on Our Services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see the same doctor each time?
Yes. Seeing the same GP helps keep your pain plan consistent. Choose your preferred doctor when you book online, or ask reception, and consider registering for MyMedicare with us.
What should I bring to my first pain appointment?
Bring a list of your current and past pain medicines, any scans or specialist letters, and a note of when your pain started and how it changes during the day.
Do I need a referral?
No. You can book directly with a GP at Harpley Doctors, online or by calling (03) 8731 1330.
Can I have a phone consultation?
Phone consultations are available in some circumstances, but they are not recommended for anything that needs a physical examination. The doctor calls on the day of your booking, at any time during the day, and you need at least one face-to-face consultation with your doctor each year to remain eligible.
How long is an appointment?
Our standard consultations are up to 15 minutes. If you think you may need extra time with a doctor, please let reception know when you book.
Can I bring an interpreter?
Yes. Tell reception before your visit, and we can request an onsite interpreter in advance or arrange a telephone interpreter.