Chronic Pain Physio in Perth
Book NowSupportive care for long-term relief. At Next Wave Therapy our chronic pain physio works hand in hand with occupational therapy and small-group exercise rehab, so your plan addresses the physical, psychological and lifestyle sides of persistent pain, helping you move more freely and regain control of your life.
- Led by Dr Jonathan Wray (FACP), Fremantle’s only specialist musculoskeletal physiotherapist – genuine specialist expertise for complex, persistent pain.
- An integrated team: specialist physiotherapy, occupational therapy and small-group exercise rehab working from one plan.
- Over 100 years of combined clinical experience across our physio and OT team.
- Additional training in pain science, psychological therapy and functional rehabilitation, so we treat the whole person, not just the symptoms.
- A person always answers: our full-time reception makes booking easy, with no referral needed for private appointments.
Book a physio for chronic pain in Perth
We are not your standard physiotherapy clinic. Led by Dr Jonathan Wray, a Specialist Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist and supported by a multidisciplinary team, we offer advanced care for people experiencing complex and persistent pain. Our therapists have additional training in pain science, psychological therapy and functional rehabilitation, so we treat the whole person, not just the symptoms. We use evidence-based techniques that calm the nervous system, build movement confidence and support meaningful daily function.
Our chronic pain management services
Managing chronic pain usually takes more than a single therapy. Our clients benefit from integrated care that supports both movement and function while addressing the emotional and lifestyle impacts of living with pain.
- Specialist physiotherapy – hands-on treatment, pain-science education and graded loading. See our physiotherapy services.
- Occupational therapy – practical strategies for fatigue, sleep, stress and daily function. See occupational therapy.
- Exercise rehabilitation classes – physio-led small groups of just 3 people, to rebuild capacity without flare-ups. Join our exercise classes for persistent pain.
How to manage chronic pain?
Effective chronic pain management requires a holistic approach. This often includes physiotherapy, occupational therapy, education about pain, pacing strategies, gentle movement, psychological support and sleep or stress management. At Next Wave Therapy, we tailor every plan to your needs and goals.
How to manage chronic pain naturally?
Natural strategies include exercise therapy, mindfulness, diet and lifestyle changes, sleep support and manual therapies like dry needling or massage. We also offer naturopathy and occupational therapy for a truly holistic pain care plan.
You don’t need to rely solely on medication. Many people benefit from non-pharmacological treatments, including physiotherapy, exercise, psychological therapy, pacing strategies and lifestyle adjustments. These empower you to manage your pain day-to-day, naturally and sustainably.
Appointment Pricing
Specialist physiotherapy consultations are available in a range of appointment durations to suit your assessment and treatment needs, including initial, follow-up and extended consultations.
No referral is needed for private appointments. Medicare and NDIS rebates may apply with the appropriate referral. A Medicare referral does not mean sessions are bulk-billed, so we are always upfront about any out-of-pocket costs.
For current consultation fees and billing information, please visit our Appointment Fees, Terms & Policies.
To access physiotherapy services through Medicare, you must have a referral from your GP under the Chronic Disease Management Plan, often referred to as an Enhanced Primary Care Plan (EPC). This plan is necessary for Medicare coverage when seeing a physiotherapist.
See physiotherapy appointment prices
Specialist Physiotherapist
- Initial Consultation (45 min)$190
- Follow up Consultation (30 min)$150
- Extended Consultation (45 min)$190
- Extended Consultation (60 min)$300
Senior Clinical Lead
- Initial Consultation (45 min)$170
- Follow up Consultation (30 min)$140
- Extended Consultation (45 min)$170
- Extended Consultation (60 min)$280
Senior Physiotherapist
- Initial Consultation (45 min)$150
- Follow up Consultation (30 min)$130
- Extended Consultation (45 min)$150
- Extended Consultation (60 min)$260
Physiotherapist
- Initial Consultation (45 min)$130
- Follow up Consultation (30 min)$110
- Extended Consultation (60 min)$220
Telehealth consultations incur the same fee as in person consults. A $10 discount applies for pensioners and unwaged persons (not on classes).
Common chronic pain presentations
Chronic pain rarely comes down to one single injury or diagnosis. It often develops through a combination of physical, neurological and lifestyle factors that continue to influence how the body processes pain. Common contributors include:
- Chronic back, neck and muscle pain – including persistent lower back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain and elbow pain. Ongoing muscle tension, repetitive strain, poor movement patterns, overuse or previous injuries may contribute to pain that continues long after the original tissue has healed.
- Chronic joint pain and arthritis – including persistent knee pain, hip pain and shoulder pain associated with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory joint conditions. Cartilage wear, joint instability and ongoing inflammation may all contribute to long-term pain and reduced mobility.
- Chronic nerve pain – including radiculopathy, sciatica, peripheral neuropathy, nerve compression and fibromyalgia. Nerve pain may result from damage, irritation or disease affecting the nervous system and is often described as burning, shooting, tingling or electric shock-like pain.
- Previous injuries or surgery – where tissues have healed but pain persists or where changes in movement patterns place additional strain on surrounding muscles and joints.
- Repetitive strain and poor movement patterns – caused by work, sport or everyday activities that repeatedly overload specific muscles, tendons and joints over time.
- Neurological pain conditions – including Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) and central sensitisation, where the nervous system becomes increasingly sensitive and continues producing pain even after the original injury has resolved.
- Autoimmune and connective tissue disorders – including lupus, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and other conditions that may contribute to ongoing pain, inflammation, joint instability and fatigue.
- Persistent stress or psychological trauma – which may influence the way the brain and nervous system process pain, increasing pain sensitivity and making symptoms more difficult to manage.
- Sleep disturbances, anxiety and depression – which commonly coexist with chronic pain and may intensify symptoms, reduce recovery and affect day-to-day quality of life.
How to manage chronic back pain?
Managing chronic back pain involves a combination of movement-based physiotherapy, graded strength building, pain education and often occupational therapy to support daily function. We help you build confidence and capacity without flaring up symptoms.
How to manage chronic lower back pain?
Our approach to lower back pain includes identifying triggers, building core and spinal strength, improving posture and gradually increasing your activity tolerance. Psychological and lifestyle factors are also considered to ensure lasting results.
How to manage chronic neck pain?
Chronic neck pain is often linked to tension, stress, posture or previous injury. Management may include manual therapy, movement retraining and education around habits and environmental factors. We help restore movement while calming the nervous system.
Our chronic pain management team
Dr Jonathan Wray FACP
Jonathan is a specialist musculoskeletal physiotherapist (as awarded by the Australian College of Physiotherapists 2020). He has a special interest in treating neck pain, shoulder pain, low back…
Sasha Wray
Sasha has a special interest in treating complex chronic pain, fatigue and mental health concerns. She is a registered provider of Focused Psychological Therapy under the Medicare Better…
Lisa Russ
Lisa is a highly experienced physiotherapist with a passion for helping others reach their potential. A former Olympic athlete and community leader, she brings a collaborative, determined approach…
Rushil Shah
Rushil is a physiotherapist with experience treating musculoskeletal injuries, chronic pain and neurological disorders. He has a special interest in treating injuries and helping to build athletic performance…
Kyu Shin
Kyu is a physiotherapist with a strong foundation in musculoskeletal rehabilitation and a genuine passion for helping people get back to the things they love, whether that’s work,…
Annabel Poulsen
Annabel is a senior occupational therapist with extensive experience in treating mental health concerns. She is a registered private health and Medicare BAMH mental health provider. Annabel provides…
What our clients say
“Next Wave Therapy was recommended to me to assist with some lingering issues from a 10-year chronic pain disorder. Sasha rectified long-term issues with my neck, shoulder, arm and jaw and set me up to flourish moving forward.” – Alison M.
“My health transformation from intense debilitating pain to my current recovery levels has given me hope for a quality of life I thought was not available to me anymore.” – Lauren H.
Reviews are shared in line with APA guidelines; individual results vary and we make no outcome guarantees.
Still in pain after seeing one therapist? Book an assessment and start an integrated plan or call our reception on (08) 9337 6460.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is chronic pain management?
Chronic pain management is a coordinated approach that helps you understand and reduce long-term pain. It focuses on improving function, regulating the nervous system, addressing emotional wellbeing and restoring meaningful activity, using evidence-based tools and a collaborative team approach.
Can physiotherapy help with chronic pain?
Yes. Chronic pain physio uses graded movement, manual therapy and pain-science education to build confidence and capacity. For many people it is most effective alongside occupational therapy and supervised exercise rehab, which is how we structure care at Next Wave Therapy.
Does Medicare cover chronic pain management?
Medicare may contribute through a Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan with a GP referral and NDIS or DVA funding may apply for eligible patients. A referral does not automatically mean sessions are bulk-billed, so we confirm any out-of-pocket cost before you start.
How long does it take to see improvement?
It varies with your condition and history. Many clients notice changes within the first few weeks, while complex or long-standing pain is managed over a longer, tapered program that we review with you regularly.
When should I see a physio for chronic pain?
If pain has lasted more than three months, keeps returning or is limiting your work, sleep or daily activities, it is worth booking an assessment. No referral is needed for private appointments.
Do I need a referral?
No. You can book privately with no referral. If you are using Medicare (CDM), NDIS, DVA or an insurance claim, you will need a GP or specialist referral. Book online to get started.
Have a Question?
Our friendly team are available to answer any queries you might have. Contact us via phone, email, fax or simply fill out the form.