Supported self-management for chronic pain

Self-management for chronic pain focuses on the patient’s active contribution to their pain management. For children with chronic pain, self-management includes their active contribution as well as contributions from their family. The clinicians’ role is to support self-management.

Self-management should include a multidimensional approach to improve function despite pain; it may also reduce pain intensity. For most patients, the addition of passive techniques becomes unnecessary and unlikely to improve outcomes once self-management has been achieved.

When considering appropriate management strategies, active management strategies must be prioritised over passive techniques. Active management strategies (eg physical activity, social connection, nutrition, sleep) require patient participation and over the long term, are more effective than passive techniques (eg analgesics, massage). Long-term use of passive techniques can lead to dependence on therapists at the expense of self-management.