Most people expect pain to follow a simple path. You get hurt. You heal. The pain goes away.
For 1 in 5 Australians, that's not what happens.
The science tells us something important about why it stays. Over time, persistent pain becomes less about the original injury and more about changes in how the nervous system processes pain signals.
The nervous system is designed to protect us. But in persistent pain, it can become overactive, sending pain signals that no longer reflect actual tissue damage. This is a well-understood neurological process called central sensitisation.
This isn't weakness. It isn't "just in your head." It's a real, measurable change in how the nervous system is functioning.
The good news is that the nervous system is neuroplastic. It can change. With the right approach, the way your brain and body process pain can shift.
That's what Ian's work is built on.
Not just the current pain, but everything that led to it. Past injuries, previous treatments, work, sleep, stress, and the activities that matter most to you. Ian listens carefully before forming any view.
If you have imaging, specialist letters or GP notes, bring them. Ian reviews everything before making an assessment. Nothing is assumed.
Ian works directly with your body. Hands-on, one-on-one physiotherapy is a genuine point of difference, and it matters especially for chronic pain presentations.
Ian draws on the Explain Pain framework to help you understand what's happening in your nervous system and why. When patients genuinely understand the science of their pain, the way they relate to it can begin to change. Education is part of the treatment.
Chronic pain presents differently in every person. Ian works with a wide range of complex and persistent pain conditions, including:
Patients travel to see Ian at our Wauchope clinic from across the region, including Port Macquarie, Kempsey, Taree, Laurieton and the surrounding communities. If you're willing to make the trip, Ian is willing to take the time.
The Chronic Pain Clinic is available with a GP referral under the Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan, which may allow Medicare rebates on eligible appointments.
If you'd like to book directly without a referral, that's also welcome. You don't need a referral to see Ian.
To discuss a referral for your patient, GPs from Port Macquarie, Wauchope and surrounding areas can contact our Wauchope clinic directly on 02 6585 1388 or email [email protected].
Ian Payne has been helping people move and live better for over 40 years.
He's a careful listener. A thorough assessor. Someone who takes the time to understand not just what hurts, but why. And what it's getting in the way of.
Ian holds a Diploma of Physiotherapy from Leeds School of Physiotherapy, is a Member of the Australian Pain Society, and is trained in dry needling and acupuncture. He works with the Explain Pain framework, an evidence-based approach to pain neuroscience that helps patients understand the role the nervous system plays in persistent pain.
His clinical focus includes chronic and complex pain, neurological conditions, neck and shoulder presentations, and occupational and workplace injuries. He consults at our Wauchope clinic, 43 Campbell Street, Wauchope NSW 2446.
Yes. Ian works collaboratively with your entire treating team. With your consent, we're happy to communicate directly with your GP, orthopaedic surgeon, pain specialist or any other clinician involved in your care. Coordinated care leads to better outcomes, and we take that seriously.
If you've been living with pain that hasn't responded to treatment, whether it's been three months or ten years, Ian would like to hear your story.
Extended chronic pain appointments are available at our Wauchope clinic, accessible from Port Macquarie, Kempsey, Taree and the surrounding region. GP referrals are welcome. Direct bookings are also available.