iMSK – community pain management

The community pain management service is part of the integrated musculoskeletal (iMSK) service at North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust.

This service provides specialist assessment and treatment for adults with diagnosed persistent or chronic non-cancer pain where symptoms have continued despite previous treatment and are significantly affecting daily activities.

Rather than focusing on eliminating pain, this service aims to help people improve their quality of life by developing practical strategies to manage pain more effectively and thus live well with their pain.

What we offer

Our multidisciplinary team includes specialist physiotherapists, psychologists and psychological therapists with expertise in persistent pain.

Depending on your individual needs, support may include:

• Specialist assessment
• Advice and education about persistent pain
• Group living well with pain programmes
• Individual physiotherapy
• Individual psychology support
• Signposting to other appropriate services where needed

Your treatment plan will be discussed with you following assessment.

Accessing the service

This service is by referral only. You may be referred to us by:

• Secondary care pain team (pain clinic)
• iMSK – musculoskeletal advanced assessment
• iMSK – physiotherapy
• Rheumatology
• Your GP

If your pain is in one location, for example your lower back, you can self-refer to the iMSK musculoskeletal advanced assessment service. The team will review the information and can refer you into community pain management if needed.

If the musculoskeletal advanced assessment team thinks further assessment is needed, they may ask your GP to do some further tests, or offer you an appointment with them.

If you have pain in multiple locations, you will need to be referred to the integrated musculoskeletal service by your GP or first contact physiotherapist within your GP practice.

Pain Café

Our regular Pain Café is a relaxed, welcoming, and supportive space for people living with persistent pain. It provides an opportunity to meet others with similar experiences, share ideas, and learn practical strategies to help manage pain and improve day‑to‑day wellbeing.

Contact

Further information and resources

If you have already been referred to the community pain management service, or would like to know more about what to expect, please read our patient information resources.

These include information about:

• What happens at your first appointment
• Living well with pain programmes
• Individual physiotherapy and psychology appointments
• Helpful pain management resources

Useful links