Pain lasting for months: understanding it to get your life back
When pain lasts more than three months, it is often no longer just about tissue damage: the nervous system has become more sensitive, and sleep, stress and fear of movement can amplify it. Your pain is real. Through listening, education and gradual exercise we help you reduce it and get back to doing what matters to you.
What we treat
Below you will find the situations we see most often.
- Persistent back or neck pain Pain that has lasted more than three months or keeps coming back, despite treatment.
- Widespread pain Pain in several parts of the body, often with tiredness and disturbed sleep, as in fibromyalgia.
- Pain after surgery When the operation was successful but the pain has not gone away.
- Headache and facial pain Long-lasting headaches and craniofacial pain, in collaboration with your doctor.
- Fear of moving When you avoid activities for fear of making things worse, and life gets smaller.
How we work
- 01 Listening, without rushing We go through your story: what you have already tried, what worries you, what you would like to get back to. We rule out signs and symptoms that may need further investigation.
- 02 Understanding pain We explain how persistent pain works. Understanding it reduces fear and changes the way you deal with it.
- 03 Gradual movement Exercise and activity increased a little at a time, starting from what you can do today, including on harder days.
- 04 Strategies for daily life Sleep, pacing activities, managing flare-ups. If needed, we coordinate with your doctor or psychologist.
Three myths to bust
Sources: IASP, revised definition of pain, 2020 · Geneen et al., Cochrane overview on physical activity and exercise for chronic pain, 2017
When to see a doctor straight away
Contact your doctor straight away if, along with the pain, you have:
- weight loss for no reason, fever or night sweats
- new pain that is very different from usual, or that is getting worse quickly
- weakness, tingling or loss of sensation that is increasing
Frequently asked questions about chronic pain
Content by Luca Barbisan, OMT physiotherapist · Updated October 2026
I've already tried everything. Why should it work now?
Previous treatments have often focused on the spot that hurts. With persistent pain you also need to understand the pain, build movement back up gradually and work on sleep and habits. We don't promise miracles, but a concrete plan we follow together.
Will the pain disappear completely?
Sometimes yes, sometimes it reduces a lot. The main goal is for pain to stop making decisions for you: getting back to work, walking, sport or spending time with the people you care about.
How long does the treatment last?
Usually a few months, with more frequent sessions at the start and then more spaced out, as you become more and more independent.
Is physiotherapy for chronic pain covered by insurance?
Yes. With a medical prescription it is covered by basic health insurance. All the details on costs and health insurance.
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Has your pain lasted too long? Let's talk.
Write to us on WhatsApp: we will get back to you to find a day and time together.
All we need to book is your name and availability: we go through the details of your health together at the practice.