For many Australian Veterans, chronic pain is an unwelcome part of everyday life. Whether it’s the result of physical injuries sustained during service, repetitive strain over the years, or stress-related conditions that have taken a toll on both body and mind, pain often continues long after the uniform is folded away.
What’s more frustrating is that many veterans feel like they’re left to manage it alone. That’s where Calmed Forces can help.
If you’re a DVA Card holder, you may be eligible for fully funded pain management services, with no out-of-pocket expenses. These services focus on long-term solutions to help you regain control of your health, mobility, and overall quality of life.
Understanding Chronic Pain in Veterans
Chronic pain is defined as pain that lasts more than three months. For veterans, this can stem from a wide range of causes:
- Back, joint, or musculoskeletal injuries
- Surgical recovery from past procedures
- Headaches or nerve pain
- Post-traumatic stress or psychological trauma that manifests physically
Pain doesn’t just affect your body; it impacts how you sleep, how you move, and how you interact with the people around you. It’s more than just a medical issue; it’s a barrier to living the life you want.
How Calmed Forces Supports You
This support program is designed specifically for Australian veterans. We connect you with Calmed Forces: a national network of medical and allied health professionals who are experienced in veteran care.
Services are tailored to your needs and may include:
Physiotherapy to reduce stiffness and improve function
- Exercise physiology to build strength and endurance safely
- Psychological support for the mental and emotional toll of chronic pain
- Pain education and self-management strategies
- Long-term care plans, adapted over time based on your response
Many veterans aren’t even aware of what’s available to them. Calmed Forces helps take out the guesswork and gets you started.
Pain Management Tips You Can Start Today
Even while you’re waiting for professional support, there are simple steps you can take to manage pain more effectively at home:
1. Stay Physically Active (When You Can):
Movement helps keep joints and muscles flexible and prevents stiffness. Even light walking or stretching can make a big difference over time.
2. Practice Pacing:
Push too hard on your good days and you may crash on the next. Learn to listen to your body and pace yourself. Balance is key.
3. Track Your Symptoms:
Keeping a pain journal can help you understand what triggers flare-ups. This information can also be incredibly useful for your healthcare provider.
4. Address Mental Health:
Chronic pain and mental health go hand-in-hand. If you’re feeling anxious, frustrated, or down, it’s okay to speak up. A trained psychologist can help you develop coping mechanisms that make the pain easier to live with.
5. Sleep Smarter:
Poor sleep can make pain worse. Try to establish a regular sleep routine, limit screen time before bed, and speak to a professional if sleep is a struggle.
Why Veteran-Specific Care Matters
Veterans have a unique set of experiences and they deserve care that reflects that. From the physical demands of service to the psychological weight of trauma, your pain story is different.
That’s why Calmed Forces only partners with practitioners who understand military service and take a whole-person approach to pain management. You’re not just a number. You’re a veteran, and you deserve to be heard.
