Chronic Pain Management Clinic

Groote Schuur Hospital

The Chronic Pain Management Clinic at Groote Schuur Hospital is a specialised interdisciplinary service dedicated to assessing and managing chronic pain through a holistic, patient-centred approach. Our team includes anaesthetists, physiotherapists, psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, and social workers who work together to provide evidence-based, cost-effective care.

Our goal is to help individuals living with chronic pain regain function, independence, and a return to meaningful life roles—with a focus on long-term management rather than elusive cures.

What Makes Us Different?

One of our key offerings is the Pain Education Empowerment Programme (PEEP) — a group-based outpatient education programme that empowers patients to participate in their care. Through PEEP, individuals gain insight into their condition and learn practical strategies for self-management.

Our Philosophy

We prioritise a return to function and quality of life over repeated investigations or surgeries. Our team recognises that chronic pain is a complex, often lifelong condition that requires careful management—not necessarily cure.

Who We Are

Our interdisciplinary team incorporated registered health professionals with extensive training and a dedicated interest in managing chronic pain. All team members are registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa.

Conditions We Treat

We manage a wide range of conditions associated with chronic nociplastic pain, including:

  • Post-herpetic neuralgia (Shingles)

  • Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)

  • Persistent post-surgical pain

  • Chronic pelvic pain

  • Pancreatic pain

  • Chronic neck and back pain (including failed back surgery)

  • Cancer-related pain

  • Diabetic neuropathy

  • Phantom limb pain

  • Multiple sclerosis-related pain

Our Treatment Options

Each patient receives an individualised treatment plan based on their specific diagnosis and needs. Patients are encouraged to participate in decision-making. No therapy is undertaken without informed consent.

Our available therapies include:

  • Interventional procedures

  • Medication optimisation

  • Pain Education Empowerment Programme (PEEP)

  • Psychological and psychiatric support

  • Patient education

  • Physiotherapy and tailored exercise programmes

Referral Policy

The Chronic Pain Management Clinic only accepts patients via referral—ideally from a specialist—where a working diagnosis has been established.
Referrals can be submitted by healthcare professionals using this secure form:
👉 Referral Form

All referrals are reviewed, and patients will be contacted once an appointment becomes available.

What to Expect

Your initial assessment will take approximately one hour, and we encourage you to bring a family member or significant other if possible.
Following your visit, your case will be reviewed by our interdisciplinary team, who will recommend a personalised treatment strategy.
Updates and treatment plans will be shared with your referring healthcare provider.