Pain Management Services for Children and Adolescents at Nurture Paediatrics
Your Child’s Pain is real
Paediatric pain is often dismissed as “just growing pains”, anxiety, or something children will simply grow out of. But research shows that ongoing pain can affect sleep, school, sport, emotions and confidence.
Pain is not just about injury or damage. It is shaped by the nervous system, learning, emotions and a child’s sense of safety.
At Nurture Paediatrics, we help tamariki and their whānau understand pain, rebuild confidence in their bodies, and develop skills to navigate pain with reassurance and support.
Why Paediatric Pain Deserves Attention
Research tells us that paediatric pain is common and impactful:
• Around 1 in 5 children live with persistent or recurring pain
• 84% experience disrupted sleep
• 83% miss school due to pain
• 85% reduce participation in sport or physical activity
• Many children wait years for answers, or are told their pain is “normal” or “just anxiety”
When pain is dismissed or support is delayed, children can develop fear of movement, loss of confidence, and increased distress. Early, child‑centred care helps prevent pain from becoming more entrenched.
Helping children understand pain
Children are not small adults. Their brains and nervous systems are still developing, and they are learning what pain means through experience, language and support.
At Nurture Paediatrics, we use child‑friendly pain education to help children understand: • why pain can continue even when the body has healed
• how emotions, stress, and sleep affect pain
• that pain does not always mean harm
• how they can help their own body feel safer again
When children understand pain, it often becomes less frightening and more manageable.
We support children and adolescents whose pain is affecting:
• school attendance or learning
• sport and physical activity
• sleep and energy
• confidence in movement
• mood, worry or frustration
• family routines and daily life
When should we seek support?
It may be time to seek support if your child’s pain:
• lasts longer than expected
• keeps returning
• interferes with school, sleep or play
• leads to fear of movement
• causes distress for your child or whānauYou don’t need to wait until pain feels “bad enough”. Early support helps children feel safe, understood and confident again.
You don’t have to navigate this alone.
If your child’s pain has been dismissed, or you’re unsure what’s going on, we’re here to help. Together, we can support your child to understand pain, rebuild confidence, and return to daily life with reassurance and support.
Book an appointment or learn more about our pain services.
Pain Assessment, Education and Diagnosis:
Thorough evaluations to understand the nature, intensity, and impact of pain.
Identification of any underlying musculoskeletal, neurological, or emotional factors contributing to pain.
Use of child-friendly assessments and questionnaires to ensure accurate results that reflect the child's unique experiences.
Multidisciplinary Collaboration
Coordination with other healthcare professionals, such as general practitioners, pediatricians, and mental health specialists, to ensure a comprehensive approach to pain management.
Support from culturally responsive clinicians who respect and integrate diverse worldviews and practices into the pain management process..
Online Group Pain Education Program
My Pain Toolbox is a 6-week online group course for tamariki aged 8–14 and their whānau. It helps families understand persistent pain, learn strategies to calm the body and brain, and rebuild confidence through movement, sleep, and connection.
This program is ideal for children aged 8–14 who:
✔ Experience ongoing or recurring pain
✔ Are not undergoing major new medical investigations
✔ Are supported by a parent or caregiver to attend each week
✔ Want to learn about pain in a way that makes sense to themNo referral required
Individualised Treatment Plans
A personalized plan tailored to each child’s needs, considering their age, developmental stage, and cultural background.
Therapeutic exercises, posture correction, and physical rehabilitation strategies are designed to alleviate pain and prevent future injury.
Occupational therapy to support children with daily activities, including play, school tasks, and self-care routines.
eDUCATION AND sELF-mANAGEMENT
Pain education that explains pain science in an age-appropriate and accessible manner.
Techniques to manage pain, including relaxation exercises, mindfulness, and coping strategies for both children and parents.
Guidance on activity modification and pacing to help children balance rest and physical activity in a way that promotes healing and well-being.
We offer ACC-funded pain management services and group pain education for children who have suffered injuries and need rehabilitation to return to their normal function. Our team is experienced in working with ACC and navigating the claims process to ensure your child receives the care they need without unnecessary delays.
Children who experience injuries or musculoskeletal pain can benefit from ACC-funded physiotherapy and pain management services, which cover various rehabilitation treatments. These services include assessment, treatment, and education tailored specifically to children’s needs.