Pain & Inflammation Consults with Bulk Billed GP
All .doctor appointments are fully bulk billed, so you can see a doctor about treating pain and inflammation with no out-of-pocket costs.
- Script sent instantly by SMS to you or your pharmacy
- Appointments available 7 days a week
- Fully bulk billed to Medicare
Ready to access bulk-billed doctor appointments?
Become a .doctor family member and gain access to unlimited bulk-billed video and consultations.
Need to speak to a doctor? Get the medical advice you need from anywhere in Australia. Our team of Australian-registered doctors can provide you fast and easy to access telehealth consulting services in Australia.
You can talk to your doctor in a bulk-billed video or phone consult about a script or repeat prescription. If a script is required, an eScript will be sent instantly to your mobile phone or your preferred pharmacy.
We fully bulk-bill all appointments, so you’ll never pay out-of-pocket to see a GP. You just need to attend one in-person Onboarding Appointment every 12 months to maintain your .doctor family membership.
Pain and inflammation overview and treatment options available.
At .doctor, we pride ourselves on providing easily accessible, high-quality healthcare solutions. We’re here to help you understand and manage both pain and inflammation, both in the short and long term.
Pain is an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with, or resembling that associated with, actual or potential tissue damage. It is our body’s way of telling us that something is wrong. It can be sharp or dull, intermittent or constant, and can range from mild to severe.
Inflammation, on the other hand, is a critical component of the body’s immune response. It’s the process by which your body’s white blood cells and substances they produce protect you from infection from foreign organisms, such as bacteria and viruses. However, in some diseases, such as arthritis, the body’s defence system — the immune system — triggers an inflammatory response when there are no foreign invaders to fight off.
Symptoms of Pain and Inflammation
The symptoms of pain can be highly variable, depending on the source and severity of the issue. They may include:
- A sharp or throbbing sensation
- An ongoing dull ache
- Intermittent discomfort
- Pain that worsens with movement or pressure
Inflammation often manifests with one or more of the following five classic signs:
- Redness
- Heat
- Swelling
- Pain
- Loss of function
What Causes Pain and Inflammation?
Pain and inflammation can occur due to a variety of causes. Inflammation is often a response to injury, infection, or illness, particularly in situations where your body is trying to fight off harmful microorganisms or heal itself. Certain diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, are also known to cause inflammation.
Pain can also be triggered by a multitude of factors, including but not limited to injury, disease, surgery, nerve damage, or conditions like fibromyalgia. Sometimes, the cause of pain may not be clear and requires professional medical evaluation.
How is Pain and Inflammation Diagnosed?
Pain and inflammation are diagnosed through a combination of clinical history, physical examination, and, when necessary, diagnostic testing. During a consultation, your .doctor practitioner will ask about your symptoms, when they began, and any potential triggers.
Your doctor may also perform a physical examination, checking for areas of tenderness, swelling, and redness. Additional tests, such as blood tests, imaging studies (like X-rays, CT scans, or MRI), or specialised nerve studies, might be necessary, depending on the suspected underlying cause.
Treatment Options for Pain and Inflammation
Treatment of pain and inflammation is guided by the underlying cause, the severity of symptoms, and the individual’s overall health status. Options include:
- Medications: Over-the-counter drugs like paracetamol (acetaminophen), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and topical creams are often first-line treatments. Prescription medications may also be used, depending on the severity and type of pain.
- Physical therapy: This can help strengthen your body and improve flexibility, reducing pain in the process.
- Lifestyle modifications: Regular exercise, a healthy diet, stress management, and good sleep habits can also contribute to pain reduction.
- Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat the underlying cause of pain.
- Complementary therapies: Techniques such as acupuncture, massage, and mindfulness meditation may be beneficial for some individuals.
At .doctor, we are dedicated to finding the best treatment plan for you. Through our bulk billing General Practitioner practice, we aim to provide affordable, comprehensive care for all Australians.
Dr Ramu Nachiappan
Founder & GP
"We're a team of GPs committed to providing quality care to patients in regional and rural Australia."
More than just treatment for pain and inflammation.
When you join the .doctor family we create a health profile for you which our GPs all refer to and update. So each time you interact with us we’ll keep a record.
This allows our GPs to give you the best advice every time – more than just treatment for pain and inflammation.
Join the .doctor family in 3 easy steps.
1
Create your free account
Answer a few questions and register to schedule your initial In-person Onboarding Appointment.
2
Attend one in-person appointment
See one of our GPs face-to-face at a location near you for a quick Onboarding appointment.
3
Enjoy unlimited video & phone consults
Access unlimited bulk-billed video and phone consults with our team of GPs for the next 365 days.
Ready to access unlimited bulk billed GP consults?
Schedule a time for your in-person Onboarding Appointment so you can gain access to unlimited bulk-billed video consults for the next 12 months.