Non-Pharmacological Pain Packs for Arthritis 

In 2024 The Arthritis Movement piloted a new product, the ‘Pain Pack’ - a box of non-pharmacological products and services for combatting chronic arthritic pain. The pack has been provided free of charge to over 1,000 people with the support of generous organisations and foundations and the results have been outstanding.  

Background 

The Pain Pack idea arose from the demand for a comprehensive resource for people with osteoarthritis, struggling with pain or relying on pain medication due to a lack of awareness about available self-management strategies. This concept, built around getting tools, products and information into people’s hands, when and where it was most needed, was validated through a co-design process with pain specialists and individuals living with arthritis. The urgency for immediate action was evident, with a focus on providing evidence-based solutions to address chronic pain. 

What’s in the pack? 

The Pack includes appropriate health information, products, services, tools and vouchers to highlight various self-management strategies to mitigate chronic arthritic pain including: 

• Thermotherapy options (topical heat cream and heat/cold pack) 
  

• Physical exercise and joint strengthening (resistance bands and finger strengthening)  
  

• Nutrition (anti-inflammatory plant seeds and recipes)  
  

• Mindfulness (mindfulness programs and helpful apps) 
  

• Assistive technology (jar opener and assistive aids) 
  

• Other useful discounted products 

Pain Pack Outcomes 

• After 6 months, 85% of consumers were still engaging in multiple strategies from the Pain Pack 
  

• 69% of consumers have experienced positive changes to their health and wellbeing 
  

• Consumers were motivated to further explore and engage in their health journey (e.g. monitor their health activities, ask more questions to their health team and seek out new allied health support). 
  

• Read the full outcome report  
  

 

“I am feeling healthier due to eating better and being more active. Fisiocrem is helpful.  Pacing is helpful overall, and taking time for myself is relaxing.” 

The Future 

The 2025-2026 goal is to put 10,000 packs into the hands of the people with chronic joint pain across NSW and QLD. In alignment with The Arthritis Movement’s organisational objectives the Pain Pack is an all-in-one educational tool that is having a direct impact on NSW and QLD resident’s health and wellbeing and the ability to live well with arthritis.  

How you can be Involved 

Pain Pack promotion can be targeted to specific geographies or demographics, and there is the possibility of branding opportunities. 

We invite conversations with companies aligned to the objectives of the Pain Pack, with opportunities for product or promotional involvement; from Health Professionals interested in offering the Pain Pack to their clients; or with partners who would like to bring the Pain Pack to customers, clients or beneficiaries. 

If you would like to learn more or are interested in becoming involved in the Pain Pack initiative, please contact Emily at eguenther@arthritis.org.au . 

Apply for your pain pack today 

APPLY NOW APPLY NOW