A Lakes Entrance senior physiotherapist is being recognised for his leadership in pain education after being named a finalist in the 2026 Victorian Rural Health Awards.
Parivesh Kumar, a clinician at Gippsland Lakes Complete Health (GLCH), has been shortlisted for Outstanding Contribution to Rural Allied Health, honouring his 19 years of dedicated service to the local community.
As an accredited pain educator, Mr Kumar focuses on improving how chronic pain — which affects roughly one in five people — is understood and managed.
“The passion really came from frustration,” Mr Kumar said.
“After years working as a musculoskeletal physiotherapist, I could see that some people with complex pain weren’t getting the outcomes they needed. That led me to look at the bigger picture.”
Mr Kumar adopts a holistic approach, helping patients understand their pain, reduce fear, and develop practical strategies to improve daily function, rather than focusing solely on a specific injury.
“Pain is not just about a joint or a body part, it’s about the whole human experience and one of the body’s natural protective mechanisms,” he said.
“When people understand their pain, it changes how they respond to it and helps them work towards achievable goals.”
Working within a multidisciplinary team alongside local GPs, psychologists, and specialists, Mr. Kumar delivers evidence-based care aligned with modern pain management. As a member of the Pain Revolution, he also mentors fellow clinicians and regularly presents to local community groups — including Men’s Sheds, Rotary clubs, and U3A — to improve regional pain literacy.
GLCH chief executive officer Anne-Maree Kaser said the prestigious nomination highlights the measurable impact of Mr. Kumar’s work across East Gippsland.
“Parivesh has played an important role in improving access to contemporary, evidence-based care in our community,” Ms Kaser said.
“His focus on education and person-centered support is making a real difference to people’s lives.”
Mr. Kumar’s work in pain education was published in the Australian Journal of Rural Health this year, and he has contributed to the Modern Pain Science Curriculum at Federation University’s Gippsland campus while continuing his own advanced studies in pain science.
Run by the Rural Workforce Agency Victoria, the Victorian Rural Health Awards celebrate outstanding individuals making a significant difference in regional healthcare. The winners will be officially announced on Thursday, June 25.
