Neuro Orthopaedic Institute Australasia (Noigroup) is a private education provider and publishing company based mainly in Adelaide, Australia, Europe and with a newer office in New York, USA. The company focuses on reinvesting in education and research that is clinically based. Noigroup Publications grew because there was a demand for materials to support new research. Now, as it enters its fourth decade, Noigroup manages highly qualified teachers around the world who present the latest in pain science to a variety of audiences. Noigroup’s instructors are involved in many conferences, university programs, and other advanced education sessions.
The Essence of Noigroup
Our goal is to promote healthy self-perceptions through health science knowledge worldwide. Five key concepts support this vision:
1. Having an injury or disease does not necessarily mean you will feel pain or be unable to participate in important activities.
2. All body systems change and adapt as we move.
3. Pain, stress, and performance are influenced by the person’s unique situation.
4. Knowledge and movement are powerful tools for overcoming pain, stress, and disability.
5. Biological plasticity, or the ability of the brain to change, offers new hope.
The biopsychosocial approach, which combines the biology of human pain, stress, and performance with the psychological and social environment, is the foundation of Noigroup's educational philosophy. This approach is essentially “scientific holism,” mostly derived from British science and best demonstrated by Wall and Melzack’s (2005) *Textbook of Pain*.
Noigroup also emphasizes strong clinical reasoning, drawing from British critical thinking and later, Australian manual therapy.
The assessment and management of the physical aspects of the nervous system and brain sciences, with a focus on neuroplasticity (especially how the brain represents our body), is an important area of focus.
Overall, the nervous system is a remarkable, mobile, complex, and adaptable organ, impacting both short-term and long-term injuries and diseases. The Noigroup education system covers conditions involving acute and chronic musculoskeletal issues, central and peripheral nerve problems, and neuropathic pain.
Challenges for Noigroup
Around 20% of the global population experiences chronic pain and stress. The financial cost is enormous, but the impact on families, creativity, productivity, and society is even greater.
Despite strong evidence supporting the biopsychosocial approach, the biomedical model (which looks for a single physical cause for chronic issues) still dominates. Many people continue to look for passive solutions to their problems, and active solutions are not often provided. Therapeutic education is often undervalued in healthcare. Chronic pain and stress are at epidemic levels, yet education has been the only way to change past epidemics. Issues like chronic pain and stress are still not fully understood by healthcare professionals, businesses, and governments. Noigroup is actively working to address these challenges every day.
