Complexities of Pain: A Journey with Laura Rathbone in Physiotherapy, Psychology, and Philosophy
Jul 31, 2023
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Join Laura Rathbone, an advanced practice physiotherapist, as she discusses the complexities of pain and the integration of psychology in her practice. She explores the challenges of uncertainty, the importance of psychologically informed physiotherapy, and the incorporation of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in treating pain. The podcast also addresses the need for resources and support for healthcare professionals in pain management.
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Quick takeaways
Philosophy helps navigate the complexity of pain by accepting limitations and providing support and understanding.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) shifts focus from pain reduction to living a fulfilling life despite pain.
Laura Rathbone's online course on ACT helps clinicians integrate ACT principles and enhance their ability to support individuals with pain.
Deep dives
Philosophy and Personal Practice
One of the main influences that has shaped Laura Rathbone's approach to healthcare is philosophy. Through her background in journalism and communication studies, she became interested in social theory, power dynamics, and understanding the complexity of human experiences. It was her collaboration with Mick Thacker and exposure to phenomenology, ontology, and epistemology that further deepened her exploration of philosophy in the context of pain and healthcare. This philosophical lens allows her to view pain as personal, public, and political, recognizing that pain is not solely experienced within therapy rooms, but is influenced by societal factors. Philosophy helps her navigate the uncertainty and complexity of pain by accepting the limitations of knowledge and focusing on providing support and understanding to individuals.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Laura Rathbone has found Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to be a valuable approach in her clinical practice. ACT is a third-wave cognitive and behavioral therapy that emphasizes living well alongside adversity rather than trying to eliminate or avoid it. ACT teaches individuals to accept the presence of unpleasant experiences and focus on taking action aligned with their values. While pain reduction is not the main focus, Laura acknowledges that it is a natural desire and goal. ACT helps clinicians shift their perspective from solely pursuing pain reduction to helping individuals live a meaningful and fulfilling life despite pain. It offers valuable skills and processes such as present moment awareness, acceptance, defusion, self-as-context, values identification, and committed action. By incorporating ACT principles, clinicians can create a therapeutic space that supports individuals in navigating pain and pursuing valued actions.
Laura Rathbone's ACT Course
Laura Rathbone has developed an online course on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) specifically designed for clinicians. This four-week course focuses on understanding the framework and principles of ACT and applying them to clinical practice. Through live weekly sessions, discussions, and skill practice, participants explore how to integrate ACT into their own therapeutic approach. Laura emphasizes the practical application of ACT, helping clinicians move beyond theoretical concepts and incorporate ACT skills into their interactions with patients. By providing a supportive learning environment and addressing clinicians' specific challenges and questions, Laura's course enables clinicians to develop greater confidence and competence in using ACT, ultimately enhancing their ability to support individuals with pain.
Incorporating Psychological Principles in Physiotherapy Practice
The podcast episode discusses the importance of incorporating psychologically informed care in physiotherapy practice. The speaker highlights the limitations of the traditional clinical system, which does not provide enough space for clinicians to think and understand their profession in a wider context. Through exploring philosophy and acceptance and commitment therapy, the speaker has gained new insights that have transformed their view of themselves and their practice. They emphasize the need for physiotherapists to embrace psychologically informed approaches in order to provide effective and compassionate care to patients experiencing pain.
Challenges and Opportunities in Implementing Psychologically Informed Care
The podcast explores the challenges of integrating psychologically informed care into traditional physiotherapy models. The speaker acknowledges that this approach is not new, with evidence supporting the integration of psychological principles into pain management. However, there is still a lack of widespread adoption and a need for systemic change. Clinicians who are passionate about incorporating psychological principles may feel isolated and face resistance within their clinical environments. The speaker emphasizes the importance of support and supervision, as well as creating communities where clinicians can share experiences and navigate the complexities of providing psychologically informed care.
Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the complexity of human pain?
Ever wondered about the role of philosophy in helping us understand and navigate this complexity?
Join us for an enlightening conversation with Laura Rathbone, an advanced practice physiotherapist, as she offers a deeper understanding of her journey and work with individuals experiencing complex and persistent pain conditions.
Laura's insights into the complexities of pain are both enlightening and empowering. As we explore her professional evolution from treating pain to understanding it, we touch upon fascinating aspects like the role of philosophy in her practice and the valuable life lessons learned from uncertainty in the clinic.
However, it's not just about the theoretical approach - Laura's experience with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) offers a fresh perspective on how to live life more fully, even in the face of adversity. It's quite a ride as we navigate the complex terrain of integrating psychologically informed physiotherapy into traditional models of practice.
Beyond the intricacies of professional practice, Laura's journey is also a testament to the power of resilience. From the importance of building clinical communities to the complexities of pain-informed practice, Laura's story offers a great deal of food for thought.
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____________________________________ Modern Pain Care is a company dedicated to spreading evidence-based and person-centered information about pain, prevention, and overall fitness and wellness
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