Stay at the Top S4E07. Rewiring Pain-How Your Nervous System and Brain Can Adapt
Oct 7, 2025
In this conversation, Claire Richardson, a seasoned osteopath with over 15 years in pain management, tackles the complexities of chronic pain. She clarifies the significant differences between acute and chronic pain, emphasizing that the latter often involves nervous system issues. Claire debunks common myths about rest and exertion, shares practical strategies for safe movement, and introduces the 'pain pizza' analogy to illustrate individual pain contributors. Her insights offer valuable tools for anyone navigating chronic pain.
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Acute Is Time, Not Intensity
- Acute vs chronic refers to duration, not severity of pain.
- Chronic pain (>3–6 months) changes how the nervous system processes pain and needs different treatment.
Don't Rest Your Way Out
- Avoid complete rest for chronic pain because deconditioning reduces movement tolerance and increases flare risk.
- Keep moving gradually to maintain capacity and prevent worsened tolerance.
Progress Movement In Small Steps
- Reintroduce painful movements gradually by changing context and load to make them feel safer.
- Progress from supported positions to unloaded standing to weighted practice to retrain muscles and the nervous system.