Forward Physio Ben Cormack: Moving from Biomechanics to Biology
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Sep 11, 2025 Ben Cormack, a seasoned physiotherapist and founder of Cor-Kinetic, shifts the conversation from traditional biomechanics to a more holistic, biological view of pain. He discusses the biopsychosocial model, emphasizing how lifestyle and social factors can shape pain experiences. Cormack highlights the stress-immune connection and champions moderate exercise for pain management. He advocates for reframing pain as part of the healing process, urging practitioners to consider patient communication and holistic care in their approaches.
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Shift From Biomechanics To Biology
- Clinicians overuse biomechanical explanations for pain and often miss biological drivers like nociception and inflammation.
- Thinking biologically reframes pain as how the body responds, not only mechanical tissue stress.
Risk Factors Work Through Biology
- Many established risk factors for musculoskeletal pain (smoking, comorbidity, lifestyle) act through biology, not mechanics.
- These factors create a systemic state that changes nociception and inflammatory responses.
Dry Forest And Spark Analogy
- Use the ‘dry forest and spark’ analogy: a small mechanical event can ignite significant pain if the body is biologically primed.
- Pro-inflammatory or pro-nociceptive states make small insults produce disproportionate pain.