The NeuFit Undercurrent Podcast Ep 118: Therapeutic Input: A Smarter Way to Treat Pain
Dec 19, 2025
Join Dr. Dan Neff, a physical therapist and founder of Neff Physical Therapy, as he explores cutting-edge approaches to pain management. Discover how changing neurological signals can outshine traditional mechanical fixes. Dan highlights the importance of spinal input in pain perception and the benefits of his refined manipulation techniques. He also shares insights on integrating diagnostics like EMG for better patient outcomes, and how using neuromodulation can lead to faster relief, even for challenging cases. A must-listen for anyone in pain or the medical field!
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Restriction-Based Neural Targeting
- Dan Neff frames a restriction-based approach: find the spinal segment driving symptoms and target it.
- Stimulating 1A proprioceptive fibers via a precise high-velocity, low-amplitude nudge produces immediate pain inhibition.
Nudge, Reassess, Progress
- Use a high-velocity, low-amplitude 'therapeutic nudge' at the restricted segment rather than broad, forceful thrusts.
- Reassess immediately and only increase force progressively if the segment hasn't changed.
Muscle Spasm Is A Neural Problem
- Peripheral soft-tissue issues often stem from ongoing neural input, not intrinsic muscle pathology.
- Changing the neural input at the spine can rapidly resolve long-standing muscle spasm and trigger-point pain.