Episode 393: Pain Isn’t a Thing (with Matt Fitzgerald and Ryan Whited)
Dec 23, 2023
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Matt Fitzgerald and Ryan Whited discuss their book on pain and performance, challenging conventional ideas about pain and injury. They explore the nature of pain, the relationship between strength training and back pain reduction, and the importance of adapting and overcoming obstacles in sports. They also discuss managing pain and injuries, techniques for pain management in training, and the benefits of Greg Lehman's blog. They reflect on personal experiences and express gratitude for the opportunity to share their expertise.
Pain is a subjective experience influenced by factors such as stress, fear, and learned behavior.
An individualized approach to running form is necessary to find the most efficient and pain-free biomechanics.
Pain tolerance varies from person to person and is influenced by genetics, past experiences, and psychological factors.
The book 'Pain & Performance' challenges traditional understanding of pain and offers practical guidance for managing pain through training and gradual adjustments.
Deep dives
The Complexity of Pain
Pain is a complex experience that involves sensory input and past experiences. It is not always indicative of damage or injury. Biomechanical factors play a lesser role in pain than previously believed. Pain can be influenced by factors such as stress, fear, and learned behavior. Pain is subjective and varies from person to person.
Individualized Approach to Pain Management
Each person's experience with pain is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Pain can be managed through techniques such as symptom modification and directional preference. Collaboration between the individual and their coach or therapist is crucial in finding the most effective strategies to alleviate pain and optimize movement.
Form Optimization versus Overhaul
When it comes to running form, an individualized approach is necessary. Form optimization involves making small adjustments to find what works best for the individual. There is no universal ideal form, but rather finding the most efficient and pain-free biomechanics for each person.
Subjectivity of Pain Tolerance
Claims of high pain tolerance are imprecise and often misunderstood. Pain tolerance is not a measure of toughness or resilience, but rather the way individuals perceive and respond to pain. Pain tolerance varies from person to person and is influenced by a range of factors, including genetics, past experiences, and psychological factors.
Training as Treatment: A Paradigm Shift in Pain Management
The podcast episode discusses the concept of training as treatment, which challenges the traditional approach to pain management. The speaker shares personal experiences, including an experiment with a persistent pain in the tricep, which eventually resolved on its own through natural history. The episode emphasizes the importance of understanding that pain is not always associated with a specific cause and that treatment should focus on reassurance and gradual adjustments in training rather than trying to fix a specific problem.
The Role of Beliefs and Efficacy in Pain Management
The conversation delves into the role of beliefs and perception in pain management. The speaker highlights the significance of understanding that pain is not always an indication of physical damage, but often rooted in fear. The episode emphasizes the importance of fostering self-efficacy and belief in one's ability to overcome pain. The speaker also discusses the role of gradual modifications and compromise in managing pain and reassures listeners that pain can often be alleviated by focusing on reassurance and belief in one's ability to figure things out.
The Book: Pain and Performance
The podcast episode introduces the book 'Pain and Performance' written by Ryan and Matt. The book challenges the traditional understanding of pain and offers a new perspective on pain management. It includes autobiographical chapters that provide context for Ryan's journey from being a structuralist to embracing the concept of training as treatment. The book, aimed at athletes and individuals experiencing pain, offers insights and practical guidance for managing pain through training and gradual adjustments without relying solely on traditional interventions.
Ryan Whited and Matt Fitzgerald join us to talk about how pain is incorrectly used to identify and rehab injuries. They’re recently written a book on the subject, Pain & Performance: The Revolutionary New Way to Use Training as Treatment for Pain and Injury., and they have some bold, fantastic ideas that all athletes need to hear!
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