Mental Health Today #97 Unlocking the Power of Posture: Healing Chronic Pain and Mental Health" - Mental Health Today with Jon Clark
In this episode of "Mental Health Today," host Ken Stearns delves into the fascinating realm of chronic pain, mental health, and the surprising connection to posture. Joining him as a guest is Jon Clark, affectionately known as the "Posture Monster," and a true testament to the profound impact of posture therapy on physical and mental well-being.
The episode begins with Ken introducing his podcast, "Mental Health Today," which has been diligently weaving a fabric of knowledge and personal stories surrounding mental health and its treatment options. With over a hundred episodes under his belt, Ken has become a curator of diverse narratives, and today's conversation with Jon adds yet another valuable thread to this ever-growing tapestry.
Jon Clark's journey into the world of posture therapy and mental health is nothing short of remarkable. He starts by recounting his harrowing experience with severe chronic pain, which began at the age of 17 after a traumatic back injury. Over the course of 18 and a half years, his pain escalated to the point where he spent more than three years confined to a wheelchair. He hit rock bottom, grappling with both physical agony and the emotional toll it took on his mental health.
The turning point in Jon's journey came when he discovered posture therapy, a seemingly simple yet highly effective approach. Posture therapy, as Jon explains, goes far beyond just sitting up straight; it involves understanding the alignment and functionality of all major joints in the body. Good posture, he emphasizes, is a byproduct of having a full functional range of motion in these joints. Chronic pain, often intertwined with mental health challenges, can be a result of years of dysfunctional movement patterns, deviations, and compensations in the body.
Jon's story is a testament to the intricate connection between chronic pain and mental health. He highlights the alarming statistic that up to 80% of individuals with chronic pain also suffer from various mental health conditions, particularly PTSD and anxiety. The brain, in its quest to draw attention to emotional distress, can manifest physical symptoms, leading to a cycle of suffering that includes stigma and disbelief from others, including healthcare providers.
As Ken and Jon discuss, the journey to healing and recovery is multifaceted. It involves not only addressing physical issues but also acknowledging the mental and emotional toll that chronic pain takes. Jon reveals a pivotal moment during a psilocybin experience where he visualized the musculoskeletal system and embarked on a profound healing journey, even for a condition he thought might be irreparable. This highlights the potential for alternative approaches to chronic pain management.
The episode concludes with Jon sharing how listeners can connect with him, access his posture therapy resources, and explore his podcast, "Chronic Pain Rewired." Through this enlightening conversation, Ken and Jon shed light on the intricate interplay between chronic pain, mental health, and posture, offering hope and alternative solutions to those who may be trapped in a cycle of suffering.
For more in-depth insights and the full conversation, be sure to listen to the complete episode on "Mental Health Today" featuring Jon Clark, the Posture Monster. To learn more, visit Jon's website, "Chronic Pain Rewired" (www.chronicpainrewired.com), and connect with him on social media as "Posture Monster, Jon
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Mental Health Today With is a branch of The Jar, funded by The Jar Foundation.
Disclaimer: The views stated in this episode are our guest's opinions and do not necessarily represent the views, beliefs, or opinions of Mental Health Today With. Our goal is to raise awareness and reduce the stigma around mental health by sharing our platform with professionals in the space. That being said, our guests are not a representation of Mental Health Today or The Jar Foundation.