Ep. 144 Beyond the typical Physical Therapy: Informed Approaches to Chronic Pain Part 1

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In this podcast episode, hosted by Dr. Michael Lenz, guests Dr. Sarah Mueler and Lauren Hogan, both doctors of physical therapy, share their insights on managing chronic pain and related conditions like Fibromyalgia, POTS, Ehlers Danlos, and Chronic Fatigue syndrome. They discuss the multidimensional approach required for managing such conditions, detailing their personal journeys into physical therapy, the generalized training physical therapists receive, and the importance of specialized knowledge in chronic pain syndromes. They emphasize the role of the central nervous system in pain perception and the strategies they use for treating patients with nociplastic, centralized, or chronic overlapping pain syndromes, including the significance of patient education on pain understanding,  highlighting the impact of education on reducing pain, and fear associated with chronic conditions.

00:00 Welcome to the Podcast: Unveiling the Power of Physical Therapy

01:28 Introducing Our Special Guests: Trailblazers in Physical Therapy
01:50 The Personal Journeys into Physical Therapy: Dr. Sarah Mueler and Lauren Hogan
03:41 Understanding the Scope of Physical Therapy: From Generalists to Specialists
04:43 Navigating the Complexities of Chronic Pain Syndromes in Physical Therapy
08:15 The Long Game: Tailoring Physical Therapy for Chronic Conditions
10:17 Decoding Pain: The Challenge of Diagnosing and Treating Nociplastic Pain
21:29 Empowering Patients: Strategies for Managing Nociplastic Pain
25:29 Wrapping Up Part One: The Importance of Understanding Pain

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When I started this podcast—and the book that came before it—I had my patients in mind. Office visits are short, but understanding complex, often misunderstood conditions like fibromyalgia takes time. That’s why I created this space: to offer education, validation, and hope. If you’ve been told fibromyalgia “isn’t real” or that it’s “all in your head,” know this—I see you. I believe you. You’re not alone. This podcast aims to affirm your experience and explain the science behind it. Whether you live with fibromyalgia, care for someone who does, or are a healthcare professional looking to better support patients, you’ll find trusted, evidence-based insights here, drawn from my 28+ years as an MD.

Please remember to talk with your doctor about your symptoms and care. This content doesn’t replace personal medical advice.*