The E3 Rehab Podcast

187. Should Rehab Be Pain Free? w/ Marc Surdyka, Nathan Henderson, and Chris Hughen

Feb 11, 2025

In this engaging discussion, Marc Surdyka, an expert in physical therapy, and Nathan Henderson, a physical therapist at Build Physio, share their insights on whether rehabilitation should be pain-free. They explore the nuances of acceptable pain levels during recovery and highlight personalized pain management strategies. The duo emphasizes the importance of education and communication in rehabilitation, particularly post-surgery. They also delve into managing shoulder and knee pain, making a strong case for balancing discomfort and functionality for better recovery outcomes.

01:01:33

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Episode guests

Nathan Henderson

Marc Surdyka

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Quick takeaways

Rehabilitation does not need to be pain-free, as some discomfort can be beneficial for recovery and overall outcomes.

Individual pain thresholds should dictate rehabilitation strategies, emphasizing the importance of personalized approaches rather than one-size-fits-all methods.

Educating patients about pain perception and effective communication fosters collaboration, helping them set realistic goals and enhancing compliance in recovery.

Deep dives

The Necessity of Pain Management in Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation should not always aim to be pain-free, as some level of discomfort during exercise can be acceptable and even beneficial. The discussion highlights how different individuals have varying thresholds for pain tolerance, with some believing any pain indicates harm, while others adopt a 'no pain, no gain' mentality. Understanding this spectrum of beliefs is crucial for healthcare providers to navigate rehabilitation effectively. The key takeaway is that pain should not be completely avoided, but carefully managed to achieve optimal recovery outcomes.

Intro

2min

Navigating Pain in Rehabilitation

23min

Navigating Pain and Recovery in Rehabilitation

4min

Navigating Pain Management in Post-Operative Rehabilitation

3min

Navigating Shoulder Pain Rehabilitation

9min

Navigating Pain and Rehabilitation

19min

Navigating Pain and Progress in Rehabilitation

3min

Chris Hughen sat down with Marc Surdyka and Nathan Henderson to discuss whether or not rehab should be pain free. We dive into when and how much pain is acceptable during rehab, conditions and contexts when it is appropriate to minimize (or even completely avoid) pain, and much more.

Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/e7aayZcA2Kw

Episode Resources:

Article: Should Rehab Be Pain-Free?

Article: How to Train Around Pain or Injuries

Article: Goldilocks Principle of Rehab

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