Treating the Brain and the Body (Charlie Merrill, MSPT)
Nov 17, 2023
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Charlie Merrill, a highly respected physical therapist, discusses the mindbody approach to healing. He emphasizes the body's ability to heal itself and the importance of unlearning beliefs about pain. The podcast also explores how chronic pain affects athletes and clarifies misconceptions about joint noises. The relationship between mindbody symptoms, inflammation, and self-care is also discussed.
Movement is crucial for mind-body recovery and should be gradually reintroduced to desensitize the nervous system and increase confidence.
Common beliefs about pain and injuries, such as degenerating discs and noise in joints, should be debunked to overcome fear and normalize certain experiences.
Addressing both physical and psychological factors and providing psychoeducation are crucial in helping athletes navigate their recovery process and regain trust in their bodies.
Deep dives
The Role of Movement in Mind-Body Recovery
Movement is crucial for mind-body recovery, even in the presence of pain. Resting is generally not indicated and can actually hinder healing. By gradually reintroducing movement, individuals can desensitize their nervous system and build resilience. The goal is not to avoid pain, but to reduce fear and increase confidence in the body's ability to handle movement. For athletes, understanding that pain is primarily brain-based and addressing psychological and social factors is key to overcoming pain and returning to activity.
Myth-Busting Common Beliefs About Pain and Injuries
Several common beliefs about pain and injuries are debunked. Degenerating discs and noise in joints are normal age-related changes and do not necessarily indicate a problem. The concept of 'bone on bone' pain is misleading; there is always some form of protection for bones. Inflammation is a natural healing process and should not be feared unless it becomes chronic. Understanding these myths and normalizing certain experiences is crucial for overcoming pain.
Unlearning Pain Narratives for Athletes
Athletes who experience chronic pain often face unique challenges. Pain can be an identity threat, disrupting their love for their sport. It is important to address both physical and psychological factors and unlearn narratives about injury and body damage. Psychoeducation plays a significant role in helping athletes navigate their recovery process, enabling them to regain trust in their bodies and gradually reintegrate movement. Athletes can find reassurance in understanding healing times and the body's innate ability to heal.
The Relationship Between Movement and Inflammation
Movement is not only safe, but it is also crucial for the healing process, as it promotes tissue recovery and prevents deconditioning. Contrary to common beliefs, movement does not exacerbate inflammation; in fact, it can reduce it. Micro-inflammation is a normal part of everyday life and is influenced by various factors such as sleep, stress, and overall self-care. Understanding the relationship between movement and inflammation helps individuals make informed decisions about their activity levels.
Promoting a Positive Movement Vocabulary
Having a rich movement vocabulary is integral to better movement and overall well-being. Exposing the brain to various types of movement promotes desensitization and helps the brain feel safe. Athletes, in particular, benefit from expanding their movement repertoire. Redefining how athletes perceive noise or crepitus in their joints helps alleviate fears and normalizes these experiences. Emphasizing that movement is not harmful but rather essential for tissue recovery and overall health encourages athletes to explore movement in a more positive and confident way.
Charlie Merrill, MSPT, helps clients heal by combining traditional, hands-on, manual physical therapy with the mindbody, biopsychosocial approach. Tune in to hear what he’s learned from years of treating a wide variety of patients, including some of the best athletes in the world, and how these learnings can help you on your journey.
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