Pain Science Education

How exactly do we deal with chronic pain? The state of the science suggests that the answer may be different for different people. In this episode, Afton Hassett, PsyD, a renowned expert from the University of Michigan, delves into the complexities of chronic pain and the safe, effective ways to manage it. Drawing from her extensive research and her recently published book, Chronic Pain Reset, Dr. Hassett offers profound insights into the physical, emotional, and social aspects of pain. She emphasizes the importance of addressing the affective component of pain and the significance of behavioral activation in the recovery process. Her innovative approach combines neuroscience, behavioral therapy, and positive psychology to empower individuals living with chronic pain. Discover actionable strategies and practical solutions that can truly make a difference. Tune in to this episode to learn more and unlock a path toward thriving despite chronic pain. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Here’s How » Join the Healing Pain Podcast Community today: integrativepainscienceinstitute.com Healing Pain Podcast Facebook Healing Pain Podcast Twitter Healing Pain Podcast YouTube Healing Pain Podcast LinkedIn Healing Pain Podcast Instagram

Is the movement system really a system or is it a theory with little clinical application? Should we move beyond impairment-based paradigms as physical therapists? Are we ready to embrace a more holistic approach to rehabilitation and pain management? These are questions that Dr. Joe Tatta addresses in this episode with his guest, Andrew Guccione, PT, PhD, DPT, FAPTA, a distinguished researcher and professor and a visionary thought leader in the physical therapy space. Dr. Guccione explores ideas that challenge the traditional impairment based as well as movement-based paradigms that are common in physical therapy and rehabilitation. Join in and be prepared to receive revolutionary ideas that are going to change the way we do pain management forever!

According to statistics, there is a significant number of people who, at some point in their lives, will experience pelvic pain. Unfortunately, the lack of education about sexual wellness often keeps people from finding the right care they need. Talking about a trauma-informed approach to pelvic pain and sexual wellness, Dr. Joe Tatta interviews Rose Schlaff, PT, DPT, WHC, IF—a Doctor of Physical Therapy, Sexual Health Coach and Sexual Health Fellow (ISSWSH). Dr. Schlaff discusses the importance of bringing conversations around sexual health to the fore, especially in breaking down barriers that keep women and queer people from addressing their issues. Highlighting the benefits of a trauma-informed approach, she also exposes a gentler and easeful patient experience instead of the daunting misconception that tends to cloud people’s ideas about seeking help in this area. Dr. Schlaff then takes us deeper into the episode by tapping into topics such as the desire puzzle, the role of the nervous system, successful sex, and the impact of heteronormative portrayals of sex in the media on the LGBTQ community. It is high time for us not to shy away from these important conversations. Let today’s show remind you of the need to normalize sexual health simply because it is a vital part of our human life experience.

Reviving resilience and healing from trauma means shifting from a mindset of 'broken' to 'empowered,' and finding the strength within to transform pain into growth. For today’s episode, Ray Chen, PT, and PhD candidate dives into integrative physiotherapy and explores the journey of resilience and healing. Tired of conventional pain management models that often leave patients feeling broken and helpless, Ray shares his personal and professional evolution in reimagining healthcare. His profound shift in mindset from pathology to healing has paved the way for a comprehensive and compassionate approach to chronic pain. Intrigued by the concept of meaning and its impact on the pain experience, Ray discusses the significance of helping clients connect with their inner strength, knowledge, and emotional resilience. See how the intersection of physical and emotional health, along with the power of resilience and growth, hold the key to transforming trauma and reviving resilience. Tune in now and start your path to recovery.   Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Here’s How »   Join the Healing Pain Podcast Community today: integrativepainscienceinstitute.com Healing Pain Podcast Facebook Healing Pain Podcast Twitter Healing Pain Podcast YouTube Healing Pain Podcast LinkedIn Healing Pain Podcast Instagram

Weight and race both have direct connections to pain perception, but this aspect is seldom considered by many healthcare professionals. This leads to countless issues that make a person’s pain even worse. Joining Dr. Joe Tatta to discuss how to solve this problem is Ericka Merriwether, PT, DPT, PhD. They dissect how to improve methods towards obesity and racial issues by exploring the intersection of weight, race, and pain. Dr. Ericka also explains how PTs should focus on promoting physical activity as medicine before delving deeper into psychological approaches and taking action on a patient’s mental health. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Here’s How »   Join the Healing Pain Podcast Community today: integrativepainscienceinstitute.com Healing Pain Podcast Facebook Healing Pain Podcast Twitter Healing Pain Podcast YouTube Healing Pain Podcast LinkedIn Healing Pain Podcast Instagram

The more we study pain and pain management, the more we realize how much power the person experiencing the pain has over their own experience and healing. This is why our job as practitioners is not to be the solution for our patients, but to help them find the solution for themselves. This powerful perspective is brought to us by Dillon Caswell, PT, DPT, SCS, a groundbreaking expert on using hope as a therapeutic intervention for chronic pain. In this episode, we learn how hope can easily be one of the most effective salves to pain that we have access to. This is not the passive yearning that we often associate with the word “hope”. This is something much more powerful, and it may be the thing that makes a difference in your practice or in your life. Tune in to learn more!

Do you ever find yourself pondering the question: "What's my purpose in life?" Amidst life's trials, purpose becomes the bridge that carries us from pain to newfound strength, igniting a remarkable transformation. In this episode, we have special guest Stephanie Hooker, PhD, Research Investigator at HealthPartners Institute. Today, she explores how having a sense of purpose can go beyond simply giving life direction—it’s an elixir for the heart and body, too. Stephanie demystifies the concept of purpose—what it truly means and how it varies from person to person. She unpacks the symbiotic relationship between purpose and behavioral activation, how purpose can change throughout different phases of life, and more. Tune in and get ready to view pain through a different lens—one that turns it into a stepping stone toward wellness.

Physiotherapy's future lies in embracing a kaleidoscope of perspectives, transcending boundaries, and redefining healing itself. For today’s episode, we're joined by Dr. Dave Nicholls, author of "The End of Physiotherapy" and "Physiotherapy Otherwise”. Dr. Nicholls is here to challenge conventional perspectives and explore the future of the vital healthcare discipline: Physiotherapy. He reveals the hidden potential in embracing a broader scope that includes social justice, psychology, and even phenomenology. He also uncovers why he advocates for a pluralistic approach, where various perspectives coexist to create a more diverse and effective healing landscape. Throughout the episode, Dr. Nicholls demonstrates that it's time for physiotherapists to bridge the gap between the physical and the psychological, ultimately reshaping the narrative of healthcare itself. Join us in this episode as we challenge the status quo and pave the way for a new era of healing.

Dr. Joe Tatta is joined by Dr. Anna Lembke, MD to discuss the connection between dopamine and chronic pain. They explore the role of dopamine in addiction, the addictive nature of exercise, and the effects of our brain's wiring for scarcity and danger. Embracing discomfort and resetting reward pathways are emphasized. Check out Dr. Lembke's book 'Dopamine Nation' for more insights.

It is saddening to hear stories from members of the LGBTQ+ community who are denied healthcare services. Most of the time, doctors and medical practitioners refuse to attend to their needs because of personal preferences, political views, and religious beliefs. Alivia Stehlik, PT, DPT dedicates herself to turning this unfortunate situation around. Joining Dr. Joe Tatta, she talks about her advocacy as a queer trans woman currently serving in the US Army as medical team leader for the 3rd Security Force Assistance Brigade at Fort Cavazos, Texas. Alivia shares practical approaches to transform both the military and healthcare, making them more inclusive and accessible to the LGBTQ+ community. He explains why every medical practitioner should openly meet every human being wherever they are, helping them feel safe and secure regardless of sexual orientation or identity.