
The Modern Pain Podcast
The Modern Pain Podcast helps clinicians and patients better understand and treat pain. We bring clinicians, researchers, and patients together. Our focus is on returning the patient's voice back to healthcare. Brought to you by Modern Pain Care.
Latest episodes

Apr 20, 2025 • 13min
Creative Hopelessness in Chronic Pain: Why More of the Same Isn’t Working
What if more treatment isn’t the answer?In this episode, we explore Creative Hopelessness—an ACT-based exercise that helps patients with persistent pain reflect on the real impact of their symptom management strategies.You’ll learn how to guide patients to see their patterns, validate their efforts, and gently open the door to a new, values-based direction.👇 Download the FREE clinician guide to walk through this exercise in your own sessions:https://modernpaincare.com/hopelessness*********************************************************************📸 - Follow us on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/modernpaincare/🐦 - Follow us on Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/modernpaincare/🎙️ - Listen to our Podcast - https://www.modernpaincare.com____________________________________Modern Pain Care is a company dedicated to spreading evidence-based and person-centered information about pain, prevention, and overall fitness and wellness

9 snips
Apr 6, 2025 • 18min
Neuropathic Pain Made Simple: What Every Clinician Should Know
Dive into the complexities of neuropathic pain, where symptoms like burning and zinging often lead to misdiagnosis. Discover effective screening techniques using everyday objects like a coin and paperclip to identify nerve dysfunction. Learn how to differentiate between neuropathic and other pain types and avoid common diagnostic pitfalls. Gain clarity on crucial terms like radicular pain and explore the importance of precise neurological examinations in effective pain management.

Mar 30, 2025 • 43min
Whiplash Isn’t Just Neck Pain: What Clinicians Are Missing
🎙️ Is whiplash just a musculoskeletal issue—or are we missing something bigger?In this episode, we talk with Dr. Annina Schmid and Dr. Joel Fundaun—two of the world’s leading researchers on nerve involvement in whiplash. They reveal the surprising evidence from recent studies showing that many patients with Grade II whiplash have signs of neuropathic pain, nerve inflammation, and sensory loss—and they share simple ways frontline clinicians can catch it early.✅ Learn how small fiber deficits, neurodynamic testing, and bedside tools like pinprick and thermal tests can help✅ Find out why current guidelines may under-treat nerve involvement in whiplash✅ Hear how to reframe rehab beyond musculoskeletal careWhether you’re a PT, physician, or pain researcher, this episode bridges the gap between clinical research and real-world application.🎧 Listen to the full episode now and subscribe for more deep dives into modern pain care.📚 Papers:Nerve pathology and neuropathic pain after whiplash injury: a systematic review and metaanalysisThe presence and prognosis of nerve pathology following whiplash injury: a prospective cohort study Evidence for peripheral neuroinflammation after acute whiplash *********************************************************************📸 - Follow us on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/modernpaincare/🐦 - Follow us on Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/modernpaincare/🎙️ - Listen to our Podcast - https://www.modernpaincare.com____________________________________Modern Pain Care is a company dedicated to spreading evidence-based and person-centered information about pain, prevention, and overall fitness and wellness

Mar 23, 2025 • 51min
Building a Personal Brand in Healthcare | Tom Walters Shares How
🎙️ In this episode of The Modern Pain Podcast, Mark Kargela chats with Tom Walters, DPT—founder of Rehab Science, educator, and digital health innovator.Tom shares how he transitioned from a traditional orthopedic physical therapist to building a global online brand helping millions through coaching, education, and his bestselling book. We dive into:✅ Why coaching and education may be more impactful than hands-on care✅ How Rehab Science became a leader in virtual rehab & social media health content✅ Handling criticism in the online health space (and how to grow from it)✅ The dangers of outdated treatment models in physical therapy✅ How Tom is serving both clinicians & the general public through modern pain care👉 If you’re a clinician, fitness pro, or just someone who cares about where healthcare is headed—you don’t want to miss this one.📚 Grab Tom’s Book (Rehab Science): https://amzn.to/4bQB0oB (affiliate link - helps the channel)💻 Follow Tom on Instagram & YouTube (@rehabscience)🌐 More from Modern Pain Care: https://modernpaincare.com💡 Stay tuned until the end where Tom shares details on upcoming courses and certifications aimed at bridging the gap between rehab and fitness!#TomWalters #RehabScience #DigitalHealthcare #PainCare #PhysicalTherapy #ModernPainPodcast #Coaching #PTBusiness #ChronicPain #PainScience #FitnessProfessionals #VirtualRehab*********************************************************************📸 - Follow us on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/modernpaincare/🐦 - Follow us on Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/modernpaincare/🎙️ - Listen to our Podcast - https://www.modernpaincare.com____________________________________Modern Pain Care is a company dedicated to spreading evidence-based and person-centered information about pain, prevention, and overall fitness and wellness

Mar 16, 2025 • 48min
Pelvic Health, Outdated Pain Care & Empowering Patients | Sandy Hilton Interview
🚨 In this episode of The Modern Pain Podcast, Mark Kargela interviews Sandy Hilton, a pioneering physical therapist and expert in pelvic health and pain care. 🚨Sandy shares her fascinating journey from treating loggers in Oregon to leading change in pelvic health and pain management globally. We discuss why pain care is falling behind, the massive issues with the modified Oswestry assessment, and why treating pain with pain must stop.👉 You’ll learn:• How Sandy entered the world of pelvic health unexpectedly• Why many pain treatments still make things worse• How to improve access to care, even with limited resources• The real reason men avoid pelvic health care• How pelvic health therapists were early adopters of pain science principles• What’s wrong with current clinical tools and how we can do better• Sandy’s vision for the future of pain care💡 Whether you’re a clinician, student, or someone navigating pain, this conversation will challenge you to rethink how we approach healing.🎯 Don’t forget to:✅ SUBSCRIBE for weekly interviews on modern pain care✅ SHARE with colleagues and friends who need to hear this!🔗 Helpful Links:📝 Take the Modern Pain Podcast Research Survey: https://modernpaincare.com/research🎙️ Listen to the full podcast here: https://modernpaincare.com📩 Contact Sandy Hilton: sandyhilton@gmail.com📚 Related Topics: pain science, pelvic health therapy, chronic pain treatment, manual therapy myths, and patient-centered care.#PainManagement #PelvicHealth #SandyHilton #ModernPainPodcast #PainCare #PhysicalTherapy #PainScience #ChronicPain #PTPodcast #Healthcare*********************************************************************📸 - Follow us on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/modernpaincare/🐦 - Follow us on Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/modernpaincare/🎙️ - Listen to our Podcast - https://www.modernpaincare.com____________________________________Modern Pain Care is a company dedicated to spreading evidence-based and person-centered information about pain, prevention, and overall fitness and wellness

Mar 9, 2025 • 56min
She Escaped Chronic Pain—Then Long COVID Changed Everything
Participate in our research study Amy's First Episode ✅ Ever battled with chronic pain or long COVID symptoms? Discover Amy Eicher's remarkable journey from being dismissed and misdiagnosed to becoming her own best advocate. In this episode of the Modern Pain Podcast, Amy shares her personal story of dealing with chronic pain, understanding long COVID, and navigating the intricacies of the healthcare system. Expect eye-opening insights, practical takeaways on resilience, pacing, and self-advocacy, and much more. Stick around for an engaging conversation that healthcare professionals, patients, and anyone interested in the human side of chronic illness should not miss!Restoring Venus - https://restoringvenus.com/Restoring Venus Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/RestoringVenus/Restoring Venus TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@restoringvenuspaincoachRestoring Venus YouTube - @restoringvenusamyeicher *********************************************************************📸 - Follow us on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/modernpaincare/🐦 - Follow us on Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/modernpaincare/🎙️ - Listen to our Podcast - https://www.modernpaincare.com____________________________________Modern Pain Care is a company dedicated to spreading evidence-based and person-centered information about pain, prevention, and overall fitness and wellness

Feb 24, 2025 • 7min
Embracing the Uncertain: Shifting from Tools to Values in Pain Care
In this episode of the Modern Pain Podcast, host Mark Kargela challenges clinicians to rethink their approach to pain treatment. He discusses how the pursuit of certainty can lead practitioners to rely too heavily on specific tools, neglecting the complexity and individual nature of pain. Using the parable of the blind men and the elephant, he illustrates the pitfalls of mistaking partial perspectives for the whole truth. Mark advocates for a values-based approach, emphasizing the importance of understanding patients' personal goals and experiences to provide meaningful care.*********************************************************************📸 - Follow us on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/modernpaincare/🐦 - Follow us on Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/modernpaincare/🎙️ - Listen to our Podcast - https://www.modernpaincare.com____________________________________Modern Pain Care is a company dedicated to spreading evidence-based and person-centered information about pain, prevention, and overall fitness and wellness

Feb 2, 2025 • 9min
Finding the Balance: Integrating Biomechanics and Psychology in Modern Pain Care
In this episode of the Modern Pain Podcast, host Mark Kargela discusses the evolution of pain treatment from a solely biomechanical model to a more holistic biopsychosocial approach. Initially rooted in biomechanics, Mark shares his journey of realizing the limitations of this model and the rise of psychologically informed care. He emphasizes the importance of integrating both biomechanics and psychological strategies for effective pain management. Through various patient case studies, Mark illustrates the need for balance and the middle ground in modern pain treatment. He also urges clinicians to move beyond outdated narratives and adopt a more comprehensive approach tailored to individual patient needs.*********************************************************************📸 - Follow us on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/modernpaincare/🐦 - Follow us on Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/modernpaincare/🎙️ - Listen to our Podcast - https://www.modernpaincare.com____________________________________Modern Pain Care is a company dedicated to spreading evidence-based and person-centered information about pain, prevention, and overall fitness and wellness

Jan 13, 2025 • 6min
From Frustration to Transformation: Becoming a Leader in Pain Management
In this episode of the Modern Pain Podcast, join Mark Kargela as he discusses the challenges in pain care and the gaps in clinician education. Discover how to provide psychologically informed care and learn about a new comprehensive community-based program designed to empower clinicians as pain management leaders. Mark shares insights on the need for a paradigm shift from quick fixes to lasting, meaningful change and invites you to be part of this transformative journey. Join the waiting list and stay updated on when you can bring your community the pain management it deserves - https://modernpaincare.com/painprogram *********************************************************************📸 - Follow us on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/modernpaincare/🐦 - Follow us on Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/modernpaincare/🎙️ - Listen to our Podcast - https://www.modernpaincare.com____________________________________Modern Pain Care is a company dedicated to spreading evidence-based and person-centered information about pain, prevention, and overall fitness and wellness

Dec 29, 2024 • 34min
Transforming Illness Care: Solutions for Persistent Pain
In this episode of the Modern Pain Podcast, host Mark Kargela sits down with Jim Stark, an insightful and experienced physical therapist with over 30 years in the field. Jim discusses the limitations of our current 'illness care system' and shares his journey of integrating holistic and spiritual approaches into physical therapy, focusing on chronic and persistent pain. Learn about the importance of being authentic, the concept of narrative medicine, and powerful, practical strategies like breathing exercises for durable impact. Jim also highlights the significance of seeing patients outside the confines of conventional treatment and creating a supportive environment for true healing. Don't miss his valuable advice and resources for clinicians aiming to enrich their practice and transform patient care.00:00 Introduction to the Illness Care System01:06 Jim's Path to Physical Therapy02:20 Spiritual Growth and Patient Healing Stories03:47 Changing the Narrative in Healthcare07:55 The Role of PTs and OTs in Pain Management12:36 Breathing Techniques for Pain Relief19:18 Strategies for Patient Empowerment31:34 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsFree resources from Jim *********************************************************************📸 - Follow us on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/modernpaincare/🐦 - Follow us on Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/modernpaincare/🎙️ - Listen to our Podcast - https://www.modernpaincare.com____________________________________Modern Pain Care is a company dedicated to spreading evidence-based and person-centered information about pain, prevention, and overall fitness and wellness
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