
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

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Pelvic Health, Outdated Pain Care & Empowering Patients | Sandy Hilton Interview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

Dec 2, 2024 • 56min
Transforming Knee Osteoarthritis Treatment Through Implicit Belief Analysis
Join us in this episode of the Modern Pain Podcast as we sit down with Brian Pulling to explore groundbreaking research on why people with knee osteoarthritis avoid physical activity despite its known benefits. Brian shares insights from a study using the Implicit Association Test (IAT) to uncover subconscious beliefs associating movement with danger. We delve into how these implicit threat associations differ from explicit beliefs and the implications for clinical practice. Brian also shares his personal journey from physical therapy training in the U.S. to becoming a leading researcher in Australia. This episode is packed with valuable information for clinicians looking to improve pain management strategies and help patients move more confidently.ARTICLE*********************************************************************📸 - 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

Nov 3, 2024 • 58min
Overcoming Uncertainty: Strategies for Young Clinicians with Chris Hughen
In this episode of the Modern Pain Podcast, host Dr. Mark Kargela interviews physical therapist Chris Hughen. Chris shares his journey from aspiring strength coach to established physical therapist, highlighting the importance of mentorship, the pitfalls of chasing certifications, and the value of embracing uncertainty in clinical practice. Chris also discusses how his background in coaching influences his patient interactions and the necessity of maintaining good professional relationships. Tune in for valuable lessons on pain management and building a successful career in physical therapy.Chris' InstagramChris' PodcastE3 Rehab*********************************************************************📸 - 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

Oct 27, 2024 • 49min
Unlocking Success: The Power of Coaching and Mental Fitness in Pain Management
Join us for an insightful episode where host Mark Kargela engages with expert Jen Uschold, a physical therapist and lifestyle medicine coach. Delve into the integration of traditional physical therapy with coaching and mental fitness to foster stronger client-therapist relationships in pain management. Discover the significance of motivational interviewing, emotional intelligence, and 'mental fitness' principles covering positive psychology, performance science, CBT, and neuroscience. Explore the synergistic relationship between Positive Intelligence (PQ) and Physical Therapy (PT), the impact of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and innovative approaches to managing chronic pain. Learn how to address both manual therapy and cognitive strategies, promoting meaningful activities beyond mere pain control. This episode is a treasure trove for clinicians seeking to improve patient care through a holistic and personalized approachLinks:Jen's Website for PTWebsite for Mental Fitness and Divorce Prep -Code for your listeners to get 20% off the Mental Fitness 7 week course: IRISE20Jen's LinkedInJen's Instagram*********************************************************************📸 - 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

Oct 13, 2024 • 11min
Beyond the Dichotomy: Transformative Pain Management Beyond Passive and Active Methods
In this episode of the Modern Pain Podcast, Mark Kargela explores the false dichotomy of passive versus active care in pain management, emphasizing that neither is inherently detrimental. He discusses the unique roles of passive care techniques like manual therapy and active care, which encompasses more than just exercise. Mark highlights the importance of personalized, patient-centered approaches that consider the patient's values and life circumstances. The episode underscores the significant impact of communication skills, advocating for meaningful clinician-patient dialogues to better understand patients' stories and barriers. This approach aims to foster a therapeutic alliance and guide patients back to meaningful lives.*********************************************************************📸 - 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