Pain Science Podcast

In this episode of the Pain Science Podcast, physical therapist Sherry Browerman discusses the intersection of yoga, physical therapy, and pain science. Sherry shares her journey of integrating these disciplines over 50 years, starting from her early experiences as an ice skater. They discuss how yoga and physical therapy can complement each other in understanding and managing pain. The conversation highlights the role of self-image and beliefs in movement and pain perception, emphasizing the importance of self-compassion and empowerment. Sherry also discusses how interoception, exteroception, and proprioception shape one's perception of movement and pain. Sherry's book, "From Bodily Knowledge to Intuitive Movement," serves as a foundation for exploring how these practices can lead to holistic healing and improved well-being. Visit integrativepainscienceinstitute.com for CEU training in integrative, psychologically informed care for physical therapists and other practitioners. Thank you for listening, Joe Tatta, PT, DPT

In this episode, we explore how the words clinicians use to diagnose musculoskeletal pain can profoundly shape patient beliefs, behaviors, and clinical outcomes. Joined by Stephen Martin, PT, MSc, Senior Lecturer in Physiotherapy at the University of Winchester and PhD researcher on diagnostic language, we unpack emerging evidence showing that diagnostic labels are not neutral—they can act as powerful psychological signals that influence fear, recovery expectations, and even decisions around imaging and surgery. We discuss why multiple labels are often used for the same condition and how this inconsistency creates confusion for both clinicians and patients. The conversation dives into the tension between specific and non-specific diagnoses—where specific labels may validate pain but increase fear and medicalization, while non-specific labels may support recovery but reduce patient satisfaction. A central theme is whether the label itself matters most, or the explanation that surrounds it, with growing evidence suggesting that how a diagnosis is communicated may be more impactful than the label alone. You'll walk away with practical, evidence-informed insights on how to communicate diagnoses more effectively, reduce unintended harm, and support better outcomes in people living with pain. Visit integrativepainscienceinstitute.com for CEU training in integrative, psychologically informed care for physical therapists and other practitioners. Thank you for listening, Joe Tatta, PT, DPT

In this episode, Justin Carrier, PT, DPT, explores what "Primary Care Physical Therapy" truly means and why it represents a pivotal shift for the profession. Rather than functioning solely within a referral-based model, primary care physical therapy positions physical therapists as primary care providers for neuromusculoskeletal conditions—capable of evaluation, assessment, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and management without unnecessary gatekeeping. This model improves timely access, reduces downstream costs, and aligns care with evidence showing that early conservative management leads to better outcomes. A central focus of the discussion is APTA Utah's recent legislative victory, which formally strengthened the role of physical therapists as primary care providers. The change removed key barriers that previously limited autonomous practice, allowing patients more direct access to PT services and clarifying the PT's role within the healthcare system. The legislation addressed real problems: delays in care, increased healthcare spending, and unnecessary reliance on imaging, opioids, or specialist referrals for common musculoskeletal issues. Visit integrativepainscienceinstitute.com for CEU training in psychologically informed pain care for physical therapists and other practitioners. Thank you for listening, Joe Tatta, PT, DPT Founder, Integrative Pain Science Institute

In this episode of the Pain Science Podcast, Dr. Mary Beth Osborne discusses the integration of mental health into physical therapy practice. She shares her personal experiences with suicide in her family, which have shaped her commitment to addressing mental health issues in her work. The conversation explores the importance of screening for mental health conditions, the role of physical therapists in providing holistic care, and the evolution of the PT Cares clinic at the University of Connecticut. Dr. Osborne emphasizes the need for physical therapists to be proactive in addressing mental health and the barriers that currently exist in the healthcare system. Visit integrativepainscienceinstitute.com for CEU training on psychologically-informed pain care for physical therapists and other practitioners. Thank you for listening, Joe Tatta, PT, DPT CEO, Integrative Pain Science Institute

In this episode of the Pain Science Podcast, Joe Tatta, PT, DPT, welcomes Sarah Brown, PT, DPT, MS a doctor of physical therapy and nutritionist, to discuss the intricate relationship between food, the immune system, and chronic joint pain, particularly focusing on rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Dr. Brown shares her unique journey from physical therapy to nutrition, emphasizing the importance of combining movement and dietary changes to manage chronic pain effectively. They delve into the impact of diet on inflammation and pain, highlighting the significance of the Mediterranean diet and the potential benefits of an elimination diet for those suffering from RA. The conversation also explores the pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis, including genetic and environmental triggers, and the role of gut health in managing inflammation. Dr. Brown explains how lifestyle factors such as diet, stress, and sleep can influence the immune response and overall health. The episode concludes with practical advice on dietary changes, the importance of understanding food's role in health, and the potential of supplements like omega-3 fatty acids, curcumin, and resveratrol in alleviating symptoms of RA. This insightful discussion aims to empower listeners with knowledge and practical strategies to improve their health through nutrition and lifestyle adjustments. Visit integrativepainscienceinstitute.com for CEU training on integrative, psychologically-informed pain care for physical therapists and other practitioners. Thank you for listening, Joe Tatta, PT, DPT CEO, Integrative Pain Science Institute

In this episode, Joe Tatta, PT, DPT, speaks with Sarah Conover, PT, MHS, CHC, a vestibular therapist with a background in treating conditions related to anxiety, dizziness, and pain. Sarah shared her journey, starting from her early career in the late 1980s, working in acute neuro care, to her current practice, which focuses on chronic vestibular issues. She highlighted the evolution of vestibular therapy and the increasing recognition of conditions like vestibular migraine, 3PD (persistent postural perceptual dizziness), and Mal de Débarquement syndrome. We delved into the intricate connections between the vestibular system and mental health, discussing how dizziness can trigger anxiety and other autonomic responses due to the close interplay between the vestibular system, the autonomic nervous system, and brain structures like the amygdala and hypothalamus. Sarah emphasized the importance of a holistic approach in treatment, incorporating mindfulness and acceptance-based strategies to help patients manage their symptoms. Sarah also shared her personal journey with anxiety and how it has influenced her practice. She employs a range of tools, including mindfulness practices, thought reframing, and expressive writing, to assist her patients in developing a sense of safety and acceptance regarding their symptoms. We also touched on the role of spirituality in healing, with Sarah explaining how she gently explores this aspect with her patients to support their overall well-being. To learn more about Sarah's work, visit her at dizzycoach.com Visit integrativepainscienceinstitute.com for more information and CEU courses on pain and mental health for physical therapists. Thank you for listening, Joe Tatta, PT, DPT CEO, Integrative Pain Science Institute

In this episode, Joe Tatta, PT, DPT, speaks with physiotherapist and researcher Tash Pocovi, PhD about her groundbreaking study in the Lancet on the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of an individualized, progressive walking and education intervention for the prevention of low back pain recurrence. The trial, known as the Walk Back Trial, involved 24 physiotherapists across Australia who delivered an individualized and progressive walking program along with education. The participants, who were mostly sedentary, were given walking prescriptions tailored to their current activity levels, age, BMI, and comorbidities. The goal was to gradually increase their walking to 30 minutes most days of the week over six months. The results were promising, showing a relative risk reduction in low back pain recurrences and a reduction in care-seeking episodes. This has significant implications for both individual health and healthcare system burdens, highlighting the potential of simple interventions like walking combined with education. Dr. Pocovi also discussed the cost-effectiveness of the intervention, noting that it was highly likely to be cost-effective based on willingness-to-pay thresholds. The biggest savings were seen in reduced work absenteeism. For more information, please visit integrativepainscienceinstitute.com For CEU courses, please visit integrativepainscienceinstitute.com/course/ Love the show? Please subscribe, rate, and review. Thank you for listening, Joe Tatta, PT, DPT CEO, Integrative Pain Science Institute

In this episode, Joe Tatta, PT, DPT speaks with Anthony Delitto, PT, PhD, FAPTA a leading researcher in musculoskeletal pain, with over 100 peer-reviewed publications and a career dedicated to improving pain care. Dr. Delitto led the groundbreaking TARGET Trial, a $13-million PCORI-funded study investigating how early intervention with physical therapy—specifically, psychologically-informed physical therapy—can prevent acute low back pain from becoming chronic. In this episode, we dive into the findings of the TARGET Trial, how primary care providers can be trained to recognize risk factors for persistent pain, and why timely referral to physical therapy matters. We also discuss the critical role of physical therapists as primary care providers, the broader impact of poorly managed pain—including the overuse of opioids, unnecessary imaging, and low-value care—and what all of this means for patients, healthcare systems, and employers. For more information, please visit integrativepainscienceinstitute.com For CEU courses, please visit https://integrativepainscienceinstitute.com/course/ Love the show? Please subscribe, rate, and review. Thank you for listening, Joe Tatta, PT, DPT CEO Integrative Pain Science Institute

In this week's episode of the Pain Science Education Podcast, we speak with Dr. David Spiegel, a renowned expert in the field of hypnosis. Dr. Spiegel has decades of experience studying the applications of hypnosis in managing chronic pain, non-communicable diseases, and even cancer. Our conversation delved into the evolution of hypnosis from its early misconceptions to its current status as a scientifically-backed therapeutic tool for pain relief. For show notes and additional resources, please visit integrativepainscienceinstitute.com For CEU courses, please visit integrativepainscienceinstitute.com/course Love the show? Subscribe, rate, and review. Here's How »

This episode of the Pain Science Education Podcast delves into the interconnectedness between chronic pain and trauma, particularly focusing on the use of neurogenic movement to release trauma and alleviate chronic pain. Dr. Tatta introduces Richmond Heath, a physiotherapist from Australia with expertise in treating chronic pain and trauma through tension and trauma-releasing exercises (TRE). The discussion begins by highlighting the overlap between chronic pain and trauma, emphasizing that both are active processes generated by the brain and body. Physiotherapist Richmond Heath explains how trauma responses can manifest as immobility and tension in the body, leading to chronic pain over time. The conversation shifts to the concept of neurogenic movement, where the nervous system generates movement spontaneously without conscious control. This natural recovery response is explored as a tool for releasing tension and trauma stored in the body. For show notes, articles, and additional resources, please visit integrativepainscienceinstitute.com For CEU courses, please visit integrativepainscienceinstitute.com/course Love the show? Subscribe, rate, and review. Here's How »

Physical therapists can and do play a role in promoting mental health wellness in patients, including managing psychological distress and even suicide prevention. In today's episode, Australian physiotherapist Ryan McGrath uncovers the ways that physical therapists can identify and address signs of psychological distress in their patients. He talks about yellow flags as well as red flags and how you can implement effective assessment and management strategies for things like pain, catastrophizing depression, and how to screen for suicide. Ryan's PhD specifically looks at ways physiotherapists support clients with psychological distress. Whether you are a physical therapist, a physiotherapist, or another health professional, and if you're curious about the intersection of physical and mental health, this episode is for you. For show notes, articles and additional resources, please visit integrativepainscienceinstitute.com For CEU courses, please visit integrativepainscienceinstitute.com/course Love the show? Subscribe, rate, and review. Here's How »

Patients often find themselves in a pickle of having prescribed different medications for different purposes, which eventually overlap and do more harm than good. Thankfully, this alarming situation can be solved through medication reduction and tapering. Dr. Joe Tatta explores the role of physical therapists in this process with Aimee Perron, PT, DPT. They explain the keystone position every PT can take in upholding safer medication management and implementing deprescription in the most responsible way. Aimee also discusses the importance of holding counseling sessions with patients to better understand their health goals and minimize their fear of polypharmacy. For show notes, articles and additional resources, please visit integrativepainscienceinstitute.com For CEU courses, please visit integrativepainscienceinstitute.com/course Love the show? Subscribe, rate, and review. Here's How »