Paincast

In this episode, I bring you to Quebec City at the Canadian Pain Society Annual Scientific Meeting to meet 4 incredible individuals: (00:01:34) Dr. Andrea Furlan: The role of a physiatrist in interdisciplinary pain rehab and some of the challenges and hopes she has (00:20:14) Lynn Cooper: The significance of people with lived experiences at the tables of pain research, pain advocacy, and improving pain management in Canada (00:40:39) Tahir Janmohamad: How innovation can fill in the gaps of pain care, particularly how an app with pain tracking and pain psychology can help people living with pain (00:55:26) Dr. Kelly Shinkaruk: Research on why people fail interdisciplinary pain programs Speaker Bio and Links Dr. Andrea Furlan is a physiatrist who sees people living with chronic pain at the Toronto Academic Pain Medicine Institute. She is also a Senior Scientist at the KITE Research Institute, the research arm of the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, and is a professor at the University of Toronto. She also has a YouTube channel on chronic pain management. ECHO UHN on Chronic Pain and Opioid Stewardship: https://uhn.echoontario.ca/Our-Programs/Chronic-Pain Website: https://www.doctorandreafurlan.com/ Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/DrAndreaFurlan Lynn Cooper was formerly president of the Canadian Pain Coalition. She has spent more than 20 years volunteering with organizations that seek to better understand issues surrounding chronic pain, and furthering research into and management of chronic pain. She was awarded the Person with Lived Experience Leadership Award at the Canadian Pain Society Annual Scientific Meeting 2026. Tahir Janmohamed is the founder and CEO of ManagingLife, a digital health company that improves the lives of people with chronic pain. Prior to ManagingLife, Tahir spent 8 years as a strategy & analytics consultant at IBM. Tahir is a Professional Engineer in Computer Engineering from the University of Toronto, and has an MBA from the Rotman School of Management. ManagingLife: https://managinglife.com/ Dr. Kelly Shinkaruk is an anesthesiologist working with people living with chronic pain in the Calgary Chronic Pain Centre. She also has a Master's degree in Medical Education with a focus on Interprofessional experiences and collaborative competency development in medical students. Calgary Chronic Pain Centre: https://cumming.ucalgary.ca/centres/anesthesiology/chronic-pain-centre/chronic-pain-centre Other conference-special episodes: Ep40: World Physiotherapy Congress Special: Asking Physios Around the World About Pain Ep25: Interview Physiotherapists About Pain at the CPA Congress 2024 Ep08: Interviewing Physiotherapists About Pain at the CPA Congress Ep09: Interviewing Leaders in Physiotherapy (Part 1) Ep10: Interviewing Leaders in Physiotherapy (Part 2) Paincast is dedicated to bringing together researchers, clinicians, and students to discuss topics related to pain and physiotherapy. The primary purpose is to facilitate knowledge translation and critical thinking. Some episodes posit themselves as more educational than others, and some more opinionated than others. The listener is encouraged to listen critically. While there is an effort to incorporate research evidence, and the topics are always researched by the host, we recognize there is room for improvement and there is expertise in the community. As such, we invite constructive critique and that you inform us of any inadvertent errors, so that we may correct them. You may submit your feedback through this form: https://forms.gle/UFfbUHBh8uKwSKgS8 Follow Paincast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paincast.psd/ Connect with Tiffany Tiu at paincast.psd@gmail.com!

In this episode, we talked about: How we can reinforce our own confirmation bias and how to break the cycle What matters the most as physiotherapists How your experiences as a physiotherapist drastically change as you shift your paradigm from a fixer mindset to a guide mindset How Bas refined the art of connecting with patients over the years and help them understand pain science Why is it of paramount importance that we help patient understand their pain Graduated in 1983, Bas has extensive post-graduate experience in manual, exercise and movement focused therapies, sports physiotherapy and pain related education. He was a Mentor for post-graduate physiotherapists for the Pain Sciences Division of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association, and has been Team Therapist for the Junior National Figure Skating Team and the National Cross-Country Ski Team, and attended many National, World and Olympic competitions of a wide variety of sports. He has taught workshops in North America to Osteopaths, Medical Doctors and Physiotherapists since 1992. Sebastian will never stop learning. He enjoys his attempts at golf, loves travelling and being with friends and family. Exploring Pain: Research and Meaning Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ExplainingPainScience Paincast is dedicated to bringing together researchers, clinicians, and students to discuss topics related to pain and physiotherapy. The primary purpose is to facilitate knowledge translation and critical thinking. Some episodes posit themselves as more educational than others, and some more opinionated than others. The listener is encouraged to listen critically. While there is an effort to incorporate research evidence, and the topics are always researched by the host, we recognize there is room for improvement and there is expertise in the community. As such, we invite constructive critique and that you inform us of any inadvertent errors, so that we may correct them. You may submit your feedback through this form: https://forms.gle/UFfbUHBh8uKwSKgS8

In this episode, we talked about The past, present, and future of pain advocacy in Canada The role of the professional association in supporting advocacy initiatives The reception of physiotherapists' advocacy The ripple effects of our pain advocacy efforts Krissy Bell, CEO, Canadian Physiotherapy Association Krissy Bell was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association in March 2023. Since joining the association in 2019, she has been an essential member of the executive team, driving organizational growth over the past five years through various leadership roles. Krissy's career prior to her role at the association includes consulting for some of Canada's largest non-profits and charities, where she specialized in organizational problem-solving with a focus on business development and strategic planning. Before her consulting career, Krissy served for seven years as an Artillery Officer in the Canadian Forces, followed by diverse roles in business development, marketing, and event management within the sports sector. In addition to her professional experience, Krissy is actively involved in volunteer work, particularly in governance roles within the sports sector. She has served as a Board member for not-for-profit organizations for nearly twenty years, and is currently in her final term as Vice-Chair of Canada Snowboard, the national governing body for snowboarding in Canada. As a mother of two herself, Krissy is a passionate advocate for working mothers who champions women through the intentional development of working environments that support those who want to balance family life while advancing their careers. Arthur Woznowski-Vu, PT, PhD Arthur Woznowski-Vu has been a practicing physiotherapist since 2013. He has been teaching the Pain Management Strategies course at Concordia University since 2023, and has previous teaching experience at Université de Montréal and McGill University. Early in his career, Arthur focused on developing his physiotherapy expertise in chronic pain. He pursued several continuing education courses and then went on to complete a PhD in Rehab Science (focusing on chronic pain) at McGill University in 2023, receiving several prestigious scholarships (e.g., CIHR). As Chair of the Pain Science Division at the Canadian Physiotherapy Association (2021-2023), Arthur led several initiatives including a national physiotherapy advocacy in response to the Canadian Pain Task Force's Action Plan for Pain in Canada: https://physiotherapy.ca/advocacy-updates/national-physiotherapy-month-2023-4/. In 2023, Arthur opened The Chronic Pain Rehab Clinic as his solo physiotherapy private practice in Montreal: www.chronicpainrehab.ca. Nathan Augeard, PT, MSc Nathan Augeard has been a practicing physiotherapist since 2018, with a strong focus on chronic pain management. He is currently completing his PhD in Rehabilitation Science at McGill University, where his research focuses on improving pain management education in entry-level physiotherapy programs across Canada. Nathan has received several awards for his work, including the Ronald Melzack–Canadian Journal of Pain Paper of the Year Award. He has been actively involved in pain advocacy, serving as an executive member of the Pain Science Division of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association (2021-2023) and the current Director of the Working Group on Pain Advocacy. As the founder of Physio Connection (www.physioconnection.ca), a virtual physiotherapy service, Nathan is committed to enhancing access to evidence-based care for individuals living with chronic pain, especially in remote regions. Resources CPA Position Paper and other pain advocacy resources for physiotherapy professionals, bilingual: https://physiotherapy.ca/advocacy-updates/national-physiotherapy-month-2023-4/ 3 reports from the Canadian Pain Task Force: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/corporate/about-health-canada/public-engagement/external-advis

In this episode, we talked about What is good ACL rehab? What are the psychological, social, and contextual factors influencing ACL rehab outcomes, and what can we do about them? What about ACL healing and Cross Bracing Protocol? Clinician-Scientist | Physical Therapist | Post-doctoral Fellow Expertise and research focus: Qualitative research Mixed methods research Musculoskeletal (MSK) and sports rehabilitation Digital health implementation Models of care in rehabilitation Current Focus: Postdoctoral research on innovative care models and the integration of digital health solutions for MSK pain management. My work bridges the gap between clinical practice and digital health technology, aiming to improve patient outcomes through evidence-informed strategies. My clinical expertise lies in management and treatment of traumatic knee injuries (e.g., ACL injuries). I currently work part time at a local physiotherapy clinic and teach within the Master of Physical Therapy program at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver Canada. Resources Kotsifaki, R., Korakakis, V., King, E., Barbosa, O., Maree, D., Pantouveris, M., ... & Whiteley, R. (2023). Aspetar clinical practice guideline on rehabilitation after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. British journal of sports medicine, 57(9), 500-514. Whittaker, J. L., Culvenor, A. G., Juhl, C. B., Berg, B., Bricca, A., Filbay, S. R., ... & Crossley, K. M. (2022). OPTIKNEE 2022: consensus recommendations to optimise knee health after traumatic knee injury to prevent osteoarthritis. British journal of sports medicine, 56(24), 1393-1405. Article on non-surgical ACL rehab: https://www.physio-network.com/blog/growing-evidence-non-surgical-acl/ Podcast on group rehab ACL https://podcasts.apple.com/dk/podcast/ep-41-life-in-the-fast-lane-with-linda-truong-christina-le/id1522929437?i=1000526250993 Podcast on social and contextual factors https://bjsmbmj.podbean.com/e/taking-the-social-and-contextual-seriously-in-sports-medicine-with-linda-truong-ep-469/ ACL rehab criteria: https://www.melbourneaclguide.com/docs/ACL_Guide.pdf Social media connection X @LKTphysio Instagram @lint.fit IG Paincast is dedicated to bringing together researchers, clinicians, and students to discuss topics related to pain and physiotherapy. The primary purpose is to facilitate knowledge translation and critical thinking. Some episodes posit themselves as more educational than others, and some more opinionated than others. The listener is encouraged to listen critically. While there is an effort to incorporate research evidence, and the topics are always researched by the host, we recognize there is room for improvement and there is expertise in the community. As such, we invite constructive critique and that you inform us of any inadvertent errors, so that we may correct them. You may submit your feedback through this form: https://forms.gle/UFfbUHBh8uKwSKgS8

In this episode, we talked about What Music Therapy is and how it can immensely benefit patients The affect of music on the biological, psychological, and social aspects to improve pain and overall health and wellness? Recent research evidence for Music Therapy in dementia and palliative care populations Important future developments of Music Therapy Dr. Amy Clements-Cortés PhD, RP, MTA, MT-BC Dr. Amy Clements-Cortés is an Associate Professor, Faculty of Music, University of Toronto; Credentialed Music Therapist, Registered Psychotherapist and a Fellow in the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music, and Neurologic Music Therapy. Amy has extensive clinical experience working with clients across the life span, with a specialty in mental health, dementia and palliative care. Her research contributions have had a significant impact in the understanding of understudied phenomenon, resulting in excelled treatments provided by professionals in music and medicine. She has authored 70+ peer reviewed journal articles, multiple book chapters, co-edited 2 books, and provided 300 conference and/or invited academic presentations. Her work has been cited by over 1300 scholars. In 2020, she received the World Federation of Music Therapy Clinical Impact Award honoring a music therapist who has had a long-term impact on advancing the knowledge and practice of music therapy within a specific clinical area or population through the publication or presentation of his or her work. Resources: Xiao, X., Chen, W., & Zhang, X. (2023). The effect and mechanisms of music therapy on the autonomic nervous system and brain networks of patients of minimal conscious states: a randomized controlled trial. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 17, 1182181. Loewy, J. (2022). Underlying music mechanisms influencing the neurology of pain: an integrative model. Brain Sciences, 12(10), 1317. Lee, J. H. (2016). The effects of music on pain: a meta-analysis. The Journal of Music Therapy, 53(4), 430-477. Kulinski, J., Ofori, E. K., Visotcky, A., Smith, A., Sparapani, R., & Fleg, J. L. (2022). Effects of music on the cardiovascular system. Trends in cardiovascular medicine, 32(6), 390-398. https://www.notesbyamy.com/ Paincast is dedicated to bringing together researchers, clinicians, and students to discuss topics related to pain and physiotherapy. The primary purpose is to facilitate knowledge translation and critical thinking. Some episodes posit themselves as more educational than others, and some more opinionated than others. The listener is encouraged to listen critically. While there is an effort to incorporate research evidence, and the topics are always researched by the host, we recognize there is room for improvement and there is expertise in the community. As such, we invite constructive critique and that you inform us of any inadvertent errors, so that we may correct them. You may submit your feedback through this form: https://forms.gle/UFfbUHBh8uKwSKgS8

In this episode, we talked about: What World Physiotherapy does What physiotherapy looks like around the world How the profession can help each other globally Michel D. Landry is a Professor in the Departments of Physiotherapy and Global Health at the Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (Bergen, Norway). He was the Chair of the Department of Physical Therapy and Associate Dean for Global Health in the College of Health Professions at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in Richmond, Virginia, from 2021-23, and was a Professor and Division Chief of Duke University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy Division in Durham, North Carolina from 2011-2021. At Duke, he successfully led an essential rebuild of the program that is now one of the top physical therapy programs in the United States. Before arriving at Duke University, he was a tenure-track Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto (2007-2011), where he was also a Career Scientist at the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. He has held senior clinical management positions within the private rehabilitation sector in Ontario (Canada) and leadership positions within international humanitarian aid and development agencies in conflict, emergency, and disaster settings. Dr. Landry is a past president of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association and the current President of World Physiotherapy, the global body that represents 700,000 physiotherapists around the world. He delivered the 2020 Enid Graham Memorial Lecture, and in 2023, he received the Dean’s Award of Excellence from the University of Ottawa’s Alumni of the Faculty of Health Sciences for his commitment to global health and physiotherapy. Connect with Dr. Mike Landry X: @drmikelandry www.drmikelandry.ca insta: mikelandryphysio Paincast is dedicated to bringing together researchers, clinicians, and students to discuss topics related to pain and physiotherapy. The primary purpose is to facilitate knowledge translation and critical thinking. Some episodes posit themselves as more educational than others, and some more opinionated than others. The listener is encouraged to listen critically. While there is an effort to incorporate research evidence, and the topics are always researched by the host, we recognize there is room for improvement and there is expertise in the community. As such, we invite constructive critique and that you inform us of any inadvertent errors, so that we may correct them. You may submit your feedback through this form: https://forms.gle/UFfbUHBh8uKwSKgS8

In this episode, we talked about:1. What preventing post-traumatic knee osteoarthritis (PTOA) means;2. Risk factors for developing PTOA and how to mitigate/manage;3. Practical tips in clinical care around preventing PTOA. Dr. Whittaker is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of British Columbia (UBC), Senior Research Scientist at Arthritis Research Canada, and recognized as a Clinical Specialist in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy by the Canadian Physiotherapy Association. Dr. Whittaker’s research focuses on long-term athlete welfare with a specific focus on musculoskeletal health after sport-related injuries. This includes research to improve injury care pathways, understand the consequences of injuries, and develop approaches to optimize function and healthy behaviours after injury. Two themes that cross cut Jackie’s research are exposing and overcoming gendered environments that disadvantage female athletes, and partnering with people on the front lines including athletes, family members, coaches, trainers, and health care providers to ensure her research produces solutions that are acceptable, relevant, and empowering. Resources: OPTIKNEE: https://msklab.med.ubc.ca/optiknee/SOAR clinical trial information: https://www.arthritisresearch.ca/research/soar-clinicial-trial/Dashboard for ACL Reconstruction Testing (DART): https://acldashboard.com/Anyone interested in doing a PhD with Jackie: https://bit.ly/3rtmGQbTwitter handles: @jwhittak_physio and @OPTIKNEE Paincast is dedicated to bringing together researchers, clinicians, and students to discuss topics related to pain and physiotherapy. The primary purpose is to facilitate knowledge translation and critical thinking. Some episodes posit themselves as more educational than others, and some more opinionated than others. The listener is encouraged to listen critically. While there is an effort to incorporate research evidence, and the topics are always researched by the host, we recognize there is room for improvement and there is expertise in the community. As such, we invite constructive critique and that you inform us of any inadvertent errors, so that we may correct them. You may submit your feedback through this form: https://forms.gle/UFfbUHBh8uKwSKgS8

This episode showcases how Virtual Reality, VR in short, can be used to facilitate, advance, and even transform pain education, management, and research. You'll hear about a few different applications of VR in physiotherapy, including using VR as a tool for pain neuroscience education, VR for phantom limb pain, and VR for research. We also highlight the current literature related to these applications. Note that this episode is a limited demonstration of how VR can be used in different aspects of pain care and there are a lot more out there. Interested listeners can refer to the review papers I have cited in the episode description. Timestamps:(00:01:14) Reality Health: VR as a tool for Pain Neuroscience Education (00:27:48) VR as a tool to prevent or manage Phantom Limb Pain (00:43:52) SilicoLabs: VR as a versatile research and clinical tool Relevant resources: VR for pain overview: Ahmadpour, N., et al. (2019). Virtual Reality interventions for acute and chronic pain management. The international journal of biochemistry & cell biology, 114, 105568. Trost, Z., et al. (2021). Virtual reality approaches to pain: toward a state of the science. Pain, 162(2), 325-331. VR for phantom limb pain: Limakatso, K., et al. (2020). The effectiveness of graded motor imagery for reducing phantom limb pain in amputees: a randomised controlled trial. Physiotherapy, 109, 65-74. Purushothaman, S., et al. (2023). Assessment of efficiency of mirror therapy in preventing phantom limb pain in patients undergoing below-knee amputation surgery—a randomized clinical trial. Journal of Anesthesia, 1-7. Cheung, J. C. W., et al. (2023). X-reality for phantom limb management for amputees: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Engineered Regeneration, 4(2), 134-151. SilicoLabs: www.silicolabs.ca Reality Health: https://reality.health/home/ Skidmore, N., et al. (2024). Acceptability and Feasibility of Virtual Reality to Promote Health Literacy in Primary Care from the Health Professional’s view: A Qualitative Study. Patient Education and Counseling, 108179. Making pain education better: historical underpinnings & recent innovations – a discussion paper: https://www.petalcollaboration.org/uploads/1/4/4/1/144169171/moseley__ryan_petal_discussion_paper_making_pain_education_better_120923.pdf Video introduction to the platform: https://vimeo.com/915832727/e6572e2a5c?share=copy Paincast is dedicated to bringing together researchers, clinicians, and students to discuss topics related to pain and physiotherapy. The primary purpose is to facilitate knowledge translation and critical thinking. Some episodes posit themselves as more educational than others, and some more opinionated than others. The listener is encouraged to listen critically. While there is an effort to incorporate research evidence, and the topics are always researched by the host, we recognize there is room for improvement and there is expertise in the community. As such, we invite constructive critique and that you inform us of any inadvertent errors, so that we may correct them. You may submit your feedback through this form: https://forms.gle/UFfbUHBh8uKwSKgS8