The Chronic Pain Experience Podcast

​​If you’ve been searching for ways to reduce chronic pain and feel like you’ve tried everything—medication, procedures, therapies—but the relief never lasts, this guide is for you. In the final episode of a three-part series from Pain 2 Possibilities, I will walk through why pain becomes stubborn and, more importantly, what you can do about it. Below I’ll summarize and expand on this evidence-based approach so you have a clear, practical plan to reduce chronic pain and reclaim more of your life. 1) Why this matters: chronic pain is not just about tissue Many people assume ongoing pain equals ongoing tissue damage. That’s not always true. To reduce chronic pain we need to understand that pain can be a multi-system problem: structural/mechanical, nervous system sensitization, and psychological/social factors. When treatments only address one area, especially just the structural side, pain often persists.  I see many treatments help briefly but not change the long-term trajectory. This is common and points toward nervous system sensitization as a major contributor to stubborn pain. 2) What changes when pain becomes chronic Decades of research show living with chronic pain changes the body in measurable ways. These are not “in your head” in a dismissive sense; they are changes in neurobiology, perception, and regulation. Here are some examples to watch for if you want to reduce chronic pain: Altered brain maps: People with chronic pain often struggle to rapidly identify left vs. right side or to draw a limb accurately (common in complex regional pain syndrome). Sensory perception shifts: Body parts can feel “different” to the brain—bigger, smaller, fuzzier—because the brain’s representation has shifted. Regulatory dysfunction: Immune, autonomic, and pain systems become overactive producing unpredictable symptoms. Changed movement patterns: Pain and pain anticipation change how you move. The brain learns protective patterns that can reinforce pain long-term.Recognizing these patterns helps you and your clinician decide if the focus should be on retraining the nervous system to reduce chronic pain—not just fixing tissue or reducing immediate intensity. 3) Why many treatments don’t give lasting relief To reduce chronic pain you must understand which part of the problem a given treatment actually addresses. I break these into four categories: treatments that change pain intensity, treatments that address structure/mechanics, mind-body approaches, and nervous-system-specific interventions. Pain intensity tools: Analgesics, injections, nerve blocks, TENS. These can lower the immediate volume of pain—like turning down a stereo—but often don’t fix the faulty wiring causing the noise to return. Structural/mechanical treatments: Physiotherapy for joint stability, chiropractic alignment, surgery, weight loss. Essential when the problem is structural—but not sufficient when sensitization drives pain. Mind-body methods: CBT, meditation, journaling, apps like Curable. Useful for addressing thinking, fear, and stress, but alone can fall short when pain pathways are overactive. Nervous system retraining: Education + graded, neuroscience-based drills that directly target the altered neurobiology of chronic pain. 4) Evidence-backed treatments that target the nervous system When the nervous system is involved, evidence-based interventions focus on changing how the brain processes body signals. These methods are designed to rewire and desensitize the nervous system progressively and safely: Pain education: Understanding pain reduces threat and fear. Knowledge changes perception; when you know what is happening and why, your brain can reduce defensive responses. Graded motor imagery (GMI): A sequence of interventions (left-right discrimination, motor imagery, mirror therapy) proven useful in conditions like complex regional pain syndrome and other sensitized states. Sensory discrimination training: Peripheral “bottom-up” work that refines sensory maps—touch labelling, texture recognition, and precise sensory tasks. Motor retraining: Gentle graded exposure to feared movements, broken down into micro-steps to rebuild confidence. Mirror therapy: Visual feedback to re-align brain representation with actual movement and reduce perceived threat. Top-down approaches: Imagery, visualization, and cognitive tasks that change brain expectation and cortical processing. Combining bottom-up and top-down approaches is more powerful than either alone. The nervous system learns from both peripheral input and central expectation—so to reduce chronic pain we must retrain both directions. 5) What recovery actually looks like Recovery is individual. To reduce chronic pain successfully you should plan for a process, not a quick fix. Outcomes vary—some people become pain-free, others find pain becomes background noise, and many regain function and confidence even while some symptoms persist. Common recovery milestones include: Less fear around move

Living with chronic pain is a daily challenge that no one chooses. It brings with it a complex mix of struggle, frustration, and often isolation. If you’ve ever found yourself asking, “Why do I hurt so much?”, you are not alone. Understanding the basic science behind chronic pain is the first step toward reclaiming control over your life. This article dives deep into the essentials of chronic pain, explaining why pain can persist long after an injury has healed and what you can do to begin the journey toward recovery. As a chronic pain recovery coach, I’ve had the privilege of guiding many on this path, helping to bridge the gap between patients and their healthcare providers through experiential learning and science-backed tools. Let’s explore the complexities of chronic pain, its root causes, and the hope that lies in understanding it better. Why Do I Hurt? The Basics of Chronic Pain First, it’s essential to understand that pain is not just a simple message from your body—it’s a highly sophisticated alarm system designed to protect you. Pain serves as a warning signal that something is wrong, prompting you to take action to prevent further injury and promote healing. However, in chronic pain, this alarm system becomes faulty and overprotective, sending signals long after the original injury has healed. Chronic pain is different from acute pain. Acute pain is immediate and directly linked to tissue damage, serving to protect and heal the body. Chronic pain, on the other hand, can persist for months or years and often involves a sensitized nervous system that overreacts to stimuli. The Role of the Nervous System and the Brain One of the most misunderstood aspects of chronic pain is the role of the nervous system and brain. Pain is not merely a sensation in a body part; it is a complex process involving multiple systems. Your brain acts as the “command center” that interprets signals from millions of sensors throughout your body. These sensors are of three types: Mechanical sensors: Detect changes in pressure or posture. Temperature sensors: Detect hot or cold stimuli. Chemical sensors: Detect chemical changes inside or outside the body, such as inflammation or infection. In chronic pain, these sensors become hypervigilant, sending danger signals even when no real threat exists. The brain, interpreting these signals, produces pain as a protective response. This phenomenon is called “sensitization,” and it means that less input is required to trigger pain, and more sensors are produced to meet the demand. The good news? These sensors have a short lifespan and are constantly replaced, meaning your sensitivity can change over time. With the right approach, it is possible to desensitize these overactive sensors and reduce pain. Who Is More Prone to Chronic Pain? Chronic pain does not discriminate, but certain factors increase the likelihood of developing it: Previous injuries, such as car accidents, work injuries, or sports-related trauma. Childhood adversity, measured by the ACE (Adverse Childhood Experiences) score. Living or working in stressful environments. Neurodivergence, including conditions such as ADHD. Long-term anxiety or other mental health challenges. Genetics and epigenetics—the interaction between your genes and environment. Understanding these risk factors is critical because they highlight how chronic pain is not just physical but deeply intertwined with emotional and environmental factors. Essential Pain Facts: What You Need to Know Fact 1: We Are Highly Adaptable and Bioplastic Humans are incredibly adaptable creatures. Our bodies and nervous systems have evolved over thousands of years to respond to demands and protect us. This adaptability, called bioplasticity, means our systems can change in response to experiences—good and bad. Examples of this adaptability include: Muscle growth from weightlifting. Skin calluses from repeated friction. Increased heart rate during exercise. Changes in the nervous system with persistent pain. This adaptability is a double-edged sword. While it allows for healing and growth, it also means the nervous system can learn to become more sensitive to pain, reinforcing chronic pain pathways. Fact 2: Pain Is a Protective Alarm System Pain’s primary function is protective. It is designed to warn us of danger and promote healing. Our pain system is predictive, intuitive, and modifiable. This means it can adjust its responses based on context and experience. There are people born with congenital insensitivity to pain who do not feel pain at all. While this might sound like a blessing, it is actually dangerous because pain is essential for avoiding harm. For example, a child with this condition may unknowingly touch something hot, suffering severe injury without the warning pain signal. Fact 3: Pain Is Complex and Multi-Systemic The old view of pain as a simple signal from injury to brain is outdated. Pain involves multiple body systems, including: Musculo

Living with chronic pain can feel overwhelming and isolating, especially when despite your best efforts, your pain seems to be getting worse instead of better. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Why is my pain getting worse?” you’re not alone. There are many factors at play that can keep you stuck in a cycle of pain, and understanding these is the first step to reclaiming control over your life. In this article, inspired by insights from pain recovery coach Deana Tsiapalis of Pain 2 Possibilities, we’ll explore why chronic pain can persist and worsen, the gaps in our current healthcare system, the biological changes in your nervous system, and the often overlooked concept of sensitization. Most importantly, we’ll shed light on how you can begin to navigate your path to recovery with clarity and hope. Why Am I Not Getting Better? The Gaps in Chronic Pain Care One of the biggest reasons chronic pain lingers is due to significant gaps in the way chronic pain is currently understood and treated. Often, the healthcare system focuses heavily on structural or mechanical issues—injuries, tissue damage, or anatomical abnormalities. While these are important, they only represent a fraction of what chronic pain is. Many people with chronic pain find themselves overwhelmed by numerous appointments, feeling unheard by providers, and frustrated by a lack of clear answers or support. This can lead to a sense that something must be terribly wrong if recovery isn’t happening, or even fear that pain will be a lifelong sentence. Unfortunately, pain education among healthcare providers is minimal—physicians typically receive only 5 to 10 hours of training on pain management during their entire education. This lack of comprehensive training leads to a medical model that often treats symptoms rather than addressing the root causes of chronic pain. Insurance policies and healthcare systems are also slow to adapt, frequently covering treatments suited for acute pain but not those targeting complex, chronic pain conditions. The Limitations of a Reductionist Model The traditional medical approach is reductionist, meaning it treats symptoms as isolated issues. While this can be effective for acute injuries or clear physical problems, chronic pain is often the result of more complex, overlapping systems. When pain becomes chronic, it may no longer be tied to a single injury but rather involve changes in the nervous system, emotional health, and social environment. Changes in the Nervous System: What Happens with Chronic Pain? When pain persists over time, profound changes occur in your nervous system that can make recovery feel impossible. These changes include: Impaired Sensory Processing: Your nervous system may struggle to accurately sense pressure, temperature, or touch. This disconnect between brain and body can cause confusion and heightened pain responses. Overactivation of the Brain: Chronic pain lights up multiple areas of the brain simultaneously, leading to increased energy use and symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, anxiety, and depression. Difficulty Controlling Pain Signals: Instead of blocking or reducing pain signals from the spinal cord, the brain may amplify them, making pain feel more intense. Hardwired Pain Pathways: Similar to how practicing a skill strengthens neural pathways, chronic pain can create reinforced “pain pathways” in the nervous system that become hard to break. These changes affect multiple body systems including muscular, endocrine, immune, sympathetic, and parasympathetic systems, which all contribute to the chronic pain experience. Obstacles That Sabotage Your Recovery Beyond biological changes, several external and internal obstacles can keep you trapped in pain: Unsafe Environments: Living or working in emotionally or physically unsafe settings can prevent progress. Lack of Support: Feeling unheard by healthcare providers, family, or community can erode motivation and hope. Narrow Treatment Focus: Addressing only biological or only psychological factors limits recovery. Chronic pain requires a holistic approach. Lack of Information: Without clear guidance and understanding, recovery can feel like guessing or “throwing spaghetti at the wall.” Medical System Barriers: Long wait times for specialists and an overemphasis on symptom treatment rather than root causes. Deconditioned Body and Fear of Movement: Pain makes movement difficult, but inactivity worsens pain. Fear around movement can create a vicious cycle. Boom and Bust Cycle: Pushing through pain on good days followed by days of incapacitation creates setbacks. Belief That Only Doctors Can Help: Recovery often requires addressing psychological and social factors alongside biological ones. Financial and Capacity Challenges: Pain reduces mental and physical capacity, making it hard to engage consistently in recovery. Understanding Sensitization: The Underlying Cause of Many Chronic Conditions Sensitization is a key concept in chronic pain that exp

In this episode of the Chronic Pain Experience Podcast, host and Chronic Pain Recovery Coach, Deana Tsiapalis, delves into the complexities of chronic pain recovery and the systemic barriers faced by patients. Following the tragic death of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson, Deana explores the frustrations many feel toward the healthcare system, particularly issues like outdated treatment models, high rates of claim denials, and prolonged wait times for coverage approvals. Deana also discusses the importance of patient education and self-advocacy, unveiling the top five challenges chronic pain warriors face in securing insurance coverage and offering resources and strategies for navigating these hurdles. 00:00 Introduction to the Chronic Pain Experience 00:43 The Impact of Insurance on Chronic Pain 02:15 Top Challenges in Securing Coverage 02:40 Outdated Insurance Models and Their Consequences 07:50 High Rates of Claim Denials 12:58 Prolonged Wait Times for Approvals 16:54 Limited Coverage for Non-Pharmacological Treatments 19:46 The Financial Toll on Patients and Families 21:59 Empowering Yourself Through Education 22:56 Conclusion and Call to Action Find our free resources Looking for more free resources? Click here to join our unique free community exclusively for chronic pain warriors, access our sought after ‘A Healing Night’s Sleep For Chronic Pain + Checklist’ and more by clicking HERE. Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts “I love Deana’s message inside The Chronic Pain Experience Podcast” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — move toward a life well lived despite the pain. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!Have your say! Complete our brief (3 min) survey to help me improve our growing podcast! You can do so HERE.

In the relentless pursuit of relief from chronic pain, fascia—a vast, connective tissue network—often goes unnoticed. Yet, symptoms like deep aches, stiffness, and tender, sensitive areas may all stem from fascial dysfunction. By understanding how pain works and how our biology responds to it, we can uncover strategies to shift pain patterns and foster healing. In this episode, we explore the profound connection between fascia and chronic pain, while sharing practical techniques to improve fascial health at home. Tune in to learn how understanding your body can be the first step toward reclaiming your life from pain. Find our free resourcesLooking for more free resources? Click here to join our unique free community exclusively for chronic pain warriors, access our sought after ‘A Healing Nights Sleep For Chronic Pain’ and more by clicking HERE.Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts“I love Deana’s message inside The Chronic Pain Experience Podcast” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — move toward a life well lived despite the pain. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!Have your say! Complete our brief (3 min) survey to help me improve our growing podcast! You can do so HERE.

After a catastrophic injury we rely on the brilliance of our allopathic model. When the condition becomes chronic or in the case of a life long disability, our allopathic model falls short. Join Chanda Hinton and myself as we discuss the Chanda Center in Colorado and the amazing work her centre is doing to make integrative care more accessible to those living with spinal injuries, Multiple Sclerosis, chronic conditions and so much more! You can learn more about Chanda and all the amazing work she is doing at chandacenter.org. Find our free resources:Click HERE  for more free resources or to join our community exclusively for chronic pain warriors. You can also rate, review, & follow on Apple Podcasts. “I love Deana’s message inside The Chronic Pain Experience Podcast” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — move toward a life well lived despite the pain. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!Have your say! Complete our brief (3 min) survey to help me improve our growing podcast! You can do so HERE.

Chronic Headache & Migraine, Alexandria Levin Living with the invisible reality of chronic pain is a challenge many struggle to articulate. Janna Kimel and her team at The Chronic Pain Project are amplifying these voices, using art and storytelling to bring the hidden stories of chronic pain to light. This powerful journey offers deep insights, not just for those enduring the pain, but also for those who wish to understand it on a more profound level. For more information, visit www.chronicpainproject.org. Find our free resourcesLooking for more free resources? Click the link to join our unique free community exclusively for chronic pain warriors, access our sought after ‘A chronic pain warriors guide to better Doctor’s visits’ and more by clicking HERE.Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts“I love Deana’s message inside The Chronic Pain Experience Podcast” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — move toward a life well lived despite the pain. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!Have your say! Complete our brief (3 min) survey to help me improve our growing podcast! You can do so HERE.

In this episode I discuss how our current model of chronic pain care is struggling to keep up with the new science of pain. Where chronic pain warriors are stuck in a model of care that is outdated and ineffective for chronic pain specifically (but great for acute care). From the lack of mandatory chronic pain curriculum for our physicians to insurance policies locked on the old science of pain, we have some work to do. Find our free resources:Looking for more free resources? Click the link to join our unique free community exclusively for chronic pain warriors, access our sought after ‘A chronic pain warriors guide to better Doctor’s visits’ and more by clicking HERE. Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts“I love Deana’s message inside The Chronic Pain Experience Podcast” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — move toward a life well lived despite the pain. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Have your say Complete our brief (3 min) survey to help me improve our growing podcast! You can do so HERE.

Ecology concept. Rising sprout on dry ground. Life with chronic pain often leads to a rabbit hole of seeking new treatments, new doctors and any sense of hope that life will get better. Live with pain long enough and that rabbit hole becomes deep and wide, where the belief of self and of your capabilities diminishes..to the point of believing that you and the body you live in, are truly broken. In this episode I am joined by Chana Studley to discuss some key pain facts related to improving pain: A) All injuries healB) We live in a thought created world 100% of the time, andC) We don’t need to do anything to fix our thinking You are not broken and you are innately proficient in changing your pain you just need a little guidance to help get you there. Next steps: Connect with me for a free 20 minute exploration of what you’re doing right now and what next steps could be by clicking HERE. Join our free community exclusively for chronic pain warriors (for warriors by warriors) by clicking HERE. If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider leaving a 5 star review on Apple Podcasts by clicking HERE (it would help spread the message to those who could really use it!).

Isolation that comes from Chronic pain can come in different forms such as isolation from others, disconnectedness from ourselves and touch starvation. In this episode I sit down with Kat Anna to talk about the biological, psychological and social implications of touch starvation, chronic pain and it’s impact on the nervous system. More importantly we discuss the important work to help you move through it all. Touch releases oxytocin which helps to ease us into more of a relaxed state which ultimately helps to bring us out of fight/flight or freeze, block the pain signals thereby helping you to manage the pain. Visit this link for free content and to join our amazing free community for those living with pain 👉 linktr.ee/pain2possibilities.

Living with chronic pain can often be an isolating journey, but research consistently highlights the transformative power of community in improving the quality of life for individuals facing this challenge. The latest studies underscore the vital role that a culture of safety and connectedness plays in positively influencing the lived experience of chronic pain. By fostering a supportive community, we not only share the weight of our individual struggles but also amplify our collective strength. The sense of belonging and understanding within a community can significantly reduce feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression associated with chronic pain. Creating a culture of safety within this community is paramount. It provides a space where individuals can openly express their challenges, triumphs, and vulnerabilities without judgment. This culture of safety becomes a foundation for trust, empathy, and collaboration, essential elements in navigating the complexities of chronic pain. Join Our Free Community If you’d like to join us inside our Free Cwtch community, simply click HERE to be taken to the ‘Heartbeat Chat’ App. Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts “I love Deana’s message inside The Chronic Pain Experience Podcast” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — move toward a life well lived despite the pain. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! If you’d like a copy of our FREE Chronic pain warrior’s guide to better doctor appointments click HERE. Have your say! Complete our brief (3 min) survey to help me improve our growing podcast! You can do so HERE.

Opioid induced constipation coupled with chronic pain can make life both unbearable and unpredictable. Join me as I sit down with Nicole Hemmenway from the Us Pain Foundation and Megan Filloramo to talk about opioid induced constipation, the stigma and the solutions as a part of the International Opioid Constipation Awareness Day. Join Our Free Community Looking for a unique community to create meaningful connections with others who are experiencing much the same as you are inside a safe space away from the confines of Facebook? Click HERE to join our Free Cwtch Community. Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts “I love Deana’s message inside The Chronic Pain Experience Podcast” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — move toward a life well lived despite the pain. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! If you’d like a copy of our FREE Chronic pain warrior’s guide to better doctor appointments click HERE. Have your say! Complete our brief (3 min) survey to help me improve our growing podcast! You can do so HERE.

Ecology concept. Rising sprout on dry ground. In today’s episode we are talking about restoring confidence for a life well lived despite the relentless grip of chronic pain. This pain extends beyond the physical, shaping an enduring emotional battle. It gradually wears away at your self-esteem, causing you to question your value and your capacity to lead a gratifying life. We’ll explore how restoring your confidence can be one of the keys to unlocking a life of purpose, connection, and joy. We’ll address the common obstacles and challenges faced by those who live with pain, and we’ll challenge the beliefs that hold you back from embracing a life well lived, despite the pain. Today I am joined by a friend and former colleague, Ann Deluca, author and a Women’s Confidence Coach with a coaching certification through the Co-ActiveTraining Institute (CTI), a Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP) Master Practitioner and Certified Resilience Coach with The Leadership Wellness Group. If you would like more information about what we do at Pain 2 Possibilities and The Change Pain Academy, you can learn more HERE. If you’d like a copy of our FREE Chronic pain warrior’s guide to better doctor appointments click HERE. Have your say! Complete our brief (3 min) survey to help me improve our growing podcast! You can do so HERE.

Pain is a universal human experience, whether it’s physical, emotional, or social. It can be all-encompassing, overwhelming, and at times, seem insurmountable often leading to a narrative of suffering. But what if we could change the narrative on how we perceive pain? Pain Research and countless stories from individuals who have faced extraordinary challenges, battled pain in its many forms, and emerged on the other side is showing us that perspective matters. In this episode, I’m joined by Fraser Brown, a chronic pain warrior, podcaster, and advocate. Together, we’ll explore Fraser’s journey through pain and how he maintains a resilient and positive outlook as a part of his pain management strategy. Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts “I love The Chronic Pain Experience Podcast” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — move toward living well alongside pain rather than under it’s crushing weight. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! You can also leave your comments about our podcast HERE. Your anonymous answers will be used to make The Chronic Pain Experience podcast even better!

In this episode I sit down with the esteemed Dr. Harvey Chochinov to discuss dignity and person centered care for both end of life and for the lived experience with pain. Join us as we explore the human experience, the importance of perception, purpose, meaning, and hope in maintaining dignity in care. If you would like to learn more about what we do at The Change Pain Academy you can do so HERE. If you would like to access the Chronic Pain Warrior’s Guide To Better Doctors Appointments’ Click HERE for your FREE copy. And finally, have your say! Our podcast is growing and I would love to hear your input! Please complete this short questionnaire by clicking HERE.

Join Anne Schober and myself as we discuss her latest book she co-authored called ‘Invincible – Finding the Light Beyond the Darkness of Chronic Illness.‘ We explore Anne’s experience with pain and living with an invisible illness along with her inspiration in writing the book. If you are curious to learn more about chronic pain and how to find your way back to living well despite the pain, check out how we can support you at www.pain2possibilities.com Have your say! To help this podcast grow I would love your feedback inside our short survey here.

A decline in our executive functioning (aka getting stuff done) is a direct result of where and how our pain is processed. In this episode Carrie Bonnett and I explore some of the tips and tools to help you get things done even when your brain and the pain are suggesting otherwise. Join us as we do a deeper dive into chronic pain science, strategies and skills to help you better manage the pain inside The Change Pain Academy.

During our annual Willow Tree Summit, our chronic pain warriors sit down with me in ‘Conversations from the couch’ to talk about the information shared inside the summit. Our Summits aim to hear from a variety of experts…those who live with pain and those that serve them.

Life with chronic pain often leaves you with a deep sense of grief though the loss of limb or the loss of the life you once had, having to relearn as you navigate the world around you while adapting to the changes you are left to deal with often with little to no guidance. In this episode we’ll delve into the key components of grief as it relates to the chronic pain experience. Join us as we explore the interconnections and commonalities between the two as we offer insights and tools to inspire those who are doing their very best to navigate the crossroads of chronic pain and grief. For more information on how we can help you address grief brought about by the loss of life you once knew, click here for more information.

When you get a chronic diagnosis, the positive messaging (and the hope) goes out the window and leaves the warrior feeling unsure of what’s to come. In this episode, I offer a different perspective on your capabilities and how impressive (and complicated) your body and brain truly are.

In this episode I am joined by board certified Wellness Coach Jessica Hill Powell to discuss elimination diets. In this conversation we unpack how an elimination diet helps to reduce inflammation which in turn helps to improve the amount of pain you feel. You will learn about foods that trigger inflammation, how to eliminate them and the importance of reintroducing them slowly. If you would like to learn more about Pain 2 Possibilities or all the amazing things we are doing inside The Change Pain Academy, visit us at https://www.pain2possibilities.com/ or https://pain2possibilities.com/change-pain-academy/ If you are curious as to where you are in the readiness to change pain spectrum and for valuable insight, take our chronic pain quiz at https://www.pain2possibilities.com/chronic-pain-quiz/

One of the biggest questions we get inside The Change Pain Academy is when my pain gets worse, how do I know if I should go to the Doctor or if I can work through it at home? It can be really difficult differentiating between pain from an acute injury or pain that comes from the chronic state. In this episode I give a brief explanation of the questions you can ask yourself to help determine if you stay or if you should go…to see the Doctor (thank you to The Clash for these words).

In this episode I sit down with Kyira Wackett, Therapist and Trauma survivor, to discuss Shame and it’s impact on the lived experience of pain and trauma. This conversation comes from our Willow Tree Trauma And Chronic Pain Summit in 2023.

In this episode I sit down with Naturopath and Functional Medicine practitioner Dr Sarah White about working with chronic pain and unresolved trauma through a functional lens.

In this episode I am interviewed by the awe inspiring Peggy MacIntyre, recovered cocaine addict and sexual abuse survivor turned advocate inside her ‘Trauma To Triumph – How to Heal the Shame and Heartache of Incest and Sexual Abuse’ summit. In this session we talked about chronic pain, trauma and how the two collide amplifying the chronic pain experience.

In this episode I interview Dr. Teitelbaum, the worlds leading integrative specialist on Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia and long haul syndrome. We explore current gaps in our medical model, the four treatable areas of focus on chronic pain and much more.

In this episode I speak with Nathan Augeard (Physiotherapist, clinic owner and PhD candidate) about the role Physiotherapy plays in chronic pain care. We explore the power of re-framing fear of movement into something more meaningful, how patient centered care is missing in our current medical model and how physiotherapists (and Nathan’s research) are helping to remedy that… and so much more.

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In this episode of the 15 Minute Chronic Pain Experience podcast I talk about how anxiety and depression impacts pain and vice versa. I will also give you 10 things that you can do on your own to help mitigate the anxiety and the pain on those difficult days.

In this first episode of a two part series we are taking a broad based perspective of Fibromyalgia, what it is, what it isn’t and everything in between. For more information visit our website at www.pain2possibilities.com or to continue the discussion join us on our Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/couragetochangechronicpain/

In this episode of the 15 Minute Chronic Pain Experience Linda Ljucovic and I talk about the role Magnesium plays in chronic pain management. Linda Ljucovic is a Holistic Nutritionist and Co-owner of Balance Point Health Centre. To connect with Linda visit www.Balancepointhc.com For more information on Pain 2 Possibilities, visit www.pain2possibilities.com. Or you can connect with us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/group/couragetochangechronicpain/

In this third episode of a three part mini-series, I explore the amazing pain journey of Trevor Barker, International pain coach and Dim Sim ambassador. For more information about Pain 2 Possibilities visit our website at www.pain2possibilities.com. To learn more about Pain Revolution in Australia visit www.painrevolution.org.

In this second episode of a three part mini-series, I explore the amazing pain journey of Trevor Barker, International pain coach and Dim Sim ambassador. For more information on our program visit www.pain2possibilities.com. To learn more about Pain Revolution in Australia visit www.painrevolution.org.

In this first episode of a three part mini-series, I explore the amazing pain journey of Trevor Barker, International Pain Coach and Dim Sim ambassador. For more information about Pain 2 Possibilities visit www.pain2possibilities.com. To learn more about Pain Revolution in Australia visit www.painrevolution.org.

In this episode we talk with Tom Bowen about how serving his community helps to reduce his pain. We also discuss the power of community for those living with persistent pain…all in just 15 minutes! For more information visit our site at www.pain2possibilities.com

Welcome to Pain 2 Possibilities! In this episode we interview Tom Bowen, chronic pain champion and self care advocate about his journey of chronic pain and healing. For more information visit our website at www.pain2possibilities.com