Fix Your Sciatica Podcast

In this episode, Dr. Ashley Mak interviews Kathleen McDonough, a physical therapist and Pilates expert, to explore how Pilates can aid in recovery from injuries, especially sciatica. They discuss the philosophy behind Pilates, its application in rehab, and how to choose qualified practitioners. You can find Kathleen here: https://www.kmcdonoughpt.com/ and her youtube channel: https://www.youtube.c...

Dr. Ashley explores the importance of proper squat mechanics for sciatica relief and overall spinal health. He emphasizes how movement patterns impact nerve health and provides practical tips for self-assessment and improvement. Are you a Marin County, California resident or live in the SF bay area? Visit dragonphysicaltherapy.com Interested in learning more about your sciatica recovery? Check us...

Dr. Ashley Mak explores the healthcare paradox, the flaws in traditional physical therapy models, and introduces the 30-day anti-fragile intensive to empower patients in their recovery journey. Learn more at ifixyoursciatica.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Dr. Ashley Mak explores personalized pain management strategies, focusing on identifying individual movement patterns and biases to optimize recovery. He emphasizes the importance of testing one variable at a time and tailoring exercises to specific archetypes like extension, flexion, lateral, and rotational biases. Check us out at ifixyoursciatica.com Marin County, California Resident? Check out...

Dr. Ashley Mak delves into the complexities of sciatica, emphasizing that MRIs are not definitive indicators of pain. Instead, he advocates for understanding personal movement patterns through a structured approach of identifying what feels good, neutral, and painful. By creating a personalized pain inventory, individuals can better navigate their recovery process and find effective treatment stra...

In this episode, Dr. Ashley Mak delves into the anatomy and physiology of the sciatic nerve, explaining its origins in the brain and its pathway through the body. He discusses the nature of nerve pain, describing it as an irritation along the nerve's path and outlining a spectrum of sensations from numbness to burning and sharp pain. Dr. Mak emphasizes the importance of understanding these sen...

In this episode, Dr. Ashley Mak discusses the relationship between pain and movement, emphasizing the importance of understanding how the brain perceives pain and the necessity of movement for recovery. He introduces the concept of graded exposure to movement, using a traffic light analogy to help listeners navigate their physical activities safely. The episode concludes with practical homework fo...

In this conversation, Dr. Ashley Mak and Dr. Deb Nelson delve into Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT), exploring its principles, effectiveness, and how it contrasts with traditional pain management methods. They discuss the psychological aspects of pain, including catastrophic thinking and the brain's interpretation of pain signals. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the...

In this episode, Dr. Ashley Mak discusses the different categories of pain, focusing on nociplastic pain and the technique of somatic tracking as a method to manage and recalibrate pain perception. He emphasizes the importance of changing the language used to describe pain and introduces practical exercises to help listeners engage with their sensations in a neutral way. The session concludes with...

The first episode of the year brings a shift in looking at sciatica pain. Yes, there are many ways that sciatica pain can occur: herniated discs, stenosis, arthritis, deep gluteal syndrome, piriformis syndrome. But what about the biology of pain itself? Today we take a deep dive to learn more about how pain works and the types of pain that can be associated with sciatica. We also go through specif...

In this solo session, Dr. Ashley Mak discusses how to manage sciatica flare-ups during the holiday season when many health services are unavailable. He emphasizes the importance of remaining calm, using breathing techniques, and approaching pain with curiosity. Dr. Mak provides practical tips for self-care, including asking for help, keeping a pain journal, and recognizing when to seek medical att...

Dr. Van Praag is an anesthesiologist and coach to burnt out physician moms. In this conversation, Dr. Ashley Mak and Dr. Cindy Van Praag delve into the complexities of burnout, particularly among physician moms. They explore the chronic nature of burnout, its physical manifestations, and the importance of self-care and mindfulness. The discussion emphasizes the need for setting boundaries, priorit...

In this conversation, Dr. Ashley Mak and Dr. Jen Clemons explore the intricate relationship between the gut and brain, emphasizing the gut-brain axis and its impact on pain and overall health. They discuss the importance of the microbiome, neurotransmitters, and inflammation in chronic pain conditions. Dr. Clemons shares insights on dietary principles and supplements that can support gut health, h...

Today Dr. Ashley interviews Dr. Deborah Ma, PhD, L.Ac, acupuncturist and owner of Puzzlesf.com a acupuncture clinic out in in the Mission District of San Francisco. We talk about how Chinese Meridians, reorienting the chi flow, and how a new technique called "cheek acupuncture" can be beneficial for those experiencing pain. We discuss the importance of understanding where the pain is comin...

In this episode, Dr. Ashley explores the intricate relationship between foot health and sciatica, emphasizing how issues in the feet can lead to altered mechanics of the body. This episode covers foot anatomy, walking mechanics, and the importance of foot arches in maintaining proper posture. Dr. Ashley provides actionable steps for listeners to improve their foot health and alleviate pain, highli...

Dr. Ashley introduces the new season of the podcast, focusing on the underlying causes of chronic pain. The season will explore biomechanics, gut health, neuroplasticity, and the endocannabinoid system, featuring expert guests. Interested in an episode that we haven't coverd yet? Email us at info@ifixyoursciatica.com. Happy Thanksgiving! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Priv...

In this conversation, Dr. Ashley Mak discusses the often misunderstood role of inflammation in the healing process, particularly in relation to sciatica pain. He explains the three main phases of tissue healing—acute inflammatory, proliferation, and maturation—and emphasizes that inflammation is a necessary part of recovery. The discussion also covers the causes of sciatica pain, the differences b...

In this episode, Dr. Ashley Mak discusses the role of supplements in managing sciatica and nerve pain. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the causes of sciatica and highlights the most researched supplements, including alpha lipoic acid, B vitamins, and palmitolethylamide. The conversation also covers supplements with mixed evidence, such as turmeric and MSM, and provides guidelines for...

In this conversation, Dr. Ashley and Dr. Tracy Foose, MD explore the intricate relationship between anxiety and pain, discussing how they influence each other and create a feedback loop. They delve into the role of psychiatrists in managing chronic pain, the science behind pain perception, and the psychological impact of conditions like sciatica. The discussion also covers behavioral responses to...

In this episode, Dr. Ashley Mak discusses the complexities of managing sciatica pain, emphasizing a personalized approach that treats the individual rather than just the diagnosis. The conversation covers the importance of identifying the source of pain, understanding the anatomy of sciatica, and exploring common causes such as herniated discs and piriformis syndrome. Dr. Mak also highlights the s...

Dr. Ashley discusses the challenges of managing sciatica pain, emphasizing the importance of personalized treatment approaches. The discussion transitions into the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare, particularly in pain management. Dr. Ashley shares insights on how AI can serve as a virtual physical therapist, offering customized treatment plans and increasing accessibility while...

In this conversation, Dr. Ashley and Dr. Lizellen LaFollette, MD discuss the various stages of pregnancy, focusing on pain management, physical changes, and the importance of support systems. They explore the first, second, and third trimesters, addressing common aches and pains, as well as the postpartum recovery phase. The discussion emphasizes the need for communication with healthcare provider...

In this conversation, Dr. Ashley and Dr. Krystal Soudaitis explore the evolution of digital health solutions, particularly in the context of tele-rehab in a post-COVID-19 world. They discuss the current landscape of digital health, the impact of the pandemic on healthcare delivery, and the benefits and challenges of tele-rehab. The conversation also highlights the importance of effective communica...

In this conversation, Dr. Ashley and Deborah Moore discuss Deborah's extensive athletic journey, transitioning from endurance sports to strength training, and overcoming chronic pain. They explore the importance of adaptability in training, debunk myths about aging and mobility, and emphasize the significance of proper form and mindset in athletic performance. Deborah shares her experiences wi...

In this conversation, Dr. Ashley interviews Dr. Isabel Amigues, a rheumatologist, about her journey in the field of rheumatology, the importance of pain management, and the challenges patients face in accessing care. Dr. Amigues shares her personal experiences with cancer and how it transformed her approach to patient care, emphasizing the need for a collaborative and holistic approach to treatmen...