Paincast

In this episode, we talked about The way to deliver Pain Science Education more powerfully The most important element in Pain Science Education PAIN! The Musical as an alternative form of Pain Science Education  This is a student-led episode under the mentorship of Tiffany Tiu. Soheyl and Tess are Master of Physiotherapy students from the University of Alberta and the University of Manitoba respec...

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...

In this episode, we talked about The differences between acute and chronic pain at the physical, neurological and psychosocial level A paradigm shift in thinking about and treating chronic pain patients  Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: What it is, how it works and why it can be particularly beneficial for individuals in managing chronic pain Setting realistic expectations with patients while av...

In this episode, we discussed: The principal use of diagnostic imaging and laboratory testing: When it should be used and when it shouldn't be used The limitations of diagnostics and ramifications of overuse on psychological, behavioural, and systemic levels Improving providers' literacy and patient education around diagnostics The impact of physiotherapists having the scope expansion and the curr...

In this episode, we talked about: Tess and Jane's experiences of developing pelvic pain, the progression of pain during their youth and early adulthood, and their healthcare journey How healthcare encounters can be helpful or harmful to one's pain experience The intricate interactions between biomechanical and psychological factors in chronic pain The unique aspects of pelvic pain contrasted with...

In this episode, you'll hear about Two fascinating lived experiences of pain and chronic pain management principles unpacked by a physiotherapist and 2 physiotherapy students, Jules and Georgia How pain affected these young ladies physically, psychologically, socially, and how that impact evolved as they progressed in their journey When "pain education" helped and when it hurt, and how they reconc...

In this episode, we talked about  Current healthcare gaps in managing pain in Indigenous populations + underlying causes of disparity in pain experience  Clinical pearls for treating chronic pain in Indigenous communities Dr. Jaris Swidrovich, BSP, PharmD, PhD, AAHIVP, RPh (he/they) is an Assistant Professor, Tenure Stream, and Indigenous Engagement Lead in the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy at th...

In this episode, we talked about The relationship between knee osteoarthritis (OA) pain and the stages of knee OA The different experiences of knee OA pain Pain phenotyping using Quantitative Sensory Testing and self-reported measures   Dr. Lisa Carlesso is a an associate professor in the School of Rehabilitation Science at McMaster University in Canada with training as a clinical epidemiologist a...

In this episode, we talked about: Do we really understand what desensitization is? Clarifying concepts, including desensitization, hypersensitivity, sensory re-education, graded exposure, and counterstimulation Important practical considerations for using “desensitization” with patients Incorporating contextual effects of treatment and orienting patients to positive recovery expectations  Dr. Tara...

This episode is produced during the 2025 World Physiotherapy Congress in Tokyo, Japan. I interviewed physiotherapists around the world about pain.  Content: (00:01:59) Nicola - United Kingdom (00:11:54) Helen - Switzerland (00:18:52) Mio - Japan (00:20:23) Edgar - Columbia (00:30:28) Marcia - Canada (00:43:31) Rosi & Leila - Indonesia (00:45:07) Nirit - Israel (00:52:56) Mike Landry - World Ph...

In this episode, we talked about: Non-pharmacological management options for neuropathic pain All about the Somatosensory Pain Rehab method The current research on Somatosensory Pain Rehab Dr. Tara Packham is an occupational therapist with over 25 years of clinical experience in hand and upper limb rehabilitation, and an assistant professor in the School of Rehabilitation Sciences (SRS) at McMaste...

In this episode, we talked about: A shift in how we think about the role of our hands as our understanding of pain science and patient science evolve Discussing and addressing patient expectations for physiotherapy Advice for physiotherapists, new and experienced   Graduated in 1983, Bas has extensive post-graduate experience in manual, exercise and movement focused therapies, sports physiotherapy...

In this episode, we talked about  The systemic challenges in Ontario’s healthcare system and pain management The importance of a quality interdisciplinary team for the benefit of the patient  What it takes to create a successful high-quality patient-centred interdisciplinary team Dr. Angela Mailis obtained her medical degree from the Medical School of Kapodistriakon University of Athens Greece Sum...

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 para...

In this episode, we talked about: Experiences of having cancer and cancer-related pain The significance of physiotherapy in cancer rehab and managing cancer-related pain Common misconceptions about physiotherapy for people living with or beyond cancer How physiotherapists can consider the evidence of cancer rehab and the unique biopsychosocial realities of individuals when providing care    Jenna ...

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 Associati...

In this episode, we talked about Using the Assess, Predict, Treat framework to direct our patient care The radar plot, triangulation, arms-length approach, and phenotyping Correlation and causation; confounders, moderators, and mediators The significance and practical tips of practicing trauma-assumed care   Professor Walton is a clinical researcher who focuses on the intersection between trauma,...

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 spor...

In this episode, we talked about Different options after an ACL tear What the current body of evidence say about the outcomes of different options Clarifying research terminologies: statistical vs clinical significance, levels of certainty, what constitute good research   Clinician-Scientist | Physical Therapist | Post-doctoral Fellow Expertise and research focus: Qualitative research Mixed method...

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 D...

In this episode, we talked about The consequences of poorly managed paediatric pain Evidence-based practical suggestions for managing acute, transitional, and chronic pain How we can advocate for better paediatric pain management in our healthcare encounters and in hospitals   Dr. Christine Chambers, PhD RPsych FRSC FCAHS is an international leader in children’s pain research and a national voice...

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 Glo...

In this episode, we talked about: The value of hard work for physiotherapists The necessity of innovating the future of physiotherapy Important mindset changes for physiotherapists   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...

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 rec...

I had the pleasure and privilege of attending the annual Canadian Physiotherapy Association Congress in Beautiful Vancouver in April. This episode compiles 8 interviews I conducted during the congress with clinicians. I think this is one of the best ways to involve more clinicians in the discussion of pain and physiotherapy. Last year, I asked about their views on and approaches to pain. This year...