In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, doctors of physical therapy Doc Jen and Doctor Dom welcome pain scientist Dr. Rachel Zoffness to discuss the complexities of pain, especially how to relieve chronic pain, from a biopsychosocial perspective. Dr. Rachel explains that pain is influenced by physical, emotional, and social factors—not just tissue damage. The conversation covers common misconceptions, the lack of pain education in medicine, and practical strategies to relieve chronic pain. Dr. Rachel emphasizes hope, empowerment, and the importance of movement, emotional health, and education in preventing and overcoming chronic pain. Her upcoming book, Tell Me Where It Hurts, is also highlighted.
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For full show notes and resources visit https://jen.health/podcast/455
What You'll Learn:
05:00 Dr. Rachel shares her motivation for studying pain, provider burnout, and the importance of the biopsychosocial model.
07:03 Discussion on lack of pain education in medical schools and the persistence of outdated biomedical approaches.
09:12 Clarifies definitions of acute and chronic pain, emphasizing chronic pain as a nervous system disease.
11:59 Dr. Rachel explains the need for a personalized "pain recipe" using biopsychosocial ingredients to relieve chronic pain.
15:00 Addresses systemic barriers, patient-provider time constraints, and debunks the myth that pain is “all in your head.”
17:42 Discusses conflicting diagnoses, the impact on patients, and uses Usain Bolt’s scoliosis as a metaphor for pain complexity.
21:44 Explains why imaging findings often don’t correlate with pain and the importance of understanding pain beyond anatomy.
23:04 Introduces the “pain dial” metaphor to...
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