Pain Reprocessing Therapy Part 3 - Separating the hope and hype

Send us a textIn this solo episode, I explore Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT), a novel approach to managing chronic pain that focuses on changing the brain's interpretation of pain signals. I compare PRT with existing therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), discussing the neuroscience behind pain and the effectiveness of PRT. The episode emphasizes the importance of understanding pain as a complex emergent interplay of neurological and psychological factors, advocating for an integrated approach to pain management that includes PRT alongside traditional therapies.TakeawaysChronic pain may not indicate physical damage but a nervous system issue.PRT offers a new perspective on pain management.Changing the brain's interpretation of pain can lead to recovery.PRT is gaining attention due to its potential effectiveness.The nervous system plays a crucial role in chronic pain.Evidence supports PRT's effectiveness in specific pain populations.PRT differs fundamentally from CBT and ACT in approach.Predictive processing theory explains how the brain perceives pain.PRT can lead to significant reductions in pain intensity.Integrating various therapies can enhance pain management outcomes.KeywordsPain Reprocessing Therapy, Chronic Pain, Neuroscience, CBT, ACT, Predictive Processing, Pain Management, Pain Neuroscience, Emotional Awareness, Therapy TechniquesDisclaimer:This podcast is for education and general information only and does not replace personalised medical advice. If you are experiencing ongoing pain or distress, please consult your healthcare professional bef Please provide a feedback and comments on the podcast and any questions that you may have.If you enjoyed it please rate and leave a review on Spotify/Apple podcasts and tell a friend about this show. The Pain Speak podcast is presented by Prof Deepak Ravindran, a NHS Consultant specialising in Pain and Lifestyle Medicine. Dr Ravindran is also the author of the book, 'The Pain Free Mindset' Get in touch:Twitter: @deepakravindra5Instagram: drdeepakravindranWebsite: www.deepakravindran.co.ukLinktree: https://linktr.ee/DrDeepakRavindranYoutube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@drdeepakravindran5361 For Clinical Queries and consultations, please go to Berkshire Pain ClinicOrder a copy of the Pain Free Mindset hereFor Season 1 and 3: Mixed and edited by Rob Cao at...

Send us a text In this deeply human episode of PainSpeak, I’m joined by Fiona Symington, who shares her lived experience of chronic fatigue and persistent pain symptoms — and, importantly, what recovery felt like from the inside and what pain reprocessing therapy (PRT) meant to her. This is not a conversation about quick fixes, techniques, or “getting it right.” Instead, Fiona gently walks us through the emotional and nervous-system journey of living in a body that no longer felt safe, predictable, or trustworthy. We explore the early signs that something was wrong, the impact of not being believed, and how fear, hypervigilance, and constant symptom-monitoring can quietly become part of the suffering itself. Fiona reflects on the slow, often non-linear shifts that marked her path toward healing — moments of understanding, softening, and rebuilding trust rather than pushing or fixing. Together, we talk about identity, grief, and the unexpected challenges of recovery, including how unfamiliar safety can feel after long-term illness. This episode is especially for anyone who feels exhausted by trying, overwhelmed by advice, or quietly worried they’re “behind” in their healing. Fiona’s story offers reassurance rather than instruction, and hope without pressure — a reminder that recovery does not begin with effort or perfection, but often with understanding, compassion, and a nervous system learning that it is no longer under threat. This conversation is shared as one person’s experience, not medical advice, and listeners are encouraged to listen gently, at their own pace. I am really gratefu to Fiona for her time and deeply impressed that she is now training to be a clinical psychologist in order to do the research and help people like her. You can learn more about Fiona by checking her out on X @fionas_Story and Instagram @Fionas_StoryDisclaimer:This podcast is for education and general information only and does not replace personalised medical advice. If you are experiencing ongoing pain or distress, please consult your healthcare professionalDisclaimer:This podcast is for education and general information only and does not replace personalised medical advice. If you are experiencing ongoing pain or distress, please consult your healthcare professional bef Please provide a feedback and comments on the podcast and any questions that you may have.If you enjoyed it please rate and leave a review on Spotify/Apple podcasts and tell a friend about this show. The Pain Speak podcast is presented by Prof Deepak Ravindran, a NHS Consultant specialising in Pain and Lifestyle Medicine. Dr Ravindran is also the author of the book, 'The Pain Free Mindset' Get in touch:Twitter: @deepakravindra5Instagram: drdeepakravindranWebsite: www.deepakravindran.co.ukLinktree: https://linktr.ee/DrDeepakRavindranYoutube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@drdeepakravindran5361 For Clinical Queries and consultations, please go to Berkshire Pain ClinicOrder a copy of the Pain Free Mindset hereFor Season 1 and 3: Mixed and edited by Rob Cao at...

Send us a textWhat if chronic pain isn’t a sign of damage — but a learned alarm the nervous system can unlearn?In this episode of PainSpeak, I’m joined by Caroline Davies, a specialist pain physiotherapist with over 25 years of experience working across the NHS, the US healthcare system, and now in independent practice in the UK. Caroline’s work sits at the cutting edge of modern pain care, blending deep physiotherapy expertise with contemporary neuroscience and emotion-focused therapies.Together, we explore one of the most important — and often misunderstood — shifts happening in pain medicine today: the move from viewing chronic pain purely as a problem of tissue damage, to understanding it as a problem of persistent threat signalling in the brain and nervous system.From Physiotherapy to Pain Reprocessing Therapy - This episode follows close on the heels of the Channel 4 documentary on 8th Jan featuring Dr. Rangan Chatterjee - The drug Free doctor as he interviewed a patient with chronic pain who had used Pain Reprocessing therapy to reduce her pain significantly. Of course this has given us the chance to understand in more detail what PRT is and isnt!!About Caroline DaviesCaroline began her career in traditional musculoskeletal physiotherapy, working extensively with complex pain presentations including CRPS, pelvic pain, cancer-related pain, and trauma-associated pain. Over time, she noticed a familiar pattern many clinicians will recognise: people whose scans looked “reassuring,” whose tissues had healed, yet whose pain continued — sometimes worsening — despite doing everything they were told.In this conversation, We talk candidly about the limits of conventional approaches, the frustration clinicians can feel when progress stalls, and the curiosity that eventually led her to train in Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT), Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy (EAET), and more recently, Internal Family Systems-informed approaches.As always on PainSpeak, the aim is not to tell you what to think — but to help you understand pain differently, so that change becomes possible.Disclaimer:This podcast is for education and general information only and does not replace personalised medical advice. If you areDisclaimer:This podcast is for education and general information only and does not replace personalised medical advice. If you are experiencing ongoing pain or distress, please consult your healthcare professional bef Please provide a feedback and comments on the podcast and any questions that you may have.If you enjoyed it please rate and leave a review on Spotify/Apple podcasts and tell a friend about this show. The Pain Speak podcast is presented by Prof Deepak Ravindran, a NHS Consultant specialising in Pain and Lifestyle Medicine. Dr Ravindran is also the author of the book, 'The Pain Free Mindset' Get in touch:Twitter: @deepakravindra5Instagram: drdeepakravindranWebsite: www.deepakravindran.co.ukLinktree: https://linktr.ee/DrDeepakRavindranYoutube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@drdeepakravindran5361 For Clinical Queries and consultations, please go to Berkshire Pain ClinicOrder a copy of the Pain Free Mindset hereFor Season 1 and 3: Mixed and edited by Rob Cao at...

Send us a textMy guest for this episode is Professor Denis Martin, Professor of Rehabilitation. He is Director of the Centre for Rehabilitation, Lifestyle medicine and Human performance at Teesside university. With academic roots at the University of Ulster and Napier University, he forged an impressive career spanning roles at Sheffield Hallam University and Queen Margaret  University, Edinburgh. During his time in Scotland, he also served as a chair of the pain association, Scotland and vice chair of the Scottish Parliament cross party group. He is renowned for his research in pain, disability and rehabilitation, and has over £25 million pounds secured in funding and an extensive publication record. Prof. Martin has led significant projects, exploring the use of extended reality and digital technologies and rehabilitation, and he currently serves as the vice chair of the XR for rehab network and leads a research theme on physical, mental and social health in the Applied Research collaboration (ARC) NENC area of NE England.The focus of this episode is the Citizens' Jury Report that Denis has led on at the North East Nprth Cumbria. This is going to be officially released on 13th Nov 2025 at NewCastle. More information of the work of HINENC is available here at https://healthinnovationnenc.org.uk/what-we-do/improving-population-health/medicines-optimisation/citizens-jury-pain-management/A summary report is available at https://healthinnovationnenc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/CIT-JURY-SUMMARY.pdfThe link to the event on 13th November and further details on how to register can be found by clicking belowhttps://healthinnovationnenc.org.uk/event/citizens-jury-on-pain-management/Disclaimer:This podcast is for education and general information only and does not replace personalised medical advice. If you are experiencing ongoing pain or distress, please consult your healthcare professional bef Please provide a feedback and comments on the podcast and any questions that you may have.If you enjoyed it please rate and leave a review on Spotify/Apple podcasts and tell a friend about this show. The Pain Speak podcast is presented by Prof Deepak Ravindran, a NHS Consultant specialising in Pain and Lifestyle Medicine. Dr Ravindran is also the author of the book, 'The Pain Free Mindset' Get in touch:Twitter: @deepakravindra5Instagram: drdeepakravindranWebsite: www.deepakravindran.co.ukLinktree: https://linktr.ee/DrDeepakRavindranYoutube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@drdeepakravindran5361 For Clinical Queries and consultations, please go to Berkshire Pain ClinicOrder a copy of the Pain Free Mindset hereFor Season 1 and 3: Mixed and edited by Rob Cao at...

Send us a textMy guest for todays episode is Lee Vaughn, a lived experience Expert and Health and Well Being Coach. Lee has navigated over 30 years living with persistent pain, transforming his experience into a source of advocacy, education, and hope. After decades of personal exploration, He now works with leading organisations like Peak Health Coaching, Pure Unity Health, UKIHCA, the NHS, Flippin Pain, and Pain Concern, helping bridge the gap between healthcare professionals and those living with pain. As host of a thriving online peer support group "Partnering Pain" , they champion the importance of lived experience in pain conversations, striving to ensure others feel less alone and more empowered on their own journeys.www.facebook.com/share/u1de7KoaFW9rSkzohttps://www.linkedin.com/in/lee-vaughan-ba696a29a/Disclaimer:This podcast is for education and general information only and does not replace personalised medical advice. If you are experiencing ongoing pain or distress, please consult your healthcare professional bef Please provide a feedback and comments on the podcast and any questions that you may have.If you enjoyed it please rate and leave a review on Spotify/Apple podcasts and tell a friend about this show. The Pain Speak podcast is presented by Prof Deepak Ravindran, a NHS Consultant specialising in Pain and Lifestyle Medicine. Dr Ravindran is also the author of the book, 'The Pain Free Mindset' Get in touch:Twitter: @deepakravindra5Instagram: drdeepakravindranWebsite: www.deepakravindran.co.ukLinktree: https://linktr.ee/DrDeepakRavindranYoutube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@drdeepakravindran5361 For Clinical Queries and consultations, please go to Berkshire Pain ClinicOrder a copy of the Pain Free Mindset hereFor Season 1 and 3: Mixed and edited by Rob Cao at...

Send us a textWelcome back to the new Season of the Pain Speak Podcast. This season is titled "Voices In Pain" and the focus of this season is to shine a spotlight on various organisations and people who are making a difference to pain management in the UK and beyond and helping patients in persistent pain. Some of the episodes will be a sole while others will have a guest joining me.Join us for an insightful conversation with Cormac, the first guest for this new season of the Painspeak podcast. In this episode, Cormac shares his journey from aspiring vet to a leading figure in pain research and education. Discover how a pivotal book changed his perspective on physiotherapy and led him to champion the Flippin' Pain campaign. We delve into the importance of public health approaches to pain management and the impact of community involvement. Tune in to explore the challenges and triumphs of transforming pain education and the future of digital health initiatives. Cormac Ryan is Professor of Clinical Rehabilitation at Teesside University and a community pain champion for the Flippin’ Pain campaign. He was awarded his PhD from the Glasgow Caledonian University in 2008 where he looked at the relationship between physical activity and persistent lower back pain. Cormac has published over 100 peer-reviewed journal articles and obtained over £1m in research funding. He enjoys fishing and long walks away from his children.Flippin Pain is doing a free webinar Pain education for the nation on 15th October. It is part of EU pain awareness day and will feature Cormac along with a number of other speakers who are either patients with lived experience of pain or pain champions in their area.So do register for it and share it . Pain Education for the Nation - Flippin' PainDisclaimer:This podcast is for education and general information only and does not replace personalised medical advice. If you are experiencing ongoing pain or distress, please consult your healthcare professional bef Please provide a feedback and comments on the podcast and any questions that you may have.If you enjoyed it please rate and leave a review on Spotify/Apple podcasts and tell a friend about this show. The Pain Speak podcast is presented by Prof Deepak Ravindran, a NHS Consultant specialising in Pain and Lifestyle Medicine. Dr Ravindran is also the author of the book, 'The Pain Free Mindset' Get in touch:Twitter: @deepakravindra5Instagram: drdeepakravindranWebsite: www.deepakravindran.co.ukLinktree: https://linktr.ee/DrDeepakRavindranYoutube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@drdeepakravindran5361 For Clinical Queries and consultations, please go to Berkshire Pain ClinicOrder a copy of the Pain Free Mindset hereFor Season 1 and 3: Mixed and edited by Rob Cao at...

Send us a textGenerated by Notebook LM. Pls forgive the initial hyperbole generated by the AI about my credentials!!! (sounds very cringy when I heard it but cant do much about that as the rest was very good!)Recently presented at the  2024 Lifestyles Summit organised by Modality and Pathfinder CIC at Google HQ in London, my presentation outlines the need for a trauma-informed approach to pain management. It argues that the conventional biomedical model is flawed and insufficient in addressing the complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors influencing pain experience. The presentation advocates for a Lifestyle Medicine Systems Approach to pain management, which focuses on the role of lifestyle factors, such as diet, exercise, stress management, and sleep, in pain relief and how that can massively help in all kinds of chronic  pain especially nociplastic pain . It emphasizes the importance of addressing Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) as they significantly contribute to chronic pain and calls for integrating lived experience into clinical practice. Disclaimer:This podcast is for education and general information only and does not replace personalised medical advice. If you are experiencing ongoing pain or distress, please consult your healthcare professional bef Please provide a feedback and comments on the podcast and any questions that you may have.If you enjoyed it please rate and leave a review on Spotify/Apple podcasts and tell a friend about this show. The Pain Speak podcast is presented by Prof Deepak Ravindran, a NHS Consultant specialising in Pain and Lifestyle Medicine. Dr Ravindran is also the author of the book, 'The Pain Free Mindset' Get in touch:Twitter: @deepakravindra5Instagram: drdeepakravindranWebsite: www.deepakravindran.co.ukLinktree: https://linktr.ee/DrDeepakRavindranYoutube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@drdeepakravindran5361 For Clinical Queries and consultations, please go to Berkshire Pain ClinicOrder a copy of the Pain Free Mindset hereFor Season 1 and 3: Mixed and edited by Rob Cao at...

Send us a textChronic Pelvic Pain and Lifestyle FactorsThis Notebook LM summary provides an overview of chronic pelvic pain based on a couple of key resources and a presentation that I gave on Chronic pelvic pain to health care professionals. I highlight the importance of a holistic approach that considers lifestyle factors, psychological well-being, and trauma-informed care. Remember, seeking professional medical advice and support is crucial for effective diagnosis and management of CPP.Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is a common condition that affects millions of women worldwide. It is defined as intermittent or constant pain in the pelvic area for at least six months, unrelated to menstruation, intercourse, or pregnancy. CPP is a symptom, not a diagnosis, and can be caused by various factors, including endometriosis, fibroids, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and psychological factors.Challenges and Complexity of CPPDiagnosing and treating CPP can be challenging. A significant proportion of women with CPP have more than one diagnosis, and pain often increases with multisystem symptoms. Additionally, a substantial number of diagnostic laparoscopies yield negative results, and adhesions, while common findings, are not always the root cause of pain. In many instances, the underlying cause of CPP remains unclear so what is paramount is a validation of the patient symptoms and a  multidisciplinary holistic approach. This involves a combination of medical treatments, therapies, and lifestyle modifications. Pain management programmes can be beneficial, providing guidance, coaching, and support from a pelvic pain specialist. Trauma-Informed CareA significant proportion of women with CPP have experienced adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), which can have long-term health consequences, including chronic pain. Trauma-informed care is an important aspect of CPP management. This approach involves understanding the impact of trauma on patients, validating their experiences, and providing sensitive and supportive care.Resources for Further InformationEndometriosis UK: www.endometriosis-uk.orgPelvic Pain Support Network: www.pelvicpain.org.ukDepartment of Health Expert Patient Initiative: www.expertpatients.co.uk/www.livewellwDisclaimer:This podcast is for education and general information only and does not replace personalised medical advice. If you are experiencing ongoing pain or distress, please consult your healthcare professional bef Please provide a feedback and comments on the podcast and any questions that you may have.If you enjoyed it please rate and leave a review on Spotify/Apple podcasts and tell a friend about this show. The Pain Speak podcast is presented by Prof Deepak Ravindran, a NHS Consultant specialising in Pain and Lifestyle Medicine. Dr Ravindran is also the author of the book, 'The Pain Free Mindset' Get in touch:Twitter: @deepakravindra5Instagram: drdeepakravindranWebsite: www.deepakravindran.co.ukLinktree: https://linktr.ee/DrDeepakRavindranYoutube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@drdeepakravindran5361 For Clinical Queries and consultations, please go to Berkshire Pain ClinicOrder a copy of the Pain Free Mindset hereFor Season 1 and 3: Mixed and edited by Rob Cao at...

Send us a textThis podcast, generated by Notebook LM based on a presentation I did earlier discusses the importance of deprescribing and provides practical strategies for implementing this process in the context of analgescis and polypharmacy especially in the older population. We explore the principle of deprescribing , the significance of deprescribing and how it can improve quality of life, reduce adverse effects, avoid worsening of diseases, reduce pill burden, and maintain control of chronic conditions. We also explore challenges and barriers in both patients and clinicians around deprescribing and finally the principles of deprescribing effectively in the right person at the right time.Hopefully, healthcare professionals and patients will gain a better understanding of the importance of deprescribing, the challenges involved, and practical strategies for successful implementation.Disclaimer:This podcast is for education and general information only and does not replace personalised medical advice. If you are experiencing ongoing pain or distress, please consult your healthcare professional bef Please provide a feedback and comments on the podcast and any questions that you may have.If you enjoyed it please rate and leave a review on Spotify/Apple podcasts and tell a friend about this show. The Pain Speak podcast is presented by Prof Deepak Ravindran, a NHS Consultant specialising in Pain and Lifestyle Medicine. Dr Ravindran is also the author of the book, 'The Pain Free Mindset' Get in touch:Twitter: @deepakravindra5Instagram: drdeepakravindranWebsite: www.deepakravindran.co.ukLinktree: https://linktr.ee/DrDeepakRavindranYoutube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@drdeepakravindran5361 For Clinical Queries and consultations, please go to Berkshire Pain ClinicOrder a copy of the Pain Free Mindset hereFor Season 1 and 3: Mixed and edited by Rob Cao at...

Send us a textDr. Ravindran's presentation, "Complex regional pain syndrome: Trauma informed CRPS Care An integrated approach," focuses on trauma-informed care for CRPS patients. This was presented at the UK annual conference organised by CRPS UK. This podcast was a summary of that talk and the source files used by Dr Ravindran for his presentation and generated using the Noteook LM by Google.Dr. Ravindran emphasises the importance of communication and understanding in a trauma-informed approach to CRPS care. He points out common issues that can arise, including miscommunication between care teams, a loss of trust between the patient and medical staff and a lack of consultant review, leading to patient anger, frustration and feelings of being disbelieved.Dr. Ravindran's M.I.N.D.S.E.T approach to CRPS acknowledges the different kinds of pain experienced by CRPS patients, including nociceptive pain, nociplastic pain and neuropathic pain. This approach incorporates various treatment methods to address the physical and mental aspects of CRPS:Dr. Ravindran also discusses Scrambler Therapy, its history, the reasons why it might be effective and the existing evidence base. He provides links to resources for further information about Scrambler Therapy. Overall, Dr. Ravindran advocates for a holistic approach that is informed by an understanding of trauma and the interconnectedness of physical and mental health.Disclaimer:This podcast is for education and general information only and does not replace personalised medical advice. If you are experiencing ongoing pain or distress, please consult your healthcare professional bef Please provide a feedback and comments on the podcast and any questions that you may have.If you enjoyed it please rate and leave a review on Spotify/Apple podcasts and tell a friend about this show. The Pain Speak podcast is presented by Prof Deepak Ravindran, a NHS Consultant specialising in Pain and Lifestyle Medicine. Dr Ravindran is also the author of the book, 'The Pain Free Mindset' Get in touch:Twitter: @deepakravindra5Instagram: drdeepakravindranWebsite: www.deepakravindran.co.ukLinktree: https://linktr.ee/DrDeepakRavindranYoutube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@drdeepakravindran5361 For Clinical Queries and consultations, please go to Berkshire Pain ClinicOrder a copy of the Pain Free Mindset hereFor Season 1 and 3: Mixed and edited by Rob Cao at...