VIP -The Future of Pain Services in the UK: A Conversation with Dr. Helen Makins

Send us Fan MailArriving and touring in the UK - Manchester June 3rd to 5th, 2026 as part of NOIgroup.Today’s guest is someone who needs no introduction to the world of Pain Care. He has been one of my biggest influences in how I teach pain Science education so a big welcome to Professor Lorimer Moseley, Bradley Distinguished Professor at Adelaide University in Australia. He has authored over 430 scientific papers, written several bestselling pain books, and his educational work reaches millions of people each year through healthcare systems such as the NHS and the US Veterans Affairs.He is also the founder of Pain Revolution, an initiative aimed at transforming pain understanding in communities, and in 2020 he was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for his contribution to humanity through pain science, communication and education.In this insightful interview, Professor Lorimer Mosley discusses the evolution of pain education, the importance of understanding pain as a protective system, and innovative approaches like pain science education, community engagement, and digital tools to transform pain management.keywordspain education, pain science, community health, pain revolution, pain management, health equity, public health, VR in pain education, bioplasticity, pain researchkey topicsEvolution of pain education from neuroscience to constructivist modelsThe role of enjoyment and engagement in pain science communicationCommunity co-design and culturally powerful pain interventionsThe importance of social determinants and health equity in pain researchEmerging digital tools like VR and AI in pain education and management ResourcesPain Revolution - https://painrevolution.org/Explain Pain Book by Lorimer Moseley and David Butler - https://www.amazon.com/Explain-Pain-Lorimer-Moseley/dp/0975096744Pain Neuroscience Education (PNE) Resources - https://painrevolution.org/resources/PEDAL Collaboration for Pain Education - https://pedalcollaboration.org/Reality Health VR Platform - https://realityhealth.com/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. 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/@drdeepakravindran5361For 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 Fan MailMy guest today is Dr Helen Makins, a Consultant in Pain Medicine at Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, UK and someone whose career has taken her across clinical practice, education, commissioning, global health and now national leadership.Helen is currently the National Clinical Lead for the Chronic Pain Programme at GIRFT – Getting It Right First Time, a major NHS initiative focused on improving clinical outcomes, reducing variation and redesigning services across the country.But what makes Helen particularly interesting is the breadth of her work — from teaching pain education internationally with Mercy Ships, to developing innovative social prescribing programmes for young people with pain, to exploring the links between neurodiversity, childhood experiences and chronic pain.She has also worked closely with the Faculty of Pain Medicine, championing better communication skills, clinician wellbeing and the integration of biopsychosocial approaches into training.So today we’re going to explore:• how someone ends up leading national pain transformation work• what GIRFT might mean for the future of pain services• why communication and de-medicalisation matter so much in pain consultations• and how we might better support both patients and clinicians in this space.keywordsPain management, NHS, chronic pain, social prescribing, communication skills, lifestyle medicine, neurodiversity, healthcare commissioning, GIRFT, patient-centered carekey topicsEvolution of NHS pain servicesImportance of communication skills in pain managementRole of social prescribing and lifestyle medicineImpact of neurodiversity on chronic painGIRFT program and healthcare commissioning resourcesGIRFT website - https://www.england.nhs.uk/girft/Stephen Rolnick's Motivational Interviewing Course - https://www.motivationalinterviewing.org/Essential Pain Management Program - https://www.rcoa.ac.uk/faculty-of-pain-medicine/education/essential-pain-managementHelen Makins' LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/helenmakins/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. 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/@drdeepakravindran5361For 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 Fan Mail In March 2026, I attended the Live well with Pain Conference at Warwick organised by Emma Davies and Laura Hussey. It had some amazing speakers including Prof Roger Knaggs, the President of the British Pain Society. While I didnt get a chance to speak to him, I did speak to most of the other key note speakers and I thought what would they say to 3 questions I had about pain care and the hope that they have when they do the work. This episode is my reflection on the Live Well With Pain Conference, exploring innovative approaches to pain management, the importance of holistic care, and the hope for living well with persistent pain.keywordspain management, chronic pain, holistic care, patient empowerment, healthcare innovation, pain education, biopsychosocial model, community support, health coaching, pain recoverykey topicsShift from cure to living well with painBiopsychosocial model and holistic careRole of community and primary care in pain managementChapters00:00 Introduction to the Conference and Deepak's Reflection02:08 Unique Aspects of the Live Well With Pain Conference04:06 The Human Experience of Pain and Its Impact06:02 Challenges in Persistent Pain Management07:52 The Power of Education and Self-Management10:14 Aligning Healthcare with Patient Needs12:10 Population Health and Proactive Care14:00 Broadening Support Beyond Medical Treatments16:02 Insights from Keynote Speakers17:53 The Role of Hope and Empowerment20:05 Sleep, Lifestyle, and Pain Management22:05 The Importance of Community and Primary Care24:07 The Value of Validation and Listening26:03 Shifting Mindsets and Moving Forward27:55 The Power of Curiosity and Change29:49 The Role of Coaching and Community Support32:07 The Bright Future of Pain Care33:58 Inspiring Hope and Collective Action35:55 Conclusion: A Call to Action and ResourcesDisclaimer: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. 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/@drdeepakravindran5361For 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 Fan MailIn this episode of Pain Speak, I interview Louise McAllan, a somatic experiencing practitioner, who shares her personal journey through chronic pain and the emotional connections that influenced her recovery. Louise discusses the challenges of navigating the healthcare system, the impact of diagnoses, and the importance of emotional awareness in healing. Louise McAllen is a Scottish somatic experiencing practitioner and mind-body coach. With over eight years of experience grappling with chronic symptoms, including functional neurological disorder (FND) and fibromyalgia, she has transitioned from patient to practitioner, helping others reclaim their lives from chronic pain. Her unique approach combines emotional awareness with physical well-being, making her a credible voice in the field of chronic pain management. She delivers group programmes, 1:1 work and residential retreats, and is pioneering Scotland’s first in-person Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy (EAET) group in Edinburgh. Trained with SIRPA and Dr Howard Schubiner, she is committed to bringing evidence-based, emotion-focused approaches into mainstream healthcare - reducing stigma around mind-body conditions and sharing the message that meaningful improvement and recovery are possible when patients are given education, choice and appropriate support alongside conventional care. The conversation highlights the need for validation, information, and hope in the healing process, encouraging listeners to explore their emotions and reconnect with their bodies.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. 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/@drdeepakravindran5361For 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 Fan MailIn this episode of Painspeak, I speak to my long term friend and collaborator, Amber Johnston, a clinical psychologist and neuropsychologist, about her journey in the field of psychology, the importance of the mind-body connection, and the complexities of chronic pain. We discuss personalized therapy approaches, the role of trauma, and the stigma surrounding mental health treatment. Amber shared insights on neurodivergence and its impact on pain management, as well as her upcoming book that aims to simplify psychological concepts for the public.Amber Johnston is a clinical psychologist and neuropsychologist, with over a decade of experience in integrating psychological care with physical health. As the founder of Healthy Mind Psychology, she focuses on helping individuals navigate stress-related illnesses, trauma, and chronic pain. Her expertise lies in understanding the complexities of brain function and its impact on emotional health, making her a valuable voice in the conversation about chronic pain management.Understanding the mind-body connection is crucial for effective pain management. Amber emphasizes that physical symptoms often arise from emotional distress and neurological changes. This perspective aligns with the growing recognition of how our mental state can influence physical health.EMail:  dramber@healthymindpsychology .co.uk Website: https://www.healthymindpsychology.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthymindpsychologyuk/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. 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/@drdeepakravindran5361For 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 Fan MailTransforming Pain Management: An Innovative Approach from the NHSSebastian is talking live at the Live well with Pain conference in Warwick in March 2026.  In this podcast recorded live in Brighton at the BSLM Annual conference in September 2025, i spoke to Sebastian Senociain, An integrated wellness practitioner with a variety of skills and knowledge helping people in primary care manage their pain. Innovative approaches to pain management are more crucial than ever now and we can see how Sebastian is redefining pain management within the NHS. His transformative work focuses on integrating holistic methods and fostering community, significantly improving the lives of those living with chronic pain.  Sebastian’s journey began in Chile, where he trained as a medical doctor. His experience in primary care, filled with frustrations over the conventional disease-driven approach, led him to explore alternative methods of healing - including yoga, ayurveda, functional medicine and other approaches in physical and mental health.At the NHS, Sebastian recognized a pressing need for a more integrative approach to chronic pain management. He noted that Cornwall had a higher than national average prescription rate for opioids, which sparked his initiative to shift the focus from medication to self-management. He piloted a program aimed at helping patients manage their pain through education and community support rather than solely relying on prescriptions.  The pain management program, started in 2023, was meticulously designed to address the diverse needs of patients. Sebastian emphasized the importance of validation and understanding patients' stories. Each 30-minute consultation allowed patients to express their experiences and concerns, forming a foundation for co-designing their care plans. This patient-centered approach not only improved their mental health but also aimed to reduce reliance on medication.  He has presented his work now regionally and nationally and this was an option to see his poster and talk to him. The video can be seen on youtube. 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. 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/@drdeepakravindran5361For 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 Fan MailIn 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. 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/@drdeepakravindran5361For 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 Fan Mail 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 professional. 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/@drdeepakravindran5361For 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 Fan MailWhat 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 are experiencing ongoinDisclaimer: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. 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/@drdeepakravindran5361For 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 Fan MailMy 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. 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/@drdeepakravindran5361For 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...