Episode 69: Catastrophising Isn’t a Character Flaw

In this episode, Bart and Tim explore one of the most misunderstood terms in pain care: catastrophising. More than just negative thinking, this cognitive-emotional process is deeply rooted in attentional networks, threat prediction, and prior experiences. We cover: The neuroscience of why catastrophic thinking increases pain The trap of premature reassurance or cognitive correction How to work with rumination, not against it Clinical tools that validate, reframe, and gently open space for possibility With references to predictive processing, the Fear-Avoidance Model, and years of lived experience, this is a compassionate, grounded take for clinicians wanting to do better by their patients. 🎧 Bonus: Tim shares a personal story of following Michael Sullivan on stage—and what that taught him about catastrophising on both sides of the clinic! 👉 Listen now and reflect on: What’s one change you could make to your language this week?

In this episode of the Pain Podcast, Tim Beames and Bart Van Buchem tackle one of the most pressing challenges in pain care: how do we define success when pain doesn't go away? They explore why the traditional pain scale often fails people with chronic conditions, and how clinicians can shift the narrative toward life expansion, not just pain elimination. From functional goals to emotional resilience, discover what meaningful progress really looks like — and why celebrating small wins can be transformative for both patients and therapists. 🎧 Topics include: – Why pain scales aren’t the full story – Alternative outcome measures that reflect real-life improvement – Reframing success: from reducing pain to living well with it – Building trust, confidence, and connection in long-term pain care Perfect for clinicians, coaches, and anyone supporting people with persistent pain.

How do we respond when patients want immediate solutions to complex pain problems? In this reflective episode, Tim Beames and Bart Van Buchem explore one of the most common—and most challenging—clinical scenarios: the search for a quick fix. Expect insights into: The psychology of urgency and fear in persistent pain Strategies for building rapport and redirecting unrealistic expectations Tools and metaphors (like “green vs red glasses”) to reframe pain experiences Real-life clinical stories that show how to meet patients where they are—without abandoning your professional values Whether you’re a physio, doctor, or coach, this is essential listening for anyone working in complex care. 🎧 Follow and share if this episode resonates with your practice.

What happens when prescribed exercises don’t land—or even backfire? In this conversation, Bart Van Buchem and Tim Beames explore how rigid prescriptions can often disconnect people from their recovery and how a more collaborative, curious approach can unlock movement confidence. They discuss: Why traditional exercise programs often fall short The role of exploration, variability, and context in pain care How to co-create meaningful movement that adapts to real life Expect practical tips, clinical insights, and plenty of humour as Tim and Bart help you reimagine what movement in pain care can really look like.

In this episode of Le Pub Scientifique: The Pain Podcast, Tim Beames and Bart van Buchem unpack one of the most common—and misunderstood—parts of recovery: the pain setback. Together, they explore why flare-ups feel so derailing, how language shapes recovery narratives, and how to support patients when things go off track. You’ll learn: Why the word "setback" may be doing more harm than good How to prepare patients for flare-ups using a proactive “toolbox” approach How to reframe pain as a protective—not purely negative—experience Practical ways to build safety, validate struggle, and avoid reinforcing fear or avoidance This conversation blends science, clinical wisdom, and compassion—ideal for clinicians helping people with persistent pain, flare-ups, or cycles of progress and pause. 🎙️ Subscribe and share to help more clinicians and patients rethink recovery.

What does it really mean to “accept” chronic pain? Is it passive? Defeatist? Or could it be one of the most powerful tools in the pain recovery process? In this thought-provoking episode of the Le Pub Scientifique Pain Podcast, Tim Beames joins host Bart van Buchem to explore how acceptance—far from meaning surrender—can provide a path toward self-understanding, reduced suffering, and renewed agency. Drawing on clinical experience, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and lived narratives, Tim and Bart explore: How acceptance differs from resignation Why so many people resist the concept Language and metaphors that resonate in clinical practice How to support patients in moving from resistance to presence The coexistence of pain relief strategies and acceptance Real clinical examples and communication tips Whether you’re a clinician, researcher, or someone living with persistent pain, this episode offers compassionate insights and practical strategies for reframing pain as something to relate to, not battle. Referenced resources include: Lance McCracken’s ACT research Bronnie Thompson’s work on “Living well with pain” Le Pub’s Clinical Confidence Series with Laura Rathbone 🎧 Subscribe and follow for more episodes diving deep into pain science, human connection, and evidence-informed care.

🎙️ Hosts: Tim Beames & Bart Van Buchem What if pain isn’t just about injury—but about how we predict movement? In this episode, Tim Beames and Bart Van Buchem unravel the deep connections between Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) and Functional Neurological Disorders (FND), exploring how pain and movement disorders often overlap and what that means for recovery. 🔍 What you'll learn: ✅ Why pain and movement disorders frequently co-exist ✅ The predictive nature of movement—how our brain shapes our motor responses ✅ The debate: Should rehab focus on pushing through pain or finding comfort in movement? ✅ The role of awareness, agency, and flexible treatment strategies in recovery ✅ How insights from FND treatment can improve approaches to CRPS 💡 Bonus Resource: Interested in the research behind this discussion? Check out the 2018 paper by Stoyan Popkirov et al. on the CRPS & FND debate in Neurology. https://doi.org/10.1136/jnnp-2018-318298 🎧 Listen now and explore more pain science discussions at Le Pub Scientifique! #PainScience #CRPS #FND #ChronicPain #MovementDisorders #PainRecovery

💡 What is Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), and how can healthcare professionals improve patient care and treatment outcomes? In this episode, Bart Van Buchem explores the evolution of FND, from being historically misclassified as hysteria to its recognition as a complex neurological movement disorder. We dive into the latest treatment approaches, physiotherapy strategies, and multidisciplinary care models that are improving recovery outcomes for patients. 🔎 Key Topics Covered: ✅ The evolution of FND – From hysteria to neuroscience ✅ The role of physiotherapy in restoring movement & function ✅ Multidisciplinary treatment strategies – What works best? ✅ Why patient acceptance of diagnosis is crucial for long-term recovery ⏳ Timestamps for Easy Navigation: 00:00 – Intro 02:15 – The evolution of FND: From hysteria to neuroscience 08:30 – The role of physiotherapy in treatment 15:10 – Multidisciplinary care: What works best? 22:45 – Patient acceptance & long-term recovery strategies 🎧 Listen & Subscribe for More Clinical Insights: 📌 Website & Full Episode Notes: https://www.lepubscientifique.com/ 💬 Enjoy this episode? Leave a review! It helps more healthcare professionals discover evidence-based approaches to pain and recovery.

Summary In this conversation, Tim Beames and Bart Van Buchem explore the themes of unlocking lasting change in pain recovery, emphasizing the importance of self-reflection, journaling, and setting meaningful goals. They discuss how creating conditions for well-being and the role of disruption can facilitate change in patients. The dialogue highlights the need for clinicians to support patients in their journey towards empowerment and recovery, focusing on the significance of noticing positives and building trust in the therapeutic relationship. Takeaways - Empowering patients is key to pain recovery. - Self-reflection is a crucial skill for change. - Journaling can help notice positive moments. - Setting meaningful goals enhances motivation. - Creating conditions for well-being is essential. - Disruption can facilitate necessary change. - Broader time perspectives can aid reflection. - Finding new hobbies can restore meaning. - Trust is vital in the therapeutic relationship. - Expectations need to be challenged for change. Topics pain recovery, behavior change, self-reflection, journaling, meaningful goals, well-being, disruption, therapeutic process, empowerment, chronic pain Sound Bites "Creating conditions for well-being" "Journaling the positives is a skill" "We need to challenge expectations" Chapters 00:00 Unlocking Lasting Change in Pain Recovery 06:06 The Power of Self-Reflection 12:17 Journaling and Noticing Positives 20:11 Setting Meaningful Goals 25:20 Creating Conditions for Well-Being 30:43 The Role of Disruption in Change Useful Links Le Pub Website: www.lepubscientifique.com  Become a Le Pub member: https://www.lepubscientifique.com/premium-membership  Contact us: [email protected] Follow us: Twitter: @lepubscientifiq Instagram: @lepubscientifique LinkedIn: @LePubScientifique Recorded November 2024

Summary In this episode, Bart Van Buchem and Tim Beames discuss the complexities of nociplastic pain, a relatively new classification of pain that arises from altered nociception without clear evidence of tissue damage. They explore the implications of this classification for clinical practice, the importance of understanding patient perspectives, and the cultural considerations that influence pain terminology. The conversation highlights the challenges of diagnosing nociplastic pain and emphasizes the need for a broader understanding of pain experiences, including psychological factors. They also touch on the upcoming science session featuring Jo Nijs, which aims to further explore these topics. Takeaways - Nociplastic pain is a significant and ongoing debate. - Understanding pain mechanisms is crucial for effective treatment. - Classification of pain can influence treatment decisions. - Patients often seek acknowledgment for their pain experiences. - Cultural factors play a role in how pain is classified and understood. - Pain experiences are often complex and multifaceted. - A broader perspective on pain is necessary for effective management. - Nociplastic pain challenges traditional pain definitions and classifications. - Psychological factors must be considered in pain management. - Upcoming discussions will provide balanced perspectives on pain classification. Topics nociplastic pain, pain classification, chronic pain, pain management, clinical practice, pain terminology, patient perspectives, cultural considerations, pain complexity, treatment implications Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Nociplastic Pain 05:59 Clinical Implications of Nociplastic Pain 12:05 Patient Perspectives on Pain Terminology 18:00 Complexity of Pain Experiences 23:55 The Future of Pain Management Recorded November 2024 Useful Links Le Pub Website: www.lepubscientifique.com  Become a Le Pub member: https://www.lepubscientifique.com/premium-membership  Contact us: [email protected] Follow us: Twitter: @lepubscientifiq Instagram: @lepubscientifique LinkedIn: @LePubScientifique