Pain Coach

Lachlan Townend

Welcome to Pain Coach, the podcast designed to empower you to regain control of your pain treatment journey. In each episode, Lachlan Townend shares inspiring stories from individuals who have overcome the obstacles of pain, along with insights from health professionals dedicated to helping you reclaim your life. This podcast offers practical tools and guidance for those who refuse to let pain dictate their lives or steal their dreams. Pain Coach encourages you to find a health professional who acts as a coach—not a 'magic healer'—supporting you in your recovery journey. It’s time to step back into the driver’s seat and reclaim what pain has taken from you. DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for educational purposes only. The views expressed in this podcast do not constitute medical advice and are general in nature. You should obtain specific advice from a qualified health professional before acting on any of the information within this podcast.

  1. Nine Years To Be Believed: The Endometriosis Diagnosis Crisis, The Surgeon Allegedly Performing Unnecessary Endo Surgery & Why Pain Science Education Needs A Female Rewrite | Dr Millie Mardon (PhD)

    31 MAR

    Nine Years To Be Believed: The Endometriosis Diagnosis Crisis, The Surgeon Allegedly Performing Unnecessary Endo Surgery & Why Pain Science Education Needs A Female Rewrite | Dr Millie Mardon (PhD)

    Dr Millie Mardon is a pelvic pain researcher at Western Sydney University with her own lived experience of the condition. Diagnosed with endometriosis at 14 after years of debilitating period pain, Millie navigated surgeries and a complex healthcare system — and is now happy to say she is pain-free. That experience became the foundation of her entire research career.RESOURCES:  Try Pain Coach for free Millie's Research "I Wish I Knew Then What I Know Now"  Millie's Instagram  Millie's researcher profileKEY TOPICS:0:00 — Introduction & trailer 1:25 — Why Millie devoted her life to pelvic pain research 3:12 — Millie's personal story: endometriosis from her first period 3:36 — The 7–9 year diagnosis delay in Australia — and why it matters 7:23 — The role of parental advocacy in getting answers 9:26 — Is a diagnosis the be-all and end-all? 12:55 — Pain-free for over 10 years14:06 — What Millie thinks made the difference in her recovery 16:17 — "I Wish I Knew Then What I Know Now" — her landmark research study 18:05 — The 4 pain science education concepts that actually help people with pelvic pain 22:34 — Where lifestyle fits into pain: sleep, stress, diet & exercise 25:40 — How a medical scientist ended up in pain research 27:24 — The influence of Lorimer Moseley, David Butler & Explain Pain 29:45 — What actually is endometriosis? 33:20 — Prevalence: 1 in 7 women, 1 in 5 with persistent pelvic pain 34:48 — Why is endometriosis still so underfunded? 40:09 — Surgery for endometriosis: what does the research actually say? 40:43 — The Melbourne surgery scandal (ABC Four Corners: Scarred) 42:05 — The real numbers: 50% improve, 25% stay the same, 25% get worse 43:26 — Ablation vs excision: which works better and why 48:38 — The danger of swinging too far — biomedical vs biopsychosocial 52:46 — Millie's current research projects 53:28 — The pelvic pain social media campaign for young people 54:39 — The EndoEd trial: pain science education before laparoscopy 56:14 — The big unanswered question: why do some people get better and others don't? 57:14 — Gut health and endometriosis: 97% of people have GI symptoms 59:50 — Millie's parting advice for anyone navigating pelvic pain

    1hr 2min
  2. Pain Is Not In Your Brain And It's Not In Your Tissues - So Where Is It? | Dr Mervyn Travers (PhD)

    1 MAR

    Pain Is Not In Your Brain And It's Not In Your Tissues - So Where Is It? | Dr Mervyn Travers (PhD)

    If you've been told your pain is "all in your head" or that it's purely a problem with structures in your body - this episode will challenge both of those ideas. Dr Merv Travers is a physiotherapist, PhD researcher and strength & conditioning coach based in Perth, Western Australia. He's a Senior Research Scholar at the University of Notre Dame Australia, working in the areas of low back pain, tendon pain, and exercise rehabilitation. In this conversation, Merv explains why pain belongs to the whole person - not just the brain and not just the body. He breaks down active inference and predictive processing in plain language, shares a story of a professional athlete he treated for Achilles pain and makes a compelling case for why the RESOLVE trial may be the most important musculoskeletal pain trial we've ever had. We also explore the common threads between some of the best research that has been done on persistent pain - Cognitive Functional Therapy, Pain Reprocessing Therapy and Graded Sensorimotor Retraining - and why Merv believes the active inference framework ties them all together. Whether you're a clinician looking for a better way to treat persistent pain or someone living with pain who's been told nothing else can be done - this episode offers real hope backed by real science. RESOURCES: Try Pain Coach for free RESOLVE      Trial (Bagg et al., JAMA 2022) The Fit for Purpose Model (Wand      et al., Physical Therapy 2022)  Recognise App (for      laterality training) Dr Merv Travers / Optimise RehabKEY TOPICS 00:00 — Teaser & Introduction 01:05 — Merv's Mission: Helping Clinicians Help Patients 02:44 — How Do You Understand Pain? 04:13 — Predictive Processing Explained Simply 08:00 — The Teacher Who Said "Your Back Never Heals" 09:50 — Beyond Predictive Processing: Active Inference 12:02 — Pain Equals Body Damage x Nervous System Threat? 14:19 — The Wine Experiment: How Expectations Shape Experience 18:02 — Why Every Person's Pain Is Unique 21:48 — Treating Athletes: The Culture of Structural Thinking 23:28 — The Achilles Story: "I Don't Know What I'm Going to Do" 24:56 — Sensory Acuity Testing: "Foot Fetish Tinder" 27:07 — The RESOLVE Trial: The Most Important Pain Trial We've Had 30:21 — Why The Trial's Rigour Matters 31:40 — CFT, Pain Reprocessing Therapy & What's Coming Next 33:58 — The Common Threads Across All Three Treatments 37:07 — Get To Know Your Patient (Pain Coach Ad) 37:33 — Movement Experimentation & Modifying Symptoms 44:05 — Manual Therapy Isn't Excluded From This Framework 48:56 — The Fit For Purpose Model: Three Pillars 51:07 — Self-Evidencing Through Movement 54:19 — The Placebo Effect Is Not A Dirty Word 58:55 — A Universal Truth For Someone In Pain 01:01:21 — Where To Find Merv Travers

    1hr 3min
  3. The Missing Two-Thirds Of Pain Treatment + Find Your Pain Recipe | Dr. Rachel Zoffness (PhD)

    31 JAN

    The Missing Two-Thirds Of Pain Treatment + Find Your Pain Recipe | Dr. Rachel Zoffness (PhD)

    Dr. Rachel Zoffness (PhD) is a pain psychologist and author who has devoted her career to understanding why we suffer with pain and what we can actually do about it. We discuss: The childhood experience with chronic pain that sparked her obsession with understanding suffering.  The "biopsychosocial" truth about pain that medicine has known for 65 years but never tells patients.  Why the healthcare system only treats one-third of the pain problem.  The "pain dial" in your nervous system and the three factors that turn it up or down.  How she learned to warm her hands to 90 degrees using only her thoughts.  The difference between a "high pain recipe" and a "low pain recipe" – and how to craft yours.  If there is an off switch for pain and whether you would want one. And much more... Rachel's new book Tell Me Where It Hurts is out March 24th and is available for pre-order on Amazon. RESOURCES Pain Coach: Find Lifestyle Targets for Treating Pain  Tell Me Where It Hurts Rachel's Website Book an appointment to see LachlanKEY TOPICS 00:00 The lie medicine has sold you about pain 01:24 Why Rachel devoted her life to studying pain 03:02 Chronic pain as a child & what she wishes she'd known 05:28 What is pain? The biopsychosocial model explained 08:05 The three domains: Bio, Psych & Social 09:05 The missing two-thirds of pain treatment 11:32 Why pills and procedures aren't working 12:13 Central sensitization: How pain becomes chronic 15:01 The piano analogy: Your brain practices pain 17:50 Is there hope? Can the pain pathway shrink? 25:52 The Pain Dial: How to turn your volume up and down 26:15 Factor 1: Stress and anxiety 26:40 Factor 2: Mood and emotions 27:25 Factor 3: Attention and focus 28:16 The good news: The opposite is also true 30:18 Is there an on/off switch for pain? 32:04 Why opioids work (and it's not just physical) 33:39 Can chronic pain ever fully disappear? 35:32 The Pain Recipe: High pain vs low pain ingredients 38:35 Crafting your low pain recipe 41:51 Habit change & lasting pain relief 45:08 Biofeedback: How Rachel learned to warm her hands to 90 degrees 51:42 Your thoughts literally change your biology 53:16 Biofeedback is as effective as migraine drugs 54:16 This isn't "manifesting" – it's science 55:55 How to reduce fear during a pain flare 58:24 What surprised Rachel while writing the book 01:00:26 About "Tell Me Where It Hurts" 01:02:10 Rachel's parting advice: Write your pain recipe

    1hr 4min
  4. You Don't Know How Good You Can Feel (Until You Do This) | Chloe McLeod

    1 JAN

    You Don't Know How Good You Can Feel (Until You Do This) | Chloe McLeod

    Is what you eat making your pain worse? In this episode, I sit down with Chloe McLeod, founder of Verde Nutrition Co, Accredited Practising Dietitian, and Advanced Sports Dietitian with over 16 years of experience. Chloe is one of Australia's leading experts in gut health, food intolerance, and autoimmune conditions. Chloe  has been featured in Women's Health, Body & Soul, and House of Wellness. We unpack the real connection between nutrition and chronic pain, whether gut health is all hype and what you can actually do to start feeling better. If you live with fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis or persistent pain, this one's for you. RESOURCES Pain Coach: Find Lifestyle Targets for Treating Chronic Pain  Verde Nutrition KEY TOPICS & TIME STAMPS00:00:53 — Introduction to Chloe McLeod & Verde Nutrition 02:02 — The connection between pain and what we eat 03:37 — Nutrition's impact on fibromyalgia & rheumatoid arthritis 05:19 — Is gut health just a craze? 05:49 — The gut-brain axis explained 07:04 — Case study: How 7 days of fast food changed a man's microbiome 09:20 — How to know if your gut is healthy 11:25 — Microbiome testing: Is it worth it? 16:42 — Big ticket items for improving gut health (water & fibre) 18:39 — Resistant starch hack: Cook, cool, and reheat pasta/potatoes 20:32 — Meat, dairy, and gluten: Do you need to eliminate them? 22:26 — Intermittent fasting and chronic pain 25:38 — Processed meat: No safe level of consumption 27:25 — Food chemical sensitivity and pain 29:22 — Added sugar: How much is too much? 31:07 — Omega-3s and extra virgin olive oil as "liquid gold" 32:03 — Working with fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis & osteoarthritis 33:11 — Plants for Joints study and plant-based eating 36:34 — Navigating nutrition with eating disorder history 39:57 — Case study: Fibromyalgia client success with multidisciplinary care 45:36 — The research connecting gut health and fibromyalgia 47:10 — Excitotoxins (artificial sweeteners, MSG) and fibromyalgia 49:05 — The role of supplements in pain management 50:14 — Supplements are "sprinkles on the icing on the cake" 52:23 — Top supplements: Omega-3s, collagen, magnesium 54:40 — Curcumin, probiotics, glucosamine: Second-tier supplements 56:49 — Supplement quality and contamination risks 58:33 — How to screen for quality supplements (Informed Sport, HASTA) 01:00:36 — Final advice for someone struggling with chronic pain

    1hr 2min
  5. Why This Doctor's Patients Cry: Two Words That Change Everything | Dr Dan Bates

    30/11/2025

    Why This Doctor's Patients Cry: Two Words That Change Everything | Dr Dan Bates

    Dr. Dan Bates, is a sports and exercise medicine specialist, director of the Back, Neck and Joint Clinic in Melbourne, and former head doctor for both Melbourne and North Melbourne AFL teams. Dr. Bates has developed an innovative, algorithmic approach to chronic pain that's helping patients reclaim their lives. In this episode, we tackle one of the most controversial topics in pain management: what happens when patients are told their pain is "in their head." Dr. Bates reveals why this messaging - even when well-intentioned - can drive hopelessness, helplessness, and suicidal ideation. He shares the simple phrase that makes his patients tear up with relief and teaches the powerful two-word question that gives patients their power back. You'll learn practical strategies for managing pain amplifiers within your control: how catastrophizing language physically amplifies pain, why depression and anxiety are normal responses to chronic pain (and how they make it worse), and the importance of taking ownership. Dr. Bates reveals his clinical algorithm to determine how he treats his pain patients.   Dr. Bates offers hope for those in despair: your pain is real, you're not imagining it, and just because we can't find the cause doesn't mean there isn't one.RESOURCES  Back, Neck and Joint clinic Dr. Bates' podcast: "It's Not In Your Head" Free Trial of Pain Coach KEY TOPICS & TIME STAMPS00:00 - 03:02 Dr. Bates' Journey into Chronic Pain Medicine 03:52 - 07:26 The "It's In Your Head" Problem 07:26 - 13:18 Medical History of Blaming Patients 13:34 - 21:30 Understanding Pain Mechanisms 21:30 - 27:25 Pain Amplifiers You Can Control 27:25 - 32:09 The Two-Word Power Move 32:09 - 37:44 Why Doctors Struggle to Say "I Don't Know" 38:05 - 42:47 The Shocking Truth About Medication Effectiveness 42:47 - 49:36 Getting More Specific with Diagnosis 49:36 - 56:45 The Algorithmic Approach to Treatment 56:45 - 59:59 Final Words for Those in Despair

    1 hr
  6. The Real Reason Your Back Still Hurts (It's Not What You Think) | Professor Peter O'Sullivan

    01/11/2025

    The Real Reason Your Back Still Hurts (It's Not What You Think) | Professor Peter O'Sullivan

    In this episode, Lachlan Townend sits down with world-renowned pain researcher and clinician Professor Peter O’Sullivan - a man whose work has completely reshaped how we understand and treat back pain. If you’ve ever been told your spine is fragile, your core is weak, or your pain always means damage - this episode will change the way you see back pain forever.  Peter’s research and clinical leadership led to the creation of Cognitive Functional Therapy (CFT) - a revolutionary approach that helps people break free from fear, overprotection, and the belief that pain always equals damage. Together, Lachlan and Peter explore: Why so many of us have been taught to fear movement and “protect” our backs  How Peter’s own experience with pain changed the way he treats patients The science behind CFT and how it helps people reclaim confidence in their bodies  The role of stress, sleep, exercise, social connection and nutrition  Why posture, scans, and “core stability” might not be what really mattersResources:  Free trial of Pain Coach Book a consultation with Lachlan  Evoolve Pain Care Academy Cognitive Function Therapy (3 year follow-up) paper Body Logic

    1hr 12min
  7. Why We Should Teach Every Child About Pain | Joshua Pate

    30/09/2025

    Why We Should Teach Every Child About Pain | Joshua Pate

    In this episode of Pain Coach, physiotherapist, researcher, and TEDx speaker Joshua Pate joins us to unpack the complexity of pain - especially how children and adults make sense of it and why our beliefs matter so much for recovery. Josh shares powerful metaphors, practical strategies, and inspiring patient stories that highlight the balance between short-term relief and long-term change. We discuss how pain science can transform healthcare, everyday coping strategies, and even prevention - starting as early as schools. Whether you’re living with pain, supporting someone who is, or simply curious about how the brain and body work together, this conversation offers hope, validation, and tools to help you move from the backseat to the driver’s seat of your healing journey.Resources  Pain Coach: Helping Clinicians Take The Guesswork Out Of Pain Treatment Connect with Lachlan on LinkedIn Book an appointment with Lachlan  Joshua Pate’s website & resources Zoe and Zac’s Pain Hacks children’s book series Josh’s TEDx: The mysterious science of pain The “One Thing” ProjectKey Topics & Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction 06:38 – Josh’s journey: From physiotherapy clinics to pain research and children’s books 10:48 – Myths about pain: Why pain isn’t just about “damage” 23:42 – Turning down the pain “volume”: The Lego Experiment  40:47 – Validating pain: Why “hurt ≠ harm” isn’t always helpful 46:15 – Practical Tip #1: Making sense of your own pain and how others see it 49:26 – Practical Tip #2: Multidisciplinary support and short vs. long-term strategies 52:11 – The ladder analogy: Small wins build toward big change 55:25 – Inspiring patient story: From toilet-seat struggles to the Great Wall of China 58:47 – Driver’s seat vs. backseat: Balancing agency and support 01:03:08 – The “One Thing” project: Messages of hope for people in pain 01:05:00 – Closing reflections: The importance of curiosity, validation, and prevention

    1hr 6min
  8. Precision Pain Relief Is Closer Than You Think | Prof. Mark Hutchinson

    31/08/2025

    Precision Pain Relief Is Closer Than You Think | Prof. Mark Hutchinson

    In this episode, Lachlan Townend is joined by Professor Mark Hutchinson to explore the complexities of pain from the cellular level through to lived human experience. Mark shares his personal journey with chronic back pain, including the challenges of navigating healthcare as both a patient and a pain scientist. He discusses his cutting-edge research into how blood biomarkers could transform pain diagnosis and treatment - bringing us one step closer to precision, personalised medicine for pain. We also dive into practical strategies like sleep, nutrition, mindfulness, and cold-water therapy, connecting them to the molecular science of how pain develops and persists. With passion and authenticity, Mark sheds light on why  there’s more hope now than ever before. Whether you’re a clinician, researcher, or someone living with pain, this conversation offers science, story, and hope in equal measure.Links & Resources: Pain Coach: Lifestyle tracker to take the guesswork out of pain relief.  Professor Mark Hutchinson's LinkedIn page Book an appointment with Lachlan

    1hr 13min
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5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Welcome to Pain Coach, the podcast designed to empower you to regain control of your pain treatment journey. In each episode, Lachlan Townend shares inspiring stories from individuals who have overcome the obstacles of pain, along with insights from health professionals dedicated to helping you reclaim your life. This podcast offers practical tools and guidance for those who refuse to let pain dictate their lives or steal their dreams. Pain Coach encourages you to find a health professional who acts as a coach—not a 'magic healer'—supporting you in your recovery journey. It’s time to step back into the driver’s seat and reclaim what pain has taken from you. DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for educational purposes only. The views expressed in this podcast do not constitute medical advice and are general in nature. You should obtain specific advice from a qualified health professional before acting on any of the information within this podcast.

Information

  • Creator
    Lachlan Townend
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    Pain Coach

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