What's in Your Head: Tools for Pain and Dizziness

Peter Schultz PT, DPT
  • 5.0 (3)
  • MEDICINE

What’s In Your Head: Tools for Pain and Dizziness is a podcast about pain, dizziness, headaches, stress, and symptoms that don’t always make sense — and what to do about them. Hosted by Pete Schultz, PT, DPT, a Doctor of Physical Therapy with over 20 years of experience, this show is for anyone who’s been told “everything looks normal” but still doesn’t feel like themselves. If you’re dealing with persistent pain, dizziness, headaches, post-concussion symptoms, or stress that lingers longer than expected, you’re not broken. Each episode explores why symptoms persist, not just in the body, but throughout the nervous system, and how the brain and body constantly interact. Using modern, evidence-based approaches — including pain reprocessing, somatic tracking, mindfulness, self-regulation exercises, biofeedback, neurofeedback, vestibular rehabilitation, and movement-based therapies — Pete shares practical tools he uses every day with clients. Every episode includes tools you can actually use to calm the nervous system, reduce pain, improve balance and stability, and feel more confident in your body. This podcast isn’t about saying “it’s all in your head.” It’s about understanding how your nervous system, musculoskeletal system, vestibular system, and visual system work together — and how to work with them more effectively The information shared on this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding your specific condition or health concerns.

Episodes

  1. 2D AGO

    Migraine Beyond Medication: A Multi-Systems Approach

    Episode Title: Migraine Beyond Medication: A Multi-Systems Approach Episode Description: Migraine is not just a headache — it’s a complex neurologic condition involving the nervous system, sensory processing, and multiple body systems. In this episode of What’s in Your Head: Tools for Pain & Dizziness, Dr. Pete Schultz, physical therapist, goes beyond medication and explores where conservative, non-pharmacologic strategies fit into modern migraine care. Medications can be helpful for many people, but a significant number of individuals continue to struggle with persistent symptoms, frequent attacks, and disability. This episode focuses on the additional contributors that influence migraine outcomes and why a multi-systems approach is often necessary. This discussion is grounded in both clinical experience and current evidence, including a peer-reviewed article co-authored with colleague Scott Siverling that outlines a multimodal, conservative framework for treating migraine from a physical therapist’s perspective. In this episode, Pete discusses: Migraine as a neurologic nervous system conditionWhy medication alone may not fully address migraine driversThe role of the autonomic nervous system and stress physiologyHow exercise, manual therapy, vestibular therapy, biofeedback, and mindfulness-based strategies fit into careWhy this approach is complementary to — not against — medicationThis episode is designed to help patients and clinicians better understand migraine and expand the toolbox for managing symptoms and improving quality of life. For more information on migraine, pain, dizziness, and nervous system health, visit www.PainAndDizzy.com . To schedule a physical therapy evaluation for headache, migraine, concussion, dizziness, or persistent pain, visit www.DynamicSportsPT.com . Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment decisions. Reference: Siverling S, Schultz P. A Multimodal Conservative Approach to Treating Migraine: A Physical Therapist’s Perspective. Current Pain and Headache Reports. 2023;27:329–337. doi:10.1007/s11916-023-01140-3

    32 min

  2. FEB 9

    How to use Biofeedback for Pain and Dizziness

    Episode Summary In this episode of What’s in Your Head: Tools for Pain and Dizziness, Dr. Pete Schultz breaks down what biofeedback actually is—and just as importantly, what it isn’t. Biofeedback is not the treatment. It’s a measurement tool that lets us see the autonomic nervous system in real time. The real treatment is still things like breathing, muscle relaxation, visualization, meditation, and mindfulness. Biofeedback simply shows us how the nervous system is responding to those tools, moment by moment. And that matters—because when the nervous system can see what it’s doing, it learns faster. In this episode, Pete explains: What biofeedback is and how it worksHow the autonomic nervous system shifts between fight-or-flight and rest-and-digestThe main types of biofeedback, including:Heart Rate Variability (HRV)Thermal (skin temperature)Skin conductance (GSR)Muscle tension (EMG)A brief overview of neurofeedbackThe difference between wearables (like WHOOP and Oura) and true biofeedback trainingWhy biofeedback can be so helpful for persistent pain, dizziness, headaches, migraines, concussion symptoms, long COVID, and other conditions where the nervous system gets stuck in protection modePete also walks through how biofeedback is used clinically and shares real-world examples from his practice. At the end of the episode, Pete teaches a guided box breathing exercise—a simple, practical self-regulation tool you can use with or without biofeedback equipment—to help calm and regulate the nervous system. Disclaimer This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Individualized care from a qualified healthcare professional is important for addressing pain, dizziness, headaches, or neurological symptoms. If you’re looking for a physical therapy evaluation or treatment, visit https://www.DynamicSportsPT.com . For more education and tools related to pain and dizziness, visit https://www.PainAndDizzy.com .

    42 min

  3. FEB 2

    Concussion: What's Actually Happening and How To Completely Recover.

    Episode 5 — Concussion: What’s Actually Happening and How to Fully Recover In this episode of What’s in Your Head: Tools for Pain & Dizziness, Pete Schultz, Doctor of Physical Therapy, breaks down what a concussion really is — and just as importantly, what it is not. Concussions are common in sports and everyday life — car accidents, falls, hitting your head, or even sudden force to the body. Yet many people are told to “just rest and wait,” even when symptoms linger for weeks or months. In this episode, we explore why that approach often falls short. You’ll learn: What’s actually happening in the brain after a concussionWhy concussion is not a structural brain injuryHow symptoms represent a functional and metabolic disruption, not damageWhy imaging is often normalWhy symptoms can feel unpredictable and scaryThe five key systems that must be assessed for full recoveryNeckVestibular systemVisual systemAutonomic/exertional toleranceMood, stress, and anxietyWhy early rest helps — but prolonged rest can delay recoveryHow an active, individualized, and multidisciplinary approach leads to the best outcomesMost importantly, this episode emphasizes an empowering message: Concussions are highly recoverable when managed correctly. If you or someone you care about is dealing with ongoing concussion symptoms — headaches, dizziness, brain fog, light sensitivity, or exercise intolerance — understanding what’s driving those symptoms is the first step toward recovery. 🔗 Helpful Links Schedule a Physical Therapy Concussion Assessment: 👉 https://www.DynamicSportsPT.com Learn more about pain, dizziness, and nervous system health: 👉 https://www.PainandDizzy.com ⚠️ Disclaimer This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to provide medical advice. Information discussed in this episode should not replace individualized evaluation or treatment by a qualified healthcare professional. If you are experiencing concussion symptoms or ongoing concerns, please seek appropriate medical care.

    40 min

  4. JAN 25

    Vertigo or Dizziness? Understanding BPPV and How To Fix It.

    Have you ever rolled over in bed, looked up, or laid down — and suddenly the entire room started spinning? In this episode of What’s in Your Head: Tools for Pain & Dizziness, Dr. Pete Schultz, Doctor of Physical Therapy, breaks down one of the most common — and most misunderstood — causes of vertigo: BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo). BPPV can feel intense and alarming, often sending people to urgent care or the emergency room fearing something serious is wrong with their brain. The good news is that BPPV is not life-threatening, it’s very common, and when identified correctly, it’s highly treatable. In this episode, you’ll learn: The difference between vertigo and dizzinessHow the inner ear and vestibular system actually workWhy the room spins with certain head movementsWhat happens when inner ear crystals move into the wrong canalThe different types of BPPV (posterior, horizontal, and anterior canal)Why one maneuver doesn’t work for everyoneWhy YouTube videos don’t always fix vertigo — and can sometimes make it worseA simple 5-4-3-2-1 grounding exercise to help calm the nervous system when vertigo triggers panicThis episode focuses on helping you understand what’s happening in your body — and reassuring you that vertigo is often a mechanical problem, not brain damage or something dangerous. If you or someone you care about has experienced spinning, dizziness, or balance issues, this episode will help you better understand what’s going on and what actually helps. 🔗 Helpful Links Schedule a Vestibular Therapy or Physical Therapy Appointment: 👉 https://www.DynamicSportsPT.com Learn more about pain, dizziness, and the nervous system: 👉 https://www.PainandDizzy.com ⚠️ Disclaimer This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to provide medical advice. If you are experiencing ongoing, worsening, or concerning symptoms, please consult a qualified healthcare professional for individualized evaluation and treatment.

    25 min

  5. JAN 20

    Understanding The Different Types of Headache

    In this episode of What’s in Your Head, we take a deep dive into the different types of headaches — and why understanding them matters. While many people think “a headache is just a headache,” different headache types reflect different patterns in the nervous system. Migraine, tension-type headaches, cervicogenic headaches, post-traumatic headaches, neuralgia, and new daily persistent headaches all present differently and often respond to different treatment approaches. We’ll break down the key characteristics of common headache types, discuss why headaches can persist even when imaging looks normal, and explore evidence-based, non-pharmacological strategies that can help calm the nervous system. In this episode, you’ll also learn practical tools including progressive muscle relaxation, lifestyle regulation, movement, and biofeedback approaches that can support headache recovery — especially when symptoms are being driven by nervous system sensitization rather than tissue damage. This episode is designed to help you better understand your symptoms, reduce fear, and begin shifting your system toward safety and regulation. Disclaimer This podcast is intended for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information shared is not a substitute for individualized evaluation or treatment by a qualified healthcare professional. If you are experiencing headaches, migraines, dizziness, or other neurological symptoms, please consult with a licensed healthcare provider for personalized care. Helpful Links 🧠 Learn more about pain and dizziness education and resources:  👉 https://painanddizzy.com 🏃‍♂️ Schedule a physical therapy appointment at Dynamic Sports Physical Therapy:  👉 https://dynamicsportspt.com

    33 min

  6. JAN 12

    How the Autonomic Nervous System Drives Pain and Dizziness

    Episode 2 — How the Autonomic Nervous System Drives Pain and Dizziness https://www.dynamicsportspt.com/ follow link to schedule an appointment for physical therapy. https://painanddizzy.com/ follow link for more information on pain and dizziness.   Episode 2 — How the Autonomic Nervous System Drives Pain and Dizziness In this episode of What’s in Your Head?, Dr. Pete Schultz explains how the autonomic nervous system plays a powerful — and often overlooked — role in persistent pain, dizziness, headaches, and other unexplained symptoms. The autonomic nervous system controls things like heart rate, breathing, blood flow, digestion, muscle tension, and sensory processing. Its job is to keep you safe. But when it begins to interpret normal life, stress, or past injury as danger, it can shift the body into a protective state that produces very real symptoms — even when no tissue damage is present. Using clear, relatable examples and the latest neuroscience, Pete walks you through how this protective response can amplify pain signals, create dizziness and lightheadedness, tighten muscles, disrupt breathing, and heighten sensitivity throughout the body. You’ll learn why so many people feel stuck, fragile, or “on edge” — and why those sensations are not a sign that something is broken. Most importantly, this episode introduces a simple, evidence-based way to start sending safety signals back to your nervous system so it can begin to calm down and allow symptoms to ease. Using extended exhale breathing and physiologic sigh Pete shows how to start regulating the Autonomic Nervous System.   If you’ve been searching for answers to ongoing pain or dizziness that don’t show up on scans or tests, this episode will help you finally understand what your body is doing — and how to work with it instead of fighting it. Episode Disclaimer  The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding your specific condition or health concerns.

    33 min

  7. JAN 5

    Why Pain Persists

    https://www.dynamicsportspt.com/  To schedule a physical therapy appointment https://painanddizzy.com/ To learn more information on Pain and dizziness or email painanddizzy@gmail.com Why Pain Persists In the first episode of What’s In Your Head, Pete Schultz, PT, DPT, introduces a new way to understand pain — one that goes beyond tissues, scans, and diagnoses. Pain is real. But it’s not always a sign of damage. In this episode, Pete explains how pain is a protective output of the nervous system, not a direct measure of injury. Using simple, relatable examples — from stepping on a nail to real clinical stories — he breaks down how the brain and nervous system decide when pain is needed, and why pain can persist long after tissues have healed. You’ll learn: How the nervous system processes pain signalsWhy the brain weighs danger vs safety before creating painHow thoughts, past experiences, stress, and life context influence painWhy more tissue damage doesn’t always mean more pain — and less damage doesn’t always mean less painPete shares powerful stories, including The Tale of Two Nails and lessons learned from working with amputees experiencing phantom limb pain, to illustrate how pain is shaped by both the body and the brain. The episode closes with your first practical tool: identifying your personal danger thoughts and safety thoughts — a starting point for helping the nervous system turn the alarm down. Future episodes of What’s In Your Head will dive deeper into evidence-based tools such as somatic tracking, self-regulation strategies, breathing techniques, heart rate variability, movement, and other approaches designed to create more safety in the nervous system and reduce persistent pain and dizziness. Episode Disclaimer  The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding your specific condition or health concerns.

    24 min

  8. TRAILER

    Welcome to The What's In Your Head: Tools for Pain and Dizziness Podcast Trailer

    https://painanddizzy.com/  To learn more information on Pain and Dizziness or email painanddizzy@gmail.com https://www.dynamicsportspt.com/     To schedule a physical therapy appointment  Have you ever struggled with pain, dizziness, or headaches that "look normal" on medical tests but still feel debilitating? Many individuals suffer from symptoms that persist long after they should have resolved, leaving them feeling lost in the medical system. The Science-Backed Approach: With over 20 years of experience helping thousands of clients, Dr. Pete Schultz explores why symptoms persist within the nervous system. This podcast isn't about saying "it's all in your head"—it’s about understanding how your brain and body constantly interact. What You’ll Gain: Each episode provides practical, evidence-based tools that you can use to calm your nervous system and feel stable again, including: Pain Education, Pain reprocessing, somatic tracking, and neurofeedback.Physical Recovery: Vestibular rehabilitation, strength, and mobility training.Behavioral Health: Stress management, self-regulation, and mindfulness.The Mission: Whether you are a person experiencing pain, an athlete, clinician, or simply someone trying to feel better, this show provides the modern science needed to change your mindset and reclaim your health.  The information shared on this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding your specific condition or health concerns.

    2 min

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

What’s In Your Head: Tools for Pain and Dizziness is a podcast about pain, dizziness, headaches, stress, and symptoms that don’t always make sense — and what to do about them. Hosted by Pete Schultz, PT, DPT, a Doctor of Physical Therapy with over 20 years of experience, this show is for anyone who’s been told “everything looks normal” but still doesn’t feel like themselves. If you’re dealing with persistent pain, dizziness, headaches, post-concussion symptoms, or stress that lingers longer than expected, you’re not broken. Each episode explores why symptoms persist, not just in the body, but throughout the nervous system, and how the brain and body constantly interact. Using modern, evidence-based approaches — including pain reprocessing, somatic tracking, mindfulness, self-regulation exercises, biofeedback, neurofeedback, vestibular rehabilitation, and movement-based therapies — Pete shares practical tools he uses every day with clients. Every episode includes tools you can actually use to calm the nervous system, reduce pain, improve balance and stability, and feel more confident in your body. This podcast isn’t about saying “it’s all in your head.” It’s about understanding how your nervous system, musculoskeletal system, vestibular system, and visual system work together — and how to work with them more effectively The information shared on this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding your specific condition or health concerns.

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