Pain Science Podcast

Dr. Joe Tatta
  • 4.8 (191)
  • MEDICINE

The Pain Science podcast discusses science-backed solutions for chronic pain. Learn how to use the brain, body, mind, and behavior for pain relief and improve both physical and mental well-being. Hosted by Dr. Joe Tatta, a physical therapist and CEO of the Integrative Pain Science Institute, the podcast features a wide range of topics, including pain neuroscience, physical therapy, psychology, exercise, health, and wellness. Work from the Integrative Pain Science Institute has been published in top journals, including Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Journal and the Journal of Physiotherapy in Mental Health. Dr. Joe Tatta is widely recognized for his contributions to pain science and mental health physical therapy. He developed PRISM—Pain Recovery and Integrative Systems Model, a process-based cognitive-behavioral approach for physical therapy; Pain Resilience Therapy, a strengths-based approach to treating chronic pain; and the Mental Health Physical Therapist Certification Program. Join The Pain Science podcast to discover ways to reduce pain and expand your professional toolkit. Learn more at: https://integrativepainscienceinstitute.com/

  1. How Diagnostic Labels Shape Pain with Stephen Martin, PT, MSc

    2D AGO

    How Diagnostic Labels Shape Pain with Stephen Martin, PT, MSc

    In this episode, we explore how the words clinicians use to diagnose musculoskeletal pain can profoundly shape patient beliefs, behaviors, and clinical outcomes. Joined by Stephen Martin, PT, MSc, Senior Lecturer in Physiotherapy at the University of Winchester and PhD researcher on diagnostic language, we unpack emerging evidence showing that diagnostic labels are not neutral—they can act as powerful psychological signals that influence fear, recovery expectations, and even decisions around imaging and surgery. We discuss why multiple labels are often used for the same condition and how this inconsistency creates confusion for both clinicians and patients. The conversation dives into the tension between specific and non-specific diagnoses—where specific labels may validate pain but increase fear and medicalization, while non-specific labels may support recovery but reduce patient satisfaction. A central theme is whether the label itself matters most, or the explanation that surrounds it, with growing evidence suggesting that how a diagnosis is communicated may be more impactful than the label alone.  You'll walk away with practical, evidence-informed insights on how to communicate diagnoses more effectively, reduce unintended harm, and support better outcomes in people living with pain. Visit integrativepainscienceinstitute.com for CEU training in integrative, psychologically informed care for physical therapists and other practitioners. Thank you for listening, Joe Tatta, PT, DPT

    42 min
  2. How To Measure Pain Beliefs with Roland Reezigt, PT, PhD(c)

    MAR 16

    How To Measure Pain Beliefs with Roland Reezigt, PT, PhD(c)

    In this episode of the Pain Science Podcast, we explore a key question in modern pain care: how do we measure whether pain science education actually changes the way people think about pain? Pain researcher and physiotherapist Roland Reezigt, PT, PhD(c) joins us to discuss the best way to measure pain beliefs and how to assess conceptual change after Pain Science Education. The conversation highlights the shift from simply delivering pain information to facilitating true reconceptualization of pain. We discuss the difference between pain knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes—and why conceptual change, not just learning facts, is the real goal of pain education. Reezigt also raises an important challenge: many commonly used questionnaires may not clearly measure what clinicians think they measure. For physical therapists, we explore which assessment tools are practical in busy clinical settings and how shifts in pain understanding translate into outcomes like reduced fear, greater self-efficacy, and meaningful behavior change. Visit integrativepainscienceinstitute.com for CEU training in psychologically informed pain care for physical therapists and other practitioners. Thank you for listening, Joe Tatta, PT, DPT

    44 min
  3. Primary Care Physical Therapy with Justin Carrier, PT, DPT

    MAR 9

    Primary Care Physical Therapy with Justin Carrier, PT, DPT

    In this episode, Justin Carrier, PT, DPT, explores what "Primary Care Physical Therapy" truly means and why it represents a pivotal shift for the profession. Rather than functioning solely within a referral-based model, primary care physical therapy positions physical therapists as primary care providers for neuromusculoskeletal conditions—capable of evaluation, assessment, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and management without unnecessary gatekeeping. This model improves timely access, reduces downstream costs, and aligns care with evidence showing that early conservative management leads to better outcomes. A central focus of the discussion is APTA Utah's recent legislative victory, which formally strengthened the role of physical therapists as primary care providers. The change removed key barriers that previously limited autonomous practice, allowing patients more direct access to PT services and clarifying the PT's role within the healthcare system. The legislation addressed real problems: delays in care, increased healthcare spending, and unnecessary reliance on imaging, opioids, or specialist referrals for common musculoskeletal issues. Visit integrativepainscienceinstitute.com for CEU training in psychologically informed pain care for physical therapists and other practitioners. Thank you for listening, Joe Tatta, PT, DPT Founder, Integrative Pain Science Institute

    40 min
  4. How Physical Therapists Became Treating Physicians in Montana with Emily Herndon, PT, DPT

    FEB 23

    How Physical Therapists Became Treating Physicians in Montana with Emily Herndon, PT, DPT

    Emily Herndon, PT, DPT, shares her inspiring journey of how Montana physical therapists became recognized as primary care providers, influencing legislation and expanding the scope of practice. Discover strategies for advocacy, legislative success, and transforming physical therapy into a true primary care profession. Visit integrativepainscienceinstitute.com for CEU training in psychologically informed pain care for physical therapists and other practitioners.  Thank you for listening, Joe Tatta, PT, DPT CEO, Integrative Pain Science Institute

    57 min
  5. Physical Therapists Managing Mental Health With Mary Beth Osborne, PT, DPT

    FEB 2

    Physical Therapists Managing Mental Health With Mary Beth Osborne, PT, DPT

    In this episode of the Pain Science Podcast, Dr. Mary Beth Osborne discusses the integration of mental health into physical therapy practice. She shares her personal experiences with suicide in her family, which have shaped her commitment to addressing mental health issues in her work. The conversation explores the importance of screening for mental health conditions, the role of physical therapists in providing holistic care, and the evolution of the PT Cares clinic at the University of Connecticut. Dr. Osborne emphasizes the need for physical therapists to be proactive in addressing mental health and the barriers that currently exist in the healthcare system.  Visit integrativepainscienceinstitute.com for CEU training on psychologically-informed pain care for physical therapists and other practitioners.  Thank you for listening, Joe Tatta, PT, DPT CEO, Integrative Pain Science Institute

    36 min
  6. APTA Expands PT Mental Health Role

    JAN 26

    APTA Expands PT Mental Health Role

    In this episode, Dr. Joe Tatta discusses the recent policy changes by the American Physical Therapy Association regarding the role of physical therapists in behavioral and mental health. He emphasizes the importance of this policy in legitimizing the role of physical therapists in addressing mental health issues, moving from mere acknowledgment to active inclusion in practice. The discussion covers the historical context of these policies, the implications for physical therapy education and practice, and the ethical responsibilities that come with this expanded scope. Dr. Tatta highlights the need for competence and the importance of viewing physical therapists as whole health clinicians capable of integrating mental health into their practice. Visit integrativepainscienceinstitute.com for CEU training on integrative, psychologically-informed pain care for physical therapists and other practitioners.  Thank you for listening, Joe Tatta, PT, DPT CEO, Integrative Pain Science Institute

    10 min
  7. Nutrition, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and the New Food Pyramid with Sara Brown, PT, DPT, MS

    JAN 19

    Nutrition, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and the New Food Pyramid with Sara Brown, PT, DPT, MS

    In this episode of the Pain Science Podcast, Joe Tatta, PT, DPT, welcomes Sarah Brown, PT, DPT, MS a doctor of physical therapy and nutritionist, to discuss the intricate relationship between food, the immune system, and chronic joint pain, particularly focusing on rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Dr. Brown shares her unique journey from physical therapy to nutrition, emphasizing the importance of combining movement and dietary changes to manage chronic pain effectively. They delve into the impact of diet on inflammation and pain, highlighting the significance of the Mediterranean diet and the potential benefits of an elimination diet for those suffering from RA. The conversation also explores the pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis, including genetic and environmental triggers, and the role of gut health in managing inflammation. Dr. Brown explains how lifestyle factors such as diet, stress, and sleep can influence the immune response and overall health. The episode concludes with practical advice on dietary changes, the importance of understanding food's role in health, and the potential of supplements like omega-3 fatty acids, curcumin, and resveratrol in alleviating symptoms of RA. This insightful discussion aims to empower listeners with knowledge and practical strategies to improve their health through nutrition and lifestyle adjustments. Visit integrativepainscienceinstitute.com for CEU training on integrative, psychologically-informed pain care for physical therapists and other practitioners.  Thank you for listening, Joe Tatta, PT, DPT CEO, Integrative Pain Science Institute

    58 min
  8. Delivering Community Pain Care with Sharna Prasad, PT, DPT

    JAN 5

    Delivering Community Pain Care with Sharna Prasad, PT, DPT

    In this episode of the Pain Science Podcast, Joe Tatta, PT, DPT, interviews Sharna Prasad, PT, DPT, about her journey from India to the U.S. and her experiences in pain management. They discuss the cultural influences on pain perception, the importance of understanding social determinants of health, and the need for a shift in physical therapy education. Dr. Prasad shares her insights on community empowerment, the development of pain education curricula, and the challenges faced in implementing new pain care models.  Visit integrativepainscienceinstitute.com for CEU training on integrative, psychologically-informed pain care for physical therapists and other practitioners.  Thank you for listening, Joe Tatta, PT, DPT CEO, Integrative Pain Science Institute

    47 min
See All (353)

4.8
out of 5
191 Ratings

About

The Pain Science podcast discusses science-backed solutions for chronic pain. Learn how to use the brain, body, mind, and behavior for pain relief and improve both physical and mental well-being. Hosted by Dr. Joe Tatta, a physical therapist and CEO of the Integrative Pain Science Institute, the podcast features a wide range of topics, including pain neuroscience, physical therapy, psychology, exercise, health, and wellness. Work from the Integrative Pain Science Institute has been published in top journals, including Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Journal and the Journal of Physiotherapy in Mental Health. Dr. Joe Tatta is widely recognized for his contributions to pain science and mental health physical therapy. He developed PRISM—Pain Recovery and Integrative Systems Model, a process-based cognitive-behavioral approach for physical therapy; Pain Resilience Therapy, a strengths-based approach to treating chronic pain; and the Mental Health Physical Therapist Certification Program. Join The Pain Science podcast to discover ways to reduce pain and expand your professional toolkit. Learn more at: https://integrativepainscienceinstitute.com/

Information

You Might Also Like