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. Yoga, Pain Science, and Physical Therapy with Sherry Brourman, PT, C-IAYT

    APR 28

    Yoga, Pain Science, and Physical Therapy with Sherry Brourman, PT, C-IAYT

    In this episode of the Pain Science Podcast, physical therapist Sherry Browerman discusses the intersection of yoga, physical therapy, and pain science. Sherry shares her journey of integrating these disciplines over 50 years, starting from her early experiences as an ice skater. They discuss how yoga and physical therapy can complement each other in understanding and managing pain. The conversation highlights the role of self-image and beliefs in movement and pain perception, emphasizing the importance of self-compassion and empowerment. Sherry also discusses how interoception, exteroception, and proprioception shape one's perception of movement and pain. Sherry's book, "From Bodily Knowledge to Intuitive Movement," serves as a foundation for exploring how these practices can lead to holistic healing and improved well-being. 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

    1h 1m
  2. Inside Physiotherapy's Mental Health Journal with Moisés Magos, Physiotherapist

    APR 13

    Inside Physiotherapy's Mental Health Journal with Moisés Magos, Physiotherapist

    In this episode, we explore the growing integration of mental health into physical therapy with Moisés Magos, a physiotherapist and founder of the Journal of Physiotherapy in Mental Health. Drawing on over a decade of experience working with vulnerable populations—including individuals impacted by trauma, addiction, and displacement—Moisés shares the clinical and systemic gaps that led to the creation of the journal. The conversation highlights a critical shift in the profession: recognizing that mental health is not separate from physical rehabilitation, but deeply intertwined with patient outcomes. We discuss how traditional biomedical models often fall short in addressing the complexity of chronic pain and recovery, and why a more holistic, biopsychosocial approach is essential for modern practice. Moisés offers a compelling perspective on the unique role physical therapists play in mental health care, emphasizing the power of movement, embodiment, and therapeutic alliance as tools for psychological and physical healing. He also explains how the journal serves as a global platform to elevate research, amplify diverse voices, and foster international collaboration across disciplines. Learn more about the Journal of Physiotherapy in Mental Health here https://jptmh.com/index.php/jptmh/index 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

    35 min
  3. How Diagnostic Labels Shape Pain with Stephen Martin, PT, MSc

    MAR 30

    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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
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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/

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