Pain Speak

Deepak Ravindran

The Pain Speak podcast is presented by Dr Deepak Ravindran, a full time NHS Consultant specialising in Pain, Anaesthesia, MSK and Lifestyle Medicine. Dr Ravindran is also the author of the book, 'The Pain Free Mindset'. In this podcast Dr Ravindran explores all things related to pain including physical, emotional and social issues. He also looks at the neuroscience of pain and the fantastic advances which have been made in this area of medicine. He also discusses the business of healthcare and pain management. This podcast is all about open and honest discussion and helping find solutions to complex pain problems. For plain speak on pain - this is Pain Speak.

  1. 2d ago

    The Future of Pain Medicine in the UK: Innovations and Challenges

    Send us Fan Mail Pain medicine is at a crossroads. Summary In this episode, Dr. Ganesan Barneedaran, Consultant in Pain Medicine and Dean of the Faculty of Pain Medicine,  discusses the future of pain medicine, neuromodulation, and the evolving role of specialists in the UK. He shares insights on service development, patient selection, technological advances, and the importance of multidisciplinary care.  In this insightful interview in the role as a Dean, Dr. Ganesan Baranidharan discusses the evolving landscape of pain medicine, emphasizing the importance of credentialing, registries, big data, and the integration of technology and multidisciplinary approaches to improve patient outcomes. He shares his vision for the future pain specialist and the role of AI, training pathways, and national reforms.  keywords Pain Medicine, Neuromodulation, Healthcare Innovation, UK, Patient Care, Medical Training, Future of Pain Management Pain Medicine, Credentialing, Registries, Big Data, AI, Training, Multidisciplinary, Future of Pain Care, Healthcare Innovation, UK Healthcare Chapters 00:00 The Current State of Pain Medicine 02:45 The Evolution of Pain Management 05:49 The Rise of Neuromodulation 08:42 Innovations in Neuromodulation Techniques 12:05 Challenges in Accessing Pain Treatments 15:09 The Role of Education in Pain Management 17:59 Developing Effective Patient Selection Tools 21:03 The Future of Pain Medicine 23:55 The Role of the Faculty of Pain Medicine 26:53 Community vs. Tertiary Care in Pain Management 29:41 The Importance of Training and Recruitment 33:05 Vision for the Future of Pain Medicine 46:04 Understanding Chronic Pain and Its Management 49:23 The Evolution of Pain Medicine as a Specialty 53:55 Training Future Pain Specialists 56:43 The Role of Data and Registries in Pain Medicine 01:01:44 Improving Patient Care Through Collaboration 01:06:25 The Future of Pain Management and Innovations 01:12:12 The Importance of Big Data in Pain Medicine 01:19:03 Challenges in Pain Management and Patient Selection 01:25:37 The Human Element in Pain Medicine  Resources Royal College of Anesthetists - https://www.rcoa.ac.uk/ Faculty of Pain Medicine, Royal College of Anesthetists - https://www.rcoa.ac.uk/faculty-of-pain-medicine Neuromodulation Registry UK - https://neuromodulationregistry.uk/ Dr. Ganesan Barneedaran's Publications - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Ganesan+Barneedaran GIRFT Program (Getting It Right First Time) - https://www.england.nhs.uk/girft/ British Spine Registry - https://www.britishspine.org/registry MHRA Device Safety Regulations - https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/medicines-and-healthcare-products-regulatory-agency Big Data in Healthcare - NHS Digital - https://digital.nhs.uk/ Guest links Twitter - https://twitter.com/DrGBaranidharan LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ganesan-baranidharan/ Disclaimer: This podcast is for education and general information only and does not replace personalised medical advice. If you are experiencing ongoing pain or distress, please consult your healthcare professional.  Please provide a feedback and comments on the podcast and any questions that you may have. If you enjoyed it please rate and leave a review on Spotify/Apple podcasts and tell a friend about this show. The Pain Speak podcast is presented by Prof Deepak Ravindran, a NHS Consultant specialising in Pain and Lifestyle Medicine. Dr Ravindran is also the author of the book, 'The Pain Free Mindset' Get in touch: Twitter: @deepakravindra5 Instagram: drdeepakravindran Website: www.deepakravindran.co.uk Linktree: https://linktr.ee/DrDeepakRavindran Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@drdeepakravindran5361 For Clinical Queries and consultations, please go to Berkshire Pain Clinic Order a copy of the Pain Free Mindset here For Season 1 and 3: Mixed and edited by Rob Cao at...

    1h 34m
  2. 2d ago

    Neighborhood Health and Community Care: A New Model for NHS Success

    Send us Fan Mail Health starts in communities, not just hospitals. In todays epsiode, I  explore innovative social prescribing approaches with Sandra Mitchell-Phillips, CEO of Ways to Wellness, focusing on neighborhood health, reducing health inequalities, and supporting preoperative care to improve outcomes and reduce NHS costs. Ways 2 wellness works predominantly in the North East of the UK witha  number of projects that bring social prescribing into primary care and secondary care.  Chapters 00:00 Rethinking Healthcare: Beyond Hospitals 03:10 Sandra's Journey: Bridging NHS and Community Care 05:55 The Birth of Ways to Wellness: A Community-Centric Approach 08:53 Measuring Impact: Social Prescribing in Action 11:57 Non-Medical Interventions: The Role of Social Prescribers 14:56 Misconceptions of the Voluntary Sector in Healthcare 18:09 Tackling Health Inequalities: A Community Focus 20:44 Co-Production and Relational Care: A New Paradigm 23:51 Supporting Chronic Pain: A Holistic Approach 26:47 Transforming Lives: The Power of Community Support 35:04 Navigating Support Duration in Healthcare 37:38 The Importance of Listening in Patient Care 40:16 Introducing the PROSPER Program 46:40 Reducing Opioid Use Before Surgery 52:20 The Journey of Waiting Well 55:57 The Future of Neighborhood Health 01:02:44 Redesigning Healthcare for Human Well-Being  keywords social prescribing, neighborhood health, health inequalities, preoperative care, community health, NHS innovation, chronic pain, opioid reduction, holistic care, health inequalities Resources Ways to Wellness - https://www.waystowellness.org.uk NHS Long Term Plan - https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-term-plan/ Social Prescribing Network - https://www.socialprescribingnetwork.com Wellbeing Star Tool - https://triangleconsulting.co.uk/wellbeing-star/ Chronic Pain Management Resources - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/chronic-pain/ Prosper Program Details - https://www.waystowellness.org.uk/prosper Guest links LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandramitchellphillips Website - https://www.waystowellness.org.uk Disclaimer: This podcast is for education and general information only and does not replace personalised medical advice. If you are experiencing ongoing pain or distress, please consult your healthcare professional.  Please provide a feedback and comments on the podcast and any questions that you may have. If you enjoyed it please rate and leave a review on Spotify/Apple podcasts and tell a friend about this show. The Pain Speak podcast is presented by Prof Deepak Ravindran, a NHS Consultant specialising in Pain and Lifestyle Medicine. Dr Ravindran is also the author of the book, 'The Pain Free Mindset' Get in touch: Twitter: @deepakravindra5 Instagram: drdeepakravindran Website: www.deepakravindran.co.uk Linktree: https://linktr.ee/DrDeepakRavindran Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@drdeepakravindran5361 For Clinical Queries and consultations, please go to Berkshire Pain Clinic Order a copy of the Pain Free Mindset here For Season 1 and 3: Mixed and edited by Rob Cao at...

    1h 7m
  3. Apr 27

    VIP - Prof Lorimer Moseley - Transforming Pain Education through Community Co-Design

    Send us Fan Mail Arriving and touring in the UK - Manchester June 3rd to 5th, 2026 as part of NOIgroup. Today’s guest is someone who needs no introduction to the world of Pain Care. He has been one of my biggest influences in how I teach pain Science education so a big welcome to Professor Lorimer Moseley, Bradley Distinguished Professor at Adelaide University in Australia. He has authored over 430 scientific papers, written several bestselling pain books, and his educational work reaches millions of people each year through healthcare systems such as the NHS and the US Veterans Affairs. He is also the founder of Pain Revolution, an initiative aimed at transforming pain understanding in communities, and in 2020 he was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for his contribution to humanity through pain science, communication and education. In this insightful interview, Professor Lorimer Mosley discusses the evolution of pain education, the importance of understanding pain as a protective system, and innovative approaches like pain science education, community engagement, and digital tools to transform pain management. keywords pain education, pain science, community health, pain revolution, pain management, health equity, public health, VR in pain education, bioplasticity, pain research key topics Evolution of pain education from neuroscience to constructivist modelsThe role of enjoyment and engagement in pain science communicationCommunity co-design and culturally powerful pain interventionsThe importance of social determinants and health equity in pain researchEmerging digital tools like VR and AI in pain education and management Resources Pain Revolution - https://painrevolution.org/ Explain Pain Book by Lorimer Moseley and David Butler - https://www.amazon.com/Explain-Pain-Lorimer-Moseley/dp/0975096744 Pain Neuroscience Education (PNE) Resources - https://painrevolution.org/resources/ PEDAL Collaboration for Pain Education - https://pedalcollaboration.org/ Reality Health VR Platform - https://realityhealth.com/ Disclaimer: This podcast is for education and general information only and does not replace personalised medical advice. If you are experiencing ongoing pain or distress, please consult your healthcare professional.  Please provide a feedback and comments on the podcast and any questions that you may have. If you enjoyed it please rate and leave a review on Spotify/Apple podcasts and tell a friend about this show. The Pain Speak podcast is presented by Prof Deepak Ravindran, a NHS Consultant specialising in Pain and Lifestyle Medicine. Dr Ravindran is also the author of the book, 'The Pain Free Mindset' Get in touch: Twitter: @deepakravindra5 Instagram: drdeepakravindran Website: www.deepakravindran.co.uk Linktree: https://linktr.ee/DrDeepakRavindran Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@drdeepakravindran5361 For Clinical Queries and consultations, please go to Berkshire Pain Clinic Order a copy of the Pain Free Mindset here For Season 1 and 3: Mixed and edited by Rob Cao at...

    1h 9m
  4. Apr 26

    VIP -The Future of Pain Services in the UK: A Conversation with Dr. Helen Makins

    Send us Fan Mail My guest today is Dr Helen Makins, a Consultant in Pain Medicine at Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, UK and someone whose career has taken her across clinical practice, education, commissioning, global health and now national leadership. Helen is currently the National Clinical Lead for the Chronic Pain Programme at GIRFT – Getting It Right First Time, a major NHS initiative focused on improving clinical outcomes, reducing variation and redesigning services across the country. But what makes Helen particularly interesting is the breadth of her work — from teaching pain education internationally with Mercy Ships, to developing innovative social prescribing programmes for young people with pain, to exploring the links between neurodiversity, childhood experiences and chronic pain. She has also worked closely with the Faculty of Pain Medicine, championing better communication skills, clinician wellbeing and the integration of biopsychosocial approaches into training. So today we’re going to explore: • how someone ends up leading national pain transformation work • what GIRFT might mean for the future of pain services • why communication and de-medicalisation matter so much in pain consultations • and how we might better support both patients and clinicians in this space. keywords Pain management, NHS, chronic pain, social prescribing, communication skills, lifestyle medicine, neurodiversity, healthcare commissioning, GIRFT, patient-centered care key topics Evolution of NHS pain servicesImportance of communication skills in pain managementRole of social prescribing and lifestyle medicineImpact of neurodiversity on chronic painGIRFT program and healthcare commissioning resources GIRFT website - https://www.england.nhs.uk/girft/ Stephen Rolnick's Motivational Interviewing Course - https://www.motivationalinterviewing.org/ Essential Pain Management Program - https://www.rcoa.ac.uk/faculty-of-pain-medicine/education/essential-pain-management Helen Makins' LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/helenmakins/ Disclaimer: This podcast is for education and general information only and does not replace personalised medical advice. If you are experiencing ongoing pain or distress, please consult your healthcare professional.  Please provide a feedback and comments on the podcast and any questions that you may have. If you enjoyed it please rate and leave a review on Spotify/Apple podcasts and tell a friend about this show. The Pain Speak podcast is presented by Prof Deepak Ravindran, a NHS Consultant specialising in Pain and Lifestyle Medicine. Dr Ravindran is also the author of the book, 'The Pain Free Mindset' Get in touch: Twitter: @deepakravindra5 Instagram: drdeepakravindran Website: www.deepakravindran.co.uk Linktree: https://linktr.ee/DrDeepakRavindran Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@drdeepakravindran5361 For Clinical Queries and consultations, please go to Berkshire Pain Clinic Order a copy of the Pain Free Mindset here For Season 1 and 3: Mixed and edited by Rob Cao at...

    1h 2m
  5. Apr 26

    Living Well with Pain: Insights from the UK Conference

    Send us Fan Mail  In March 2026, I attended the Live well with Pain Conference at Warwick organised by Emma Davies and Laura Hussey. It had some amazing speakers including Prof Roger Knaggs, the President of the British Pain Society. While I didnt get a chance to speak to him, I did speak to most of the other key note speakers and I thought what would they say to 3 questions I had about pain care and the hope that they have when they do the work. This episode is my reflection on the Live Well With Pain Conference, exploring innovative approaches to pain management, the importance of holistic care, and the hope for living well with persistent pain. keywords pain management, chronic pain, holistic care, patient empowerment, healthcare innovation, pain education, biopsychosocial model, community support, health coaching, pain recovery key topics Shift from cure to living well with painBiopsychosocial model and holistic careRole of community and primary care in pain managementChapters 00:00 Introduction to the Conference and Deepak's Reflection 02:08 Unique Aspects of the Live Well With Pain Conference 04:06 The Human Experience of Pain and Its Impact 06:02 Challenges in Persistent Pain Management 07:52 The Power of Education and Self-Management 10:14 Aligning Healthcare with Patient Needs 12:10 Population Health and Proactive Care 14:00 Broadening Support Beyond Medical Treatments 16:02 Insights from Keynote Speakers 17:53 The Role of Hope and Empowerment 20:05 Sleep, Lifestyle, and Pain Management 22:05 The Importance of Community and Primary Care 24:07 The Value of Validation and Listening 26:03 Shifting Mindsets and Moving Forward 27:55 The Power of Curiosity and Change 29:49 The Role of Coaching and Community Support 32:07 The Bright Future of Pain Care 33:58 Inspiring Hope and Collective Action 35:55 Conclusion: A Call to Action and Resources Disclaimer: This podcast is for education and general information only and does not replace personalised medical advice. If you are experiencing ongoing pain or distress, please consult your healthcare professional.  Please provide a feedback and comments on the podcast and any questions that you may have. If you enjoyed it please rate and leave a review on Spotify/Apple podcasts and tell a friend about this show. The Pain Speak podcast is presented by Prof Deepak Ravindran, a NHS Consultant specialising in Pain and Lifestyle Medicine. Dr Ravindran is also the author of the book, 'The Pain Free Mindset' Get in touch: Twitter: @deepakravindra5 Instagram: drdeepakravindran Website: www.deepakravindran.co.uk Linktree: https://linktr.ee/DrDeepakRavindran Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@drdeepakravindran5361 For Clinical Queries and consultations, please go to Berkshire Pain Clinic Order a copy of the Pain Free Mindset here For Season 1 and 3: Mixed and edited by Rob Cao at...

    39 min
  6. Mar 26

    Healing Through Emotion: Louise McAllan's Journey

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Pain Speak, I interview Louise McAllan, a somatic experiencing practitioner, who shares her personal journey through chronic pain and the emotional connections that influenced her recovery. Louise discusses the challenges of navigating the healthcare system, the impact of diagnoses, and the importance of emotional awareness in healing.  Louise McAllen is a Scottish somatic experiencing practitioner and mind-body coach. With over eight years of experience grappling with chronic symptoms, including functional neurological disorder (FND) and fibromyalgia, she has transitioned from patient to practitioner, helping others reclaim their lives from chronic pain. Her unique approach combines emotional awareness with physical well-being, making her a credible voice in the field of chronic pain management.  She delivers group programmes, 1:1 work and residential retreats, and is pioneering Scotland’s first in-person Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy (EAET) group in Edinburgh. Trained with SIRPA and Dr Howard Schubiner, she is committed to bringing evidence-based, emotion-focused approaches into mainstream healthcare - reducing stigma around mind-body conditions and sharing the message that meaningful improvement and recovery are possible when patients are given education, choice and appropriate support alongside conventional care.  The conversation highlights the need for validation, information, and hope in the healing process, encouraging listeners to explore their emotions and reconnect with their bodies. Disclaimer: This podcast is for education and general information only and does not replace personalised medical advice. If you are experiencing ongoing pain or distress, please consult your healthcare professional.  Please provide a feedback and comments on the podcast and any questions that you may have. If you enjoyed it please rate and leave a review on Spotify/Apple podcasts and tell a friend about this show. The Pain Speak podcast is presented by Prof Deepak Ravindran, a NHS Consultant specialising in Pain and Lifestyle Medicine. Dr Ravindran is also the author of the book, 'The Pain Free Mindset' Get in touch: Twitter: @deepakravindra5 Instagram: drdeepakravindran Website: www.deepakravindran.co.uk Linktree: https://linktr.ee/DrDeepakRavindran Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@drdeepakravindran5361 For Clinical Queries and consultations, please go to Berkshire Pain Clinic Order a copy of the Pain Free Mindset here For Season 1 and 3: Mixed and edited by Rob Cao at...

    1h 8m
  7. Mar 26

    Exploring the Mind-Body Connection in Chronic Pain

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Painspeak, I speak to my long term friend and collaborator, Amber Johnston, a clinical psychologist and neuropsychologist, about her journey in the field of psychology, the importance of the mind-body connection, and the complexities of chronic pain.  We discuss personalized therapy approaches, the role of trauma, and the stigma surrounding mental health treatment. Amber shared insights on neurodivergence and its impact on pain management, as well as her upcoming book that aims to simplify psychological concepts for the public. Amber Johnston is a clinical psychologist and neuropsychologist, with over a decade of experience in integrating psychological care with physical health. As the founder of Healthy Mind Psychology, she focuses on helping individuals navigate stress-related illnesses, trauma, and chronic pain. Her expertise lies in understanding the complexities of brain function and its impact on emotional health, making her a valuable voice in the conversation about chronic pain management. Understanding the mind-body connection is crucial for effective pain management. Amber emphasizes that physical symptoms often arise from emotional distress and neurological changes. This perspective aligns with the growing recognition of how our mental state can influence physical health. EMail:  dramber@healthymindpsychology .co.uk  Website: https://www.healthymindpsychology.co.uk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthymindpsychologyuk/ Disclaimer: This podcast is for education and general information only and does not replace personalised medical advice. If you are experiencing ongoing pain or distress, please consult your healthcare professional.  Please provide a feedback and comments on the podcast and any questions that you may have. If you enjoyed it please rate and leave a review on Spotify/Apple podcasts and tell a friend about this show. The Pain Speak podcast is presented by Prof Deepak Ravindran, a NHS Consultant specialising in Pain and Lifestyle Medicine. Dr Ravindran is also the author of the book, 'The Pain Free Mindset' Get in touch: Twitter: @deepakravindra5 Instagram: drdeepakravindran Website: www.deepakravindran.co.uk Linktree: https://linktr.ee/DrDeepakRavindran Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@drdeepakravindran5361 For Clinical Queries and consultations, please go to Berkshire Pain Clinic Order a copy of the Pain Free Mindset here For Season 1 and 3: Mixed and edited by Rob Cao at...

    1h 3m
  8. Mar 25

    Voices in Pain - Sebastian Senociain

    Send us Fan Mail Transforming Pain Management: An Innovative Approach from the NHS Sebastian is talking live at the Live well with Pain conference in Warwick in March 2026.   In this podcast recorded live in Brighton at the BSLM Annual conference in September 2025, i spoke to Sebastian Senociain, An integrated wellness practitioner with a variety of skills and knowledge helping people in primary care manage their pain. Innovative approaches to pain management are more crucial than ever now and we can see how Sebastian is redefining pain management within the NHS. His transformative work focuses on integrating holistic methods and fostering community, significantly improving the lives of those living with chronic pain.   Sebastian’s journey began in Chile, where he trained as a medical doctor. His experience in primary care, filled with frustrations over the conventional disease-driven approach, led him to explore alternative methods of healing - including yoga, ayurveda, functional medicine and other approaches in physical and mental health. At the NHS, Sebastian recognized a pressing need for a more integrative approach to chronic pain management. He noted that Cornwall had a higher than national average prescription rate for opioids, which sparked his initiative to shift the focus from medication to self-management. He piloted a program aimed at helping patients manage their pain through education and community support rather than solely relying on prescriptions.  The pain management program, started in 2023, was meticulously designed to address the diverse needs of patients. Sebastian emphasized the importance of validation and understanding patients' stories. Each 30-minute consultation allowed patients to express their experiences and concerns, forming a foundation for co-designing their care plans. This patient-centered approach not only improved their mental health but also aimed to reduce reliance on medication.   He has presented his work now regionally and nationally and this was an option to see his poster and talk to him. The video can be seen on youtube.  Disclaimer: This podcast is for education and general information only and does not replace personalised medical advice. If you are experiencing ongoing pain or distress, please consult your healthcare professional.  Please provide a feedback and comments on the podcast and any questions that you may have. If you enjoyed it please rate and leave a review on Spotify/Apple podcasts and tell a friend about this show. The Pain Speak podcast is presented by Prof Deepak Ravindran, a NHS Consultant specialising in Pain and Lifestyle Medicine. Dr Ravindran is also the author of the book, 'The Pain Free Mindset' Get in touch: Twitter: @deepakravindra5 Instagram: drdeepakravindran Website: www.deepakravindran.co.uk Linktree: https://linktr.ee/DrDeepakRavindran Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@drdeepakravindran5361 For Clinical Queries and consultations, please go to Berkshire Pain Clinic Order a copy of the Pain Free Mindset here For Season 1 and 3: Mixed and edited by Rob Cao at...

    29 min

About

The Pain Speak podcast is presented by Dr Deepak Ravindran, a full time NHS Consultant specialising in Pain, Anaesthesia, MSK and Lifestyle Medicine. Dr Ravindran is also the author of the book, 'The Pain Free Mindset'. In this podcast Dr Ravindran explores all things related to pain including physical, emotional and social issues. He also looks at the neuroscience of pain and the fantastic advances which have been made in this area of medicine. He also discusses the business of healthcare and pain management. This podcast is all about open and honest discussion and helping find solutions to complex pain problems. For plain speak on pain - this is Pain Speak.

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