In this illuminating episode of the Bendy Bodies Podcast, Dr. Linda Bluestein sits down with pain neuroscientist and physical therapist Dr. Adriaan Louw to explore the power of education in managing chronic pain. With a passion for helping people understand the "why" behind their symptoms, Dr. Louw breaks down the science of how the brain processes pain, why knowledge can reduce fear, and how changing your understanding can actually decrease your pain experience. Through engaging stories and evidence-backed insight, he shares how rewiring the nervous system starts not with a pill, but with a conversation.
Takeaways
Why pain persists even after healing has occurred
Connecting fear, misunderstandings, and pain
What you can learn about pain to start to reduce it
What clinicians often miss when treating chronic symptoms
How to approach pain as a brain-and-nervous-system issue—not just a body issue
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Acknowledgements
00:53 Understanding Pain and Its Impact
01:30 Meet Dr. Adrian Louw
02:50 The Complexity of Pain Science
06:26 Pain as an Output of the Brain
15:02 Neuroplasticity and Hope for Pain Sufferers
21:54 Labels and Validation in Chronic Pain
30:13 Empowering Patients Through Pain Education
36:38 Understanding Pain and Fear
36:49 The Journey to Pain Reduction
38:13 The Role of Emotions in Pain
39:07 Adapting Pain Education for Different Needs
40:46 Redesigning PT Education
43:21 Pain Perception and Family Dynamics
47:59 The Role of Parents in Children's Pain
54:04 Future of Pain Neuroscience
01:02:34 Practical Pain Management Tips
01:05:55 Conclusion and Resources
References:
Bio & publications – https://www.evidenceinmotion.com/
Podcast appearance on PNE+ – Ihttps://www.integrativepainscienceinstitute.com/
Pain Neuroscience Education: Teaching People About Pain –https://www.amazon.com/Pain-Neuroscience-Education-Teaching-People/dp/1492544723
Why Do I Hurt? – https://www.amazon.com/Why-Do-Hurt-Adriaan-Louw/dp/0985718617
Radical Relief: A Guide to Overcome Chronic Pain – Integrative Pain Science Institute
Louw et al. (2016) “The Clinical Application of Pain Neuroscience Education” – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26828801/
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