The Lorimer Moseley Podcast: Pain Matters

Episode 13: Better outcomes for pain treatment

"Welcome to Pain Matters, the podcast where we delve into the latest advancements and discussions surrounding pain treatment and management. Join us as we explore insightful conversations with leading experts like Professor Lorimer Moseley, who shares invaluable insights into improving outcomes for chronic pain patients. From understanding the evolution of pain treatment to addressing challenges and areas for improvement, each episode offers a deep dive into the complexities of pain management. Discover how clinical trials and multimodal approaches are reshaping the landscape of pain care, and gain practical insights on translating scientific knowledge into effective clinical strategies. Whether you're a healthcare professional, researcher, or someone living with chronic pain, Pain Matters provides a platform for meaningful discussions and actionable takeaways. Tune in and stay informed about the latest developments in pain treatment on Pain Matters."
 
Questions: mail@mastersessions.academy
Bookings: http://mastersessions.academy
 

Episode 12: Validating the Pain Experience with Dr. Sarah Wallwork

Validating someone's pain experiences is important for building trust, fostering understanding, and providing support. However, it's crucial to strike a balance and be mindful of the context to avoid over-validation. Here are some considerations and tips for validating a child's painful experience:
 
Listen Actively: Pay close attention to what the child is expressing verbally and non-verbally. Show that you are engaged and interested in their feelings by maintaining eye contact, nodding, and using verbal affirmations.
 
Empathize: Put yourself in the child's shoes and try to understand their perspective. Acknowledge their emotions and let them know that it's okay to feel the way they do.
 
Reflect Their Feelings: Repeat back what the child has shared to confirm your understanding and let them know you are actively listening. For example, say, "It sounds like you're feeling [emotion], is that right?"
 
Avoid Minimizing or Dismissing: Refrain from downplaying or dismissing the child's feelings. Phrases like "It's not a big deal" or "You shouldn't feel that way" can be invalidating. Instead, acknowledge their emotions without judgment.
 
Use Empathetic Statements: Express empathy through statements like "I can see that this is really hard for you" or "It must be tough to go through this."
 
Ask Open-ended Questions: Encourage the child to share more about their feelings by asking open-ended questions. This helps them feel heard and understood.
 
Validate Without Judging: Make it clear that it's okay for them to feel the way they do. Separate the validation of emotions from any potential actions or behaviors.
 
Consider Cultural and Individual Differences: Recognize that different individuals may have varying comfort levels with emotional expression. Be sensitive to cultural nuances and individual preferences.
 
Provide Reassurance: Reassure the child that they are not alone and that you are there to support them. Offer comfort without pressuring them to share more than they are comfortable with.
 
Encourage Professional Help: If the child's pain appears to be severe or if you have concerns about their well-being, consider involving a mental health professional or counselor.
 
While validating a child's painful experience is crucial, it's also important to be aware of potential signs of distress that may require professional intervention. Always prioritize the child's safety and well-being. Building trust and understanding takes time, so approach the process with patience and consistency.

Episode 11: Trajectories in low back pain - Good and Bad News

Welcome to another insightful episode of Pain Matters! In today's episode, we dive deep into the clinical course of back pain, a topic that affects many of us at some point in our lives. Professor Lorimer Moseley, who sheds light on a groundbreaking clinical course with a staggering 10,000 participants.
The study meticulously divides patients into two categories: those experiencing back pain for less than six weeks and those enduring it for more than six weeks. The focus? Recovery chances. 
A recent meta-analysis by Dr. Sarah Wallwork, utilizing data from a massive 20,000 people, unveils not two but three distinct groups. The twist? The definition of chronic low back pain has been extended to three months and beyond. This shift in perspective brings both good and challenging news.
The revelation? After the three-month mark, the odds of recovery take a significant hit. While some of this might not be entirely surprising to the experts, it's a revelation that carries weight, especially for the general public. The question lingers: Is the three-month cut-off the definitive marker for chronic low back pain? Well, that's still an unanswered puzzle.
But hold on, there's good news too. In the midst of uncertainties, Professor Moseley unravels some positive aspects. Curious to know more? You don't want to miss this episode! Tune in and let's explore the fascinating world of back pain together.

Episode 10: Fit For Purpose - the three pillars for pain treatment

Prof Lorimer Moseley presents the 'Fit for Purpose Model' for treating chronic low back pain in a 30-minute session as part of Master sessions and a course in June and October 2024 in the UK, EU, US and Canada. The Fit for Purpose Model, outlined by Moseley, addresses chronic pain, particularly focusing on the back, with three pillars: structural integrity, individual conviction, and brain-body map alignment. Lorimer highlights collaboration with Prof Ben Wand and their Resolve trial, emphasising the model's ground-up approach. The Resolved trial, aiming to discern specific effects in chronic back pain interventions, is discussed alongside upcoming Master Sessions and courses in Europe, the USA, and Canada, promising insights into the Fit for Purpose Model's application.
June - York (UK) http://mastersessions.academy
June/ July - Valencia and Vienna - TBC
October 2024 - US and Canada - https://www.noigroup.com/events/?category=cat-special-events

Episode 9: Creating a framework for educational interventions with Brian Pulling (2/2)

In the latest episode of "Pain Matters"  Professor Lorimer Moseley, accompanied by Bart van Buchem, a pain specialist physiotherapist, welcomes back guest Brian Pulling. They delve into a research paper focused on developing a scale to understand how individuals with painful arthritis perceive their situation, pain, disease, and prognosis.
The conversation takes an intriguing turn towards a new study involving network analysis, a cutting-edge method in psychometrics. Brian explains that network analysis examines relationships between different questionnaire items, aiming to understand how people conceptualize and understand osteoarthritic knee pain.
The significance of network analysis in psychometrics is emphasized, with Brian highlighting its potential to provide more nuanced and comprehensive insights compared to traditional questionnaire-based assessments. The ultimate goal is to create a framework that allows clinicians to individualize educational curricula for patients based on their existing knowledge and beliefs.
The discussion touches on the limitations of traditional pain assessment methods, such as asking individuals to rate their pain on a scale of 0 to 10. Brian emphasises the complexity of pain and the need for a more sophisticated approach to capture the multifaceted nature of individuals' experiences with pain.
Looking ahead, Brian discusses the evolving nature of network analysis in pain science education and its potential to revolutionise how clinicians tailor educational interventions. The conversation hints at the possibility of a more efficient and targeted approach to address conceptual barriers to recovery through identifying key elements in patients' understanding of pain.
 
Brian Pulling is a PhD candidate in health science in the Persistent Pain Research Group at the University of South Australia with a focus on educational theory and innovative psychometrics. His research aims to improve treatments for persistent pain by giving researchers and clinicians more comprehensive assessment tools to understand how people think about their own health. His work uses complex data models such as network analysis. Brian's most recent publication is available here, and presents the first of several phases in the development of a new questionnaire about how people conceptualise osteoarthritis [https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0286114].
You can get in touch with Brian at brianwpulling@gmail.com
 

Episode 8: Understanding pain and concepts of pain with Brian Pulling

Pain Matters Episode 8 features hosts Lorimer Moseley and Bart van Buchem interviewing their guest, Brian Pulling. Brian, an American researcher finishing his PhD, shares insights into a research project focused on understanding how individuals think about pain, specifically in the context of osteoarthritis. The episode delves into the development of a questionnaire to explore people's conceptualizations of osteoarthritis pain. Brian emphasizes the importance of face validity in questionnaire development and shares insights from cognitive interviews, highlighting diverse perspectives on pain. The conversation, hosted by Lorimer Moseley and Bart van Buchem, provides valuable insights into the complexities of understanding and measuring pain experiences.
 
Brian Pulling is a PhD candidate in health science in the Persistent Pain Research Group at the University of South Australia with a focus on educational theory and innovative psychometrics. His research aims to improve treatments for persistent pain by giving researchers and clinicians more comprehensive assessment tools to understand how people think about their own health. His work uses complex data models such as network analysis. Brian's most recent publication is available here, and presents the first of several phases in the development of a new questionnaire about how people conceptualise osteoarthritis [https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0286114]. You can get in touch with Brian at brianwpulling@gmail.com

Episode 7: Decoding Clinical Patterns

Welcome back to another insightful episode of "Pain Matters" with Lorimer Moseley! In this follow-up episode, we're delving deeper into Pain Hyper Sensitivity, building on the thought-provoking discussions from our previous installment that sparked numerous reactions and questions from our engaged audience at mail@mastersessions.academy.
Join us as we explore the clinical presentations and diagnostic properties related to Pain Hyper Sensitivity. Lorimer sheds light on the examination process and provides explanations that aim to demystify this complex topic. Recognizing the need for clinicians to identify patterns, Lorimer emphasizes the importance of initiating conversations, not just through words but also by employing experiential learning strategies.
Ever wondered how to effectively convey these concepts to your patients? Lorimer shares insights on what works, what doesn't, and the significance of understanding these nuances in patient care. As we approach the end of the year, let's reflect together and gather inspiration to fuel ourselves for a promising 2024.
Wishing you all happy holidays, and we can't wait to continue exploring exciting topics with you in the coming year. Stay tuned and keep the curiosity alive!
 
Check our website for early bird tickets - A two-day LIVE course in York (UK) on 14 and 15 June 2024

Episode 6: Painsystem Hypersensitivity

Welcome to a new episode of the Pain Matters Podcast, where we dive into the intricate world of pain science with leading expert Professor Lorimer Moseley to explore the concept of pain system hypersensitivity.
In our journey through the realms of pain, we encounter terminology that seeks to capture the essence of patients' experiences. One such term, "pain system hypersensitivity," emerges from a meticulous study where patients themselves were asked to articulate their ongoing pain states. In this episode, we unravel the significance of this term, delving into its connections with primary and secondary hyperalgesia, as well as allodynia.
The introduction of "pain system hypersensitivity" stems from a profound understanding of patients' perspectives and preferences. As we navigate through this discussion, we will explore how this term reflects the lived experiences of individuals grappling with persistent pain.
Interestingly, alternatives like "nociplastic pain" and "oversensitivity" were considered but did not resonate with the patients. Our exploration today aims to shed light on the intricacies of pain system hypersensitivity, offering insights that could reshape our understanding of chronic pain and guide us towards more empathetic and effective approaches to pain management.
So, join us on this enlightening journey with Professor Lorimer Moseley as we delve into the nuanced world of pain system hypersensitivity on the Pain Matters Podcast.

Episode 5: Some great questions from our listeners

Welcome to this episode where we delve into the intriguing questions posed by our listeners across the globe, ranging from professionals in the pain field to individuals with firsthand experiences. The overwhelming response reflects a shared curiosity about the complexities of pain.
In response to Jerry's query, which stems from the challenge of introducing pain education to chronic pain patients resistant to the idea, Lorimer takes a comprehensive approach. Drawing from his wealth of experience, he provides insightful advice on navigating patients stuck in the belief that their pain can be fixed with a tangible solution, such as a misaligned hip.
Klodeta, expressing gratitude for the impact of Lorimer's book on her pain management journey, raises a pertinent concern about the potential permanence of post-surgery pain. Lorimer sheds light on the intricate interplay between physical sensations and the brain's interpretation, exploring the possibility of the brain influencing pain perception even after the source has been addressed surgically.
Lastly, Christine raises a thought-provoking question about the basis for claims in pain education, highlighting the absence of Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) supporting its efficacy over empathetic support alone. Lorimer delves into the ethical considerations, addressing concerns about potentially gaslighting patients by attributing their suffering solely to their thoughts.
Join us as Lorimer unpacks these questions with depth and nuance, providing valuable insights into the multifaceted realm of pain and its management.
 
Feel free to reach out and connect with us; we welcome your thoughts and inquiries at mail@mastersessions.academy . We look forward to hearing from you!

Episode 4: Central Sensitization

We apologize for the inconvenience caused due to some audio issues in the first uploaded episode. We have fixed the problems, so you can now listen to the relaunched episode without any unexpected volume differences. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Did we get lost in translation with Central Sensitization?
Professor Lorimer Moseley dives into the history and today's implications of this important scientific finding. 
 
- Introduction to Central Sensitization: The podcast episode delves into the concept of Central Sensitization and its impact on pain research and education. It's discussed as a significant shift in understanding pain mechanisms.
- Historical Context: Clifford Woolf is mentioned as a significant figure in identifying the changes in sensitivity within the central nervous system, sparking extensive research to understand the mechanisms behind it.
- Challenges in Terminology and Definition: There's a discussion about the terminology challenges and conflation between physiological events and clinical labels regarding Central Sensitization. The debate revolves around its definition and how it's observed in humans, with attempts made in brain imaging to comprehend its effects.
- Complexity of Pain Perception: The discussion highlights the complexity of pain perception, mentioning that the idea of specific labelled neurons in the 'pain pathway' (nociceptive pathways) might not hold true due to the intricacies of the nervous system and individual variability in response to stimuli.
- Evolution of Understanding Pain: The talk explores the evolution in understanding pain, moving towards concepts like neuroimmune networks and the acknowledgement of the limitations of defining Central Sensitization, leading to the consideration of new terms such as nociplastic pain for clinical findings.