The Pain Speak podcast is presented by Prof Dr Deepak Ravindran, a Consultant specialising in Pain, 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 including mind body approaches as well as neuromodulation and neuroplasticity enablement. 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.
Site
RSS
Apple
Data updated on 26/09/2026
Recent rankings
Latest chart positions across Apple Podcasts and Spotify rankings.
Shared links between episodes and podcasts
Links found in episode descriptions and other podcasts that share them.
Dr Abrar Hussain is a Consultant Psychiatrist and Fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, specialising in general adult and liaison psychiatry at the interface of physical and psychological health. He has worked with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) for around fifteen years, runs a specialist NHS FND service, is a member of the FND Hope UK Medical Expert Committee, advises the patient-led Neuro-log platform, and served as a Principal Investigator within the national CODES trial for dissociative seizures. He is a newly published author of the book "I can heal - A journey through FND" - Link below
In this episode, I sit down to chat with a good friend and colleague, Abrar with another perspective towards a condition like FND that has pain as one of its main symptoms and where the neuroscience is starting to show lots of similarities with pain. We explore Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), emphasizing the importance of relational, biopsychosocial approaches, validation, and the integration of psychological and neurological care.
keywords
FND, neurological disorder, biopsychosocial, validation, relational psychiatry, trauma, multidisciplinary care, mental health, pain management, patient-centered care
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to FND and its challenges 01:59 Dr. Hussain's background and motivation in FND 04:01 Understanding the holistic approach to FND 06:09 Explaining FND to patients: language and validation 08:06 The concept of sense-making in FND 09:22 Relational psychiatry and its application in FND 11:57 Patient journey and systemic barriers 13:27 Symptoms as expressions of the nervous system 16:00 Screening for trauma and stress in FND patients 20:04 The FND service in Berkshire and multidisciplinary pathways 22:08 Role of primary care and community support 23:56 Overlap between FND and persistent pain 25:55 Mental health comorbidities in FND 27:55 Psychological therapies: CAT and EMDR 31:06 Dr. Hussain's upcoming book on FND 33:02 Resources and online tools for FND awareness 35:00 Final messages and hope for FND patients
Resources
Dr Hussains website https://www.berkshirepsychiatrist.co.uk/
His book: I can heal https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1065401507/ref=asc_df_1065401507?mcid=69c6ea6ec7f338ed939e6cf1831d0efe&th=1&psc=1&tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=799489365597&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=4928001865647588019&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9045969&hvtargid=pla-2503325594760&psc=1&hvocijid=4928001865647588019-1065401507-&hvexpln=0&gad_source=1
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'
In this episode, I interview Professor Peter O'Sullivan about his pioneering work in cognitive functional therapy (CFT) for persistent musculoskeletal pain. We explore the science, philosophy, and clinical application of CFT, emphasizing hope, confidence, and a biopsychosocial approach to pain management.
Peter is a John Curtin Distinguished Professor at the School of Allied Health Sciences at Curtin University, and a practicing Specialist Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist. CFT has demonstrated efficacy in numerous clinical trials, including a recent landmark trial published in The Lancet (restorebackpain.com). With his team he has published more than 372 scientific papers. With his team Peter has developed a social enterprise to support clinician training in cognitive functional therapy called evoolvepaincare.academy.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Peter O'Sullivan and his work 02:18 Peter's journey from traditional physiotherapy to CFT 06:44 The shift from pathology-focused to person-centered care 09:01 Core principles of cognitive functional therapy 12:10 The patient journey and clinical process in CFT 17:30 The importance of time and relationship in effective care 23:07 Key findings from the Restore Trial 26:27 Mediators and moderators of treatment success 28:48 The role of movement and confidence in recovery 36:33 Differentiating CFT from other psychological approaches 44:40 Building clinician skills and confidence in pain management 52:58 Training, implementation, and global dissemination of CFT 01:00:57 The future of pain science and research 01:06:09 Final message of hope and empowerment for patients
In this episode, i got the opportunity to interview a person I hugely admire. He is the person most responsible for putting Functional Neurological Disordeer (FND) on the scientific map. Professor Jon Stone is Professor of Neurology at the University of Edinburgh. Since 1999, he has published over 400 papers, built the world's most widely used patient resource for FND — neurosymptoms.org — and led on international diagnostic criteria.
As you may know, FND is a real, disabling, neurological condition. It affects how the brain processes and generates movement, sensation and — critically for this audience — pain. It is not feigning. It is not malingering. And for many patients, it is treatable.
FND as a neurological condition affecting movement and sensation
The overlap between FND and chronic pain conditions
Diagnostic signs like Hoover sign and tremor entrainment
The neuroimmune and predictive processing models of FND
Multidisciplinary approaches to FND and pain management
Chapters
00:00 Understanding Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) 03:15 The Intersection of FND and Pain 07:44 Defining FND in Modern Medicine 11:28 Clinical Signs and Diagnosis of FND 13:29 FND as a Software Problem 15:52 Prevalence of Chronic Pain in FND Patients 19:08 Mechanisms Behind FND and Pain Overlap 21:10 Reconciling CRPS and FND 23:08 Understanding the Overlap in Pain Conditions 30:26 Predictive Processing and Its Role in FND 35:58 Interdisciplinary Approaches to FND Treatment 43:31 The Role of Pain Physicians in Managing FND46:15 Resources for Learning About FND
Pain Is “Pay Attention I Need”: Exploring Trauma, Touch and Transformation with Rodger Duckworth
In this episode , I sit down with good friend and colleague Rodger Duckworth and explore one of the most fascinating frontiers in pain medicine—the intersection of trauma, touch, physiology, psychology and healing.
Rodger has spent more than three decades evolving from conventional physiotherapy into a practitioner integrating neuroscience, autonomic regulation, body psychotherapy, Somatic Experiencing, EMDR and much more. he is truly one of a kind and his thinking and treatment style reflects that personalised approach.
Some of these ideas may challenge your assumptions. Others may resonate deeply with your own experience. Drop a comment and let us know how this conversation felt to you.
The influence of trauma and past experiences on pain
The role of fascia and fascial therapy in healing
The connection between mind, body, and spirit in health
The importance of therapeutic relationship and trust
The concept of PNIE (psycho-neuro-immuno-endocrinology) and its relevance
The use of touch and neuroaffective touch in therapy
The impact of developmental trauma and early life experiences
The integration of Zen philosophy and mindfulness in healing
The evolving landscape of holistic and integrative medicine
Practical advice for clinicians working with complex trauma and pain
Chapters
00:00 The Complexity of Pain 02:26 Roger Duckworth's Journey in Physiotherapy 06:28 Mind-Body Connection and Personal Healing 09:24 The Mind-Body Dualism Debate 11:33 Understanding the PNIE System 14:30 Somatic Experiencing and Its Relation to PNIE 20:01 Neuroaffective Touch and Therapeutic Touch 29:28 The Importance of Fascia in Health35:48 Manual Therapy: Benefits and Limitations41:49 Creating Safe Spaces for Survivors50:23 The Influence of Zen Philosophy on Healing55:47 Hope for the Future of Integrative Medicine
Beyond Flexibility: Hypermobility, Chronic Pain, Movement and Hope with Jeannie Di Bon
In this episode, I sit down to chat with Jeannie Di Bon—movement therapist, educator, founder of The Zebra Club, author, and creator of the Integral Movement Method. Through both professional expertise and lived experience, she has helped thousands of people rethink movement not as something to fear, but as a pathway towards confidence, resilience and recovery..
When most people think about hypermobility, they imagine someone who's simply very flexible. But for many people, hypermobility comes with persistent pain, fatigue, autonomic symptoms, gastrointestinal problems, anxiety, neurodivergence, repeated injuries, and years of being misunderstood. Today we're exploring a movement that is changing that narrative.
keywords
hypermobility, EDS, Zebra Club, pain management, movement therapy, neurodivergence, chronic pain, patient support, NHS, integrative movement
key topics
Hypermobility and EDS diagnosis journey
The Integral Movement Method and its principles
The role of breath, proprioception, and nervous system regulation
Community support through the Zebra Club
Impact of misconceptions and the importance of early diagnosis
The overlap between hypermobility, neurodivergence, and mental health
Challenges within NHS pathways and the need for integrated care
Research and future directions in hypermobility and pain management
Chapters
00:00 Understanding Hypermobility and Its Challenges 03:01 Jeannie Di Bon's Personal Journey with EDS 05:58 The Birth of the Integral Movement Method 08:55 The Zebra Club: A Community for Hypermobility 12:01 The Role of Education and Awareness in EDS 14:49 The Biopsychosocial Model in Pain Management18:04 Innovative Approaches to Movement Therapy20:56 The Importance of Breath and Proprioception23:52 Challenges in Traditional Rehabilitation for Hypermobility26:57 The Evolving Landscape of EDS Awareness29:58 Future Directions for Hypermobility Care33:38 Fragmentation and Community Support34:45 Hypermobility and Neurodivergence36:41 Understanding Misconceptions in EDS38:46 The Role of Clinicians in EDS Care43:00 Community Collaboration with Clinical Models48:30 Transformative Patient Stories51:34 Future Directions in EDS ResearchResources
Mental Wealth, Trauma and Pain Management: Speaking with Dr Rani Bora
Summary In this episode of Pain Speak, Deepak Ravindran and Dr. Rani Bora explore the concept of mental wealth, emphasizing the importance of cultivating mental health beyond merely reducing symptoms. They discuss the intersection of mental health and chronic pain and the evolving perspectives on mental health treatment.
The conversation delves into the definitions of mental wealth, the mind-body-spirit connection, and the trauma-informed paradigm, while also addressing the challenges of nervous system dysregulation and the impact of medication on mental health.
In this conversation, Rani and Deepak explore the complexities of deprescribing medications, particularly in the context of pain management. They discuss the challenges patients face when trying to come off medications, the role of trauma in pain perception, and the importance of understanding the kindling effect.
Additionally, they touch on the role of spirituality in well-being and the importance of empowering patients in their healing journey.
Takeaways Mental health should focus on cultivating mental wealth, not just symptom reduction. Chronic pain is deeply connected to mental health and trauma.
The conventional approach often focuses on fixing people rather than empowering them. Mental wealth encompasses mind, body, and spirit, not just the mind-body connection. The trauma-informed paradigm shifts the focus from 'what happened to you' to 'what happened inside of you.'
Nervous system dysregulation can manifest in various physical and psychological symptoms. Medication tapering must be approached with caution to avoid dysregulation.
Deprescribing can be challenging, especially for long-term users.
The kindling effect can make withdrawal more difficult for some patients.
Recovery can begin before symptoms fully resolve.
Lifestyle Medicine: Beyond Disease Management with Prof.Sunil Kumar
Summary In this episode of Pain Speak, I speak to Prof. Sunil Kumar and discuss the pressing challenges in healthcare related to long-term conditions and the concept of 'waiting well.' We explore the journey of Dr. Kumar from anesthesia to becoming a thought leader in lifestyle medicine, emphasizing the importance of health capacity, resilience, and social connection. We delved into the significance of prehabilitation in preparing patients for surgery and the need for a shift from compliance to patient ownership in health management.
In this conversation, Sunil discusses the importance of behavior change, autonomy, and motivation in healthcare. He emphasizes the need to address burnout among healthcare professionals, particularly junior doctors, and shares insights on developing resilience through personalized approaches. Sunil advocates for lifestyle medicine as a foundational element in healthcare, aiming for a shift from reactive disease management to proactive health creation. He highlights the significance of auditing one's life and integrating purpose and passion into daily routines to combat burnout and enhance well-being.
Takeaways The growing number of people living with long-term conditions is a significant challenge for healthcare systems. Waiting for treatment can be transformed into an opportunity for building strength and resilience.
Lifestyle medicine is an evidence-based clinical discipline, not just lifestyle advice. Health should be defined as the capacity to live the life you want, not merely the absence of disease. Social connection is a critical determinant of health, with evidence showing its impact on longevity.
Prehabilitation is an underutilized therapeutic window that can improve patient outcomes before surgery. Empowering patients through small, manageable changes can lead to significant health improvements.
Behavior change requires capability, opportunity, and motivation, as outlined in the COM-B model. Lasting change is built on autonomy, competence, and connection.People resist being changed, not change itself.Lifestyle medicine should be a first-line therapy, not an add-on.The future of healthcare should focus on proactive health creation.
Summary In this epsiode of Pain Speak, I host Dr. Karen Wallace to explore the vital connection between work and health, especially in managing chronic pain, mental health, and long-term conditions. They discuss innovative approaches, policy initiatives, and the future of integrated healthcare and employment support systems.
keywords
work and health, chronic pain, occupational medicine, NHS, AI in healthcare, disability support, fit note, mental health, employment, healthcare innovation
Chapters
00:00: The Impact of Chronic Pain on Employment
02:48: Dr. Karen Wallace's Journey in Occupational Medicine
06:06: Understanding Occupational Medicine and Its Role
08:44. The Fit Note: Transition from Sick Note to Fit Note
11:54: The Importance of Work as a Health Outcome
14:55: Navigating the Fit Note Process
18:04: Challenges in the UK Healthcare System
20:56 The Role of Community Support in Employment and Health
23:50 The Interplay of Mental Health and Chronic Pain
27:02 The Long-Term Effects of Economic Inactivity
30:43 Challenges in Returning to Work
32:34: Exciting Developments in Work and Health Integration
34:40: Envisioning an Integrated Work Health Model
38:58: Understanding Chronic Pain in the Workplace
44:01: Supporting Chronic Pain Patients
45:59: The Role of AI in Healthcare
How Understanding Your Body Can Transform Pain Management - A patient journey
In this episode of Pain Speak, I speak to one of my patients, Chantel, who very kindly agrred to share her story. Chantal shares her journey living with persistent neck and back pain, exploring how understanding, targeted interventions, and self-management strategies led to her recovery. This episode highlights the importance of patient responsibility, the role of neuroscience in pain, and practical tips for managing chronic pain.
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.comWellbeing 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 linksLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandramitchellphillipsWebsite - https://www.waystowellness.org.uk
Related Shows Based on Content Similarities
Discover shows related to Pain Speak, based on actual content similarities. Explore podcasts with similar topics, themes, and formats, backed by real data.
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'
For Season 1 and 3: Mixed and edited by Rob Cao at...
Resources
neurosymptoms.org - https://neurosymptoms.org International FND Society - https://fndhope.org FND in chronic pain clinics: 2023 - DOI: 10.1111/ene.15892
CRPS and FND : 2018: Popkirov S, Hoeritzauer i, Colvin L, doi:10.1136/jnnp-2018 318298
Pain and FND 2024 review: Steinruecke M, Mason I, Keen M, et al. J doi:10.1136/jnnp-2023 332810 Migraine and FND 2025 review: https://doi.org/10.1093/braincomms/fcaf288
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'
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'
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'
Dr Rani Bora's Clinic is both online and Brick and mortar and she can be found at https://holisticpsychiatryclinic.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'
For Season 1 and 3: Mixed and edited by Rob Cao at...
Keywords healthcare, lifestyle medicine, prehabilitation, chronic conditions, social connection, patient empowerment, waiting well, health capacity, resilience, behavior change behavior change, autonomy, motivation, burnout, healthcare professionals, junior doctors, resilience, lifestyle medicine, clinician well-being, health systems
Find more about Dr Sunil Kumar at https://drsunilkumar.co.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'
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'
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'
For Season 1 and 3: Mixed and edited by Rob Cao at...
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'
