From Physiotherapist to Patient: Mindfulness, Acceptance and Integrative Approaches to Chronic Pain
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This podcast is for educational purposes only. The views expressed do not constitute medical advice and are general in nature. You should obtain specific advice from a qualified health professional before acting on any information within this podcast.
From Physiotherapist to Patient
In 2017, Ray had been working as a physiotherapist for around six or seven years. He began feeling burnt out from his demanding work schedule, which involved six to seven days a week in both private practice and sports. Ray decided to take a solo, three-month trip around Asia for some well-needed rest. However, a month into the trip, he was involved in a serious bike accident in Northern Thailand.
Ray doesn’t remember the accident itself, only waking up to find people around him. After being stitched up in a local hospital, he was sent by ambulance to a larger hospital in Chiang Mai. In the days that followed, he discovered the extent of his injuries, including a large gash on his leg, fractured ribs, a broken collarbone, and a punctured lung. The most concerning injury was to his arm, where he had damaged his brachial plexus—a nerve group connecting the neck to the arm. Immediately after the accident, Ray had no movement in his right arm, and a wave of numbness rushed through it.
After being in the hospital for over a month in Thailand and then returning to Sydney, Ray saw specialists who told him that if the arm didn’t recover in the next few months, he’d need surgery. Five months later, after seeing no improvement, Ray underwent surgery to repair the nerve damage. The recovery process was slow, with nerve transfers done to reconnect the damaged nerves. The doctors warned him that the success of the surgery wouldn’t be evident until six months later. Following the surgery, Ray was able to regain some movement in his arm but still lacks some function, making tasks like typing and writing very difficult.
The Importance of Mindfulness and Mediation for Chronic Pain
Ray found that mindfulness and meditation were powerful tools in helping him manage pain. Mindfulness involves being present in the moment and paying attention to sensory experiences—whether through meditation or everyday activities. For Ray, it was less about eliminating pain and more about reducing the psychological suffering that comes with it. By practicing mindfulness, he gained a renewed sense of purpose and a safer, more compassionate relationship with his body.
Integrative Physiotherapy
Ray’s experience with chronic pain has shaped the way he practices. Ray is an integrative physiotherapist, incorporating elements from various disciplines. He has training in psychology, mindfulness, and nutrition, and has been inspired by leaders in the field such as Dr. Joe Tatta, a pioneer in integrative therapy. His work has greatly influenced how Ray approaches pain management, especially in the context of persistent pain.
The key to integrative physiotherapy is understanding that pain is not just a physical experience. It is deeply connected to emotional, psychological, and lifestyle factors. Research increasingly supports the idea that effective pain management requires a multidisciplinary approach. Traditional biomedical models often focus solely on the physical body, but pain is much more complex.
By addressing the whole person—mind and body—integrative physiotherapy aims to create long-term, sustainable relief. This holistic approach is the future of pain management, focusing on empowerment and self-management. It’s about treating patients as individuals, considering all aspects of their health, and offering evidence-based, personalised care.
Telehealth for Chronic Pain
Ray believes Telehealth is a great option for people with chronic pain, allowing them to manage their conditions from the comfort of their own home. Telehealth allows Ray to use his skill set without the pressure of providing manual therapy. It empowers patients, giving them control over their healing process. He advocates for self-management and focuses on guiding patients to awaken their inner healer rather than simply offering short-term pain relief through hands-on treatment.
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