DiscoverHeal with Grace72. Healing Chronic Pain as an Athlete with Charlie Merrill
72. Healing Chronic Pain as an Athlete with Charlie Merrill

72. Healing Chronic Pain as an Athlete with Charlie Merrill

Update: 2025-05-13
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In this episode, Grace welcomes Boulder-based physical therapist Charlie Merrill for a deep dive into how chronic pain shows up in athletes—and why it’s often misunderstood. They unpack the science behind pain, how emotional stress plays a role, and what it really takes to heal.

Covered in this episode:

  • Why athletes are often overlooked in chronic pain treatment
  • How Charlie shifted from traditional PT to a mind-body approach
  • The brain’s role in interpreting pain (hint: it’s not all about injury)
  • Why MRI results can create fear—even when they don’t match symptoms
  • How identity and perfectionism play into athletic pain
  • What “sacred symptoms” are and how pain can guide deeper insight
  • Tips for reconnecting to joy and movement without fear

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72. Healing Chronic Pain as an Athlete with Charlie Merrill

72. Healing Chronic Pain as an Athlete with Charlie Merrill

Grace Secker