In this episode, Dr. Ryan Peebles, Doctor of Physical Therapy and founder of Core Balance Training, explores one of the most misunderstood aspects of recovery, the psychology of pain. He breaks down how pain is not just a signal from the body, but an experience created in the brain, influenced by beliefs, emotions, and learned neural patterns. Drawing from neuroscience and the work of Dr. John Sarno and Lorimer Moseley, he explains central sensitization and how learning, awareness, and gentle movement can rewire your brain to reduce pain sensitivity. You’ll learn why chronic pain isn’t always a sign of damage, how to “de-threaten” pain through understanding, and how to use knowledge as medicine.

This episode covers:

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  How the brain creates and amplifies pain signals

  
  


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  Central sensitization: why chronic pain persists after healing

  
  


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  The difference between acute pain and learned pain

  
  


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  Why pain does not always mean tissue damage

  
  


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  How emotions, beliefs, and stress influence pain sensitivity

  
  


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  Learning as therapy: how understanding pain changes the brain

  
  


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  The power of awareness and knowledge to calm the nervous system

  
  


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  Practical steps to move safely despite pain

  
  


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  Q&A: hamstring cramping during the bridge exercise

  
  


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  Q&A: cycling posture and back pain prevention

  
  


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  Q&A: driving ergonomics and gentle core activation

  
  


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  Q&A: best sleeping positions for spinal alignment

  
  

Watch the free Core Balance Masterclass and start your 7-day free trial to experience the Back Anchor lesson firsthand and begin retraining your movement patterns from the inside out: https://www.corebalancetraining.com/masterclass 

Disclaimer: All content is for educational purposes only. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before beginning any exercise or rehabilitation program.

Episode Chapters:

00:00:00 – What is pain really? The brain’s role in perception
00:02:30 – Pain as protection: why it’s created to prevent harm
00:05:00 – Non-tissue factors: emotions, beliefs, personality, and learning
00:07:00 – Central sensitization: how pain pathways become hypersensitive
00:09:00 – When pain persists after healing — and why it spreads
00:11:00 – Learning changes the brain: neuroplasticity and hope for recovery
00:13:00 – Chronic pain vs acute pain: why old signals keep firing
00:15:00 – Empowerment through knowledge: how understanding reduces fear
00:16:30 – Q&A: hamstring cramping during the bridge — what it really means
00:19:00 – Q&A: cycling posture, hip flexors, and “core cycling” tips
00:24:00 – Q&A: driving posture, subtle core activation, and breathing
00:30:00 – Q&A: sleeping positions — what actually matters
00:32:00 – Final thoughts: when pain is real but not harmful
00:35:00 – How to take power back from chronic pain