This week I spoke to physiotherapist and PhD candidate Mac Hall about his practical tips for clinicians working with people with persistent pain. We also talked about the findings of his PhD investigating mechanisms of pain in people with chronic low back pain. Thanks Mac for a great conversation.

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In this episode

0:00 About this episode

1:05 Mac’s background, interests and clinical experience

4:06 What is pain?

4:35 Why do we experience pain?

6:17 What is persistent pain?

7:55 Why do some people have all the contributing factors for persistent pain, but they don’t get it?

12:00 Tips for working with people with pain: Listen to people, treat the person as a person,  

15:00 What assessments do you do with people with persistent pain?

17:50 Tips for explaining pain to people and neurological mechanisms

20:30 The connection between childhood trauma and persistent pain

24:45 How do you ask people about childhood trauma?

27:57 Tips for new graduate practitioners working with people with pain

34:00 The role of exercise

37:06 Mac’s PhD investigating neurological mechanisms in people with low back pain

45:18 Final thoughts – develop good rapport with your patients, listen to people, value what they are saying, go with what works for each person

This is a discussion aimed at health professionals and health professional students. Always seek the guidance of a qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition.

Mac’s clinical profile: https://www.physiocentre.com.au/team/mac-hall/

Connect with Mac on Twitter:  https://twitter.com/machall2110

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Always seek the guidance of a qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition.