Pain Science Podcast

Dr. Joe Tatta

The Pain Science podcast discusses science-backed solutions for chronic pain. Learn how to use the brain, body, mind, and behavior for pain relief and improve both physical and mental well-being. Hosted by Dr. Joe Tatta, a physical therapist and CEO of the Integrative Pain Science Institute, the podcast features a wide range of topics, including pain neuroscience, physical therapy, psychology, exercise, health, and wellness.

Work from the Integrative Pain Science Institute has been published in top journals, including Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Journal and the Journal of Physiotherapy in Mental Health. Dr. Joe Tatta is widely recognized for his contributions to pain science and mental health physical therapy. He developed PRISM—Pain Recovery and Integrative Systems Model, a process-based cognitive-behavioral approach for physical therapy; Pain Resilience Therapy, a strengths-based approach to treating chronic pain; and the Mental Health Physical Therapist Certification Program.

Join The Pain Science podcast to discover ways to reduce pain and expand your professional toolkit. Learn more at: https://integrativepainscienceinstitute.com/

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Monday · 52 min
Creating Wellness Retreats that Transform Physical Therapists with Mai Huong Ho-Tran PT, DPT
Most physical therapists are taught to treat pain. Dr. Mai Huong Ho-Tran treats the whole person a shift that changes everything. In this conversation, we explore how experiential learning, mindful movement, and whole-person care can transform pain rehabilitation. Mai shares her Whole Health Framework, integrating breathwork, movement, behavior change, emotional intelligence, and provider wellness. We discuss her concept of an authentic appraisal, which expands the traditional orthopedic exam to consider adversity, emotional health, and clinician well-being. Mai Huong also opens up about burnout, compassion fatigue, authenticity, and the importance of keeping the healer well. She shares lessons from her Mount Madonna retreat and practices including Tai Chi, yoga, Pilates, and Feldenkrais. For clinicians seeking more effective, sustainable, human-centered care, this conversation offers a different way forward. Learn more at: holistichealthpt.com. Visit integrativepainscienceinstitute.com for CEU training in integrative, psychologically informed care for physical therapists and other practitioners. Thank you for listening, Joe Tatta, PT, DPT
August 24 · 41 min
How This Physical Therapist Built a Trauma Practice with Gina Calderone, PT, DPT
Physical therapists are rapidly expanding into mental and behavioral health care—and creating new models of practice that address the powerful connection between physical health, emotional wellbeing, and trauma. Dr. Gina Calderone, PT, DPT, shares how she built a cash-based physical therapy practice at the intersection of mind-body care and trauma-informed practice. We explore Gina's career path from fast-paced outpatient physical therapy to building a cash-based, integrative practice—and how that evolution ultimately led her to develop her own approach, Physioenergetic Therapy®. Along the way, Gina explains why she has increasingly focused her work on adolescents and young adults, including her Gen Zen retreats designed to support the mental and emotional wellbeing of younger generations. We explore the impact of trauma, bullying, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and chronic stress, as well as the important role nervous system regulation can play in both physical and emotional health. We also discuss what happens when emotional pain begins to show up in the body as physical symptoms—and why clinicians may need to look beyond a purely biomechanical model when symptoms cannot be fully explained by tissues, joints, muscles, or movement alone. This conversation is especially relevant for physical therapists and other healthcare professionals interested in mental health, trauma-informed care, mind-body approaches, and developing innovative models of practice. It also offers an inside look at how one physical therapist moved beyond a traditional practice model, identified the population she most wanted to serve, and built a cash-based practice around an approach that reflects her clinical interests and values. For physical therapists wondering what it can look like to build a career—and a practice—at the intersection of physical therapy, mental health, and trauma care, Gina's story offers an important example of where the profession is heading. To learn more about Dr. Gina Calderone and her work, visit: https://www.drginacalderone.com/ Visit integrativepainscienceinstitute.com for CEU training in integrative, psychologically informed care for physical therapists and other practitioners. Thank you for listening, Joe Tatta, PT, DPT
August 17 · 45 min
Reinventing Physical Therapy for Hypermobility Care with Erin Carr, PT, DPT
Most PTs are taught to move fast. Dr. Erin Carr built her practice by slowing down, and that shift changed everything. In this conversation, Erin Carr, PT, DPT, shares how she grew Beyond Integrative PT from $3,000 in savings into a cash-based concierge practice in Santa Monica, California. She explains why she focuses on whole-person care for chronic pain and hypermobility, how she blends manual therapy with nutrition and nervous system support, and why patients often need more time, trust, and validation than standard PT allows. We also discuss her journey into online care and the development of the Hypermobility Roadmap, her online membership for patients who need practical tools, education, and community. To learn more, visit: https://beyondintegrativept.com/ Visit integrativepainscienceinstitute.com for CEU training in integrative, psychologically informed care for physical therapists and other practitioners. Thank you for listening, Joe Tatta, PT, DPT
June 15 · 31 min
Manual Therapy Through a Pain Science Lens: What's Really Happening with Damian Keter PT, DPT, PhD
What actually happens in a patient's brain and body when you perform manual therapy? The answer may surprise you and change how you practice. In this episode, Joe Tatta, PT, DPT, sits down with Damian Keter, PT, DPT, PhD, a researcher whose clinical career led him to question the foundational explanations behind one of physical therapy's most widely used interventions. Damian breaks down what a "treatment mechanism" actually means, a term frequently misused in the literature, and shares findings from his systematic review on the mechanisms associated with manual therapy. The evidence reveals significant gaps: low-quality research, poor translational understanding, and the persistent influence of contextual factors that have nothing to do with the technique itself. Perhaps most provocatively, Damian addresses whether clinicians truly understand that manual therapy is no longer doing what we once thought,-realigning spines, correcting tissue abnormalities, or fixing structural problems. With wide variability across professions, training backgrounds, and regions, false ideologies continue to circulate and undermine the credibility of evidence-based practitioners. The good news? Understanding manual therapy through a mechanistic lens opens the door to smarter, more patient-centered practice. One where expectations, context, and the individual in front of you matter more than the technique you choose. Visit integrativepainscienceinstitute.com for CEU training in integrative, psychologically informed care for physical therapists and other practitioners. Thank you for listening, Joe Tatta, PT, DPT
April 28 · 1 hr
Yoga, Pain Science, and Physical Therapy with Sherry Brourman, PT, C-IAYT
In this episode of the Pain Science Podcast, physical therapist Sherry Browerman discusses the intersection of yoga, physical therapy, and pain science. Sherry shares her journey of integrating these disciplines over 50 years, starting from her early experiences as an ice skater. They discuss how yoga and physical therapy can complement each other in understanding and managing pain. The conversation highlights the role of self-image and beliefs in movement and pain perception, emphasizing the importance of self-compassion and empowerment. Sherry also discusses how interoception, exteroception, and proprioception shape one's perception of movement and pain. Sherry's book, "From Bodily Knowledge to Intuitive Movement," serves as a foundation for exploring how these practices can lead to holistic healing and improved well-being. Visit integrativepainscienceinstitute.com for CEU training in integrative, psychologically informed care for physical therapists and other practitioners. Thank you for listening, Joe Tatta, PT, DPT
April 13 · 34 min
Inside Physiotherapy's Mental Health Journal with Moisés Magos, Physiotherapist
In this episode, we explore the growing integration of mental health into physical therapy with Moisés Magos, a physiotherapist and founder of the Journal of Physiotherapy in Mental Health. Drawing on over a decade of experience working with vulnerable populations—including individuals impacted by trauma, addiction, and displacement—Moisés shares the clinical and systemic gaps that led to the creation of the journal. The conversation highlights a critical shift in the profession: recognizing that mental health is not separate from physical rehabilitation, but deeply intertwined with patient outcomes. We discuss how traditional biomedical models often fall short in addressing the complexity of chronic pain and recovery, and why a more holistic, biopsychosocial approach is essential for modern practice. Moisés offers a compelling perspective on the unique role physical therapists play in mental health care, emphasizing the power of movement, embodiment, and therapeutic alliance as tools for psychological and physical healing. He also explains how the journal serves as a global platform to elevate research, amplify diverse voices, and foster international collaboration across disciplines. Learn more about the Journal of Physiotherapy in Mental Health here https://jptmh.com/index.php/jptmh/index Visit integrativepainscienceinstitute.com for CEU training in integrative, psychologically informed care for physical therapists and other practitioners. Thank you for listening, Joe Tatta, PT, DPT
March 30 · 42 min
How Diagnostic Labels Shape Pain with Stephen Martin, PT, MSc
In this episode, we explore how the words clinicians use to diagnose musculoskeletal pain can profoundly shape patient beliefs, behaviors, and clinical outcomes. Joined by Stephen Martin, PT, MSc, Senior Lecturer in Physiotherapy at the University of Winchester and PhD researcher on diagnostic language, we unpack emerging evidence showing that diagnostic labels are not neutral—they can act as powerful psychological signals that influence fear, recovery expectations, and even decisions around imaging and surgery. We discuss why multiple labels are often used for the same condition and how this inconsistency creates confusion for both clinicians and patients. The conversation dives into the tension between specific and non-specific diagnoses—where specific labels may validate pain but increase fear and medicalization, while non-specific labels may support recovery but reduce patient satisfaction. A central theme is whether the label itself matters most, or the explanation that surrounds it, with growing evidence suggesting that how a diagnosis is communicated may be more impactful than the label alone. You'll walk away with practical, evidence-informed insights on how to communicate diagnoses more effectively, reduce unintended harm, and support better outcomes in people living with pain. Visit integrativepainscienceinstitute.com for CEU training in integrative, psychologically informed care for physical therapists and other practitioners. Thank you for listening, Joe Tatta, PT, DPT
March 16 · 43 min
How To Measure Pain Beliefs with Roland Reezigt, PT, PhD(c)
In this episode of the Pain Science Podcast, we explore a key question in modern pain care: how do we measure whether pain science education actually changes the way people think about pain? Pain researcher and physiotherapist Roland Reezigt, PT, PhD(c) joins us to discuss the best way to measure pain beliefs and how to assess conceptual change after Pain Science Education. The conversation highlights the shift from simply delivering pain information to facilitating true reconceptualization of pain. We discuss the difference between pain knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes—and why conceptual change, not just learning facts, is the real goal of pain education. Reezigt also raises an important challenge: many commonly used questionnaires may not clearly measure what clinicians think they measure. For physical therapists, we explore which assessment tools are practical in busy clinical settings and how shifts in pain understanding translate into outcomes like reduced fear, greater self-efficacy, and meaningful behavior change. Visit integrativepainscienceinstitute.com for CEU training in psychologically informed pain care for physical therapists and other practitioners. Thank you for listening, Joe Tatta, PT, DPT
March 9 · 40 min
Primary Care Physical Therapy with Justin Carrier, PT, DPT
In this episode, Justin Carrier, PT, DPT, explores what "Primary Care Physical Therapy" truly means and why it represents a pivotal shift for the profession. Rather than functioning solely within a referral-based model, primary care physical therapy positions physical therapists as primary care providers for neuromusculoskeletal conditions—capable of evaluation, assessment, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and management without unnecessary gatekeeping. This model improves timely access, reduces downstream costs, and aligns care with evidence showing that early conservative management leads to better outcomes. A central focus of the discussion is APTA Utah's recent legislative victory, which formally strengthened the role of physical therapists as primary care providers. The change removed key barriers that previously limited autonomous practice, allowing patients more direct access to PT services and clarifying the PT's role within the healthcare system. The legislation addressed real problems: delays in care, increased healthcare spending, and unnecessary reliance on imaging, opioids, or specialist referrals for common musculoskeletal issues. Visit integrativepainscienceinstitute.com for CEU training in psychologically informed pain care for physical therapists and other practitioners. Thank you for listening, Joe Tatta, PT, DPT Founder, Integrative Pain Science Institute
February 23 · 56 min
How Physical Therapists Became Treating Physicians in Montana with Emily Herndon, PT, DPT
Emily Herndon, PT, DPT, shares her inspiring journey of how Montana physical therapists became recognized as primary care providers, influencing legislation and expanding the scope of practice. Discover strategies for advocacy, legislative success, and transforming physical therapy into a true primary care profession. Visit integrativepainscienceinstitute.com for CEU training in psychologically informed pain care for physical therapists and other practitioners. Thank you for listening, Joe Tatta, PT, DPT CEO, Integrative Pain Science Institute
February 2 · 35 min
Physical Therapists Managing Mental Health With Mary Beth Osborne, PT, DPT
In this episode of the Pain Science Podcast, Dr. Mary Beth Osborne discusses the integration of mental health into physical therapy practice. She shares her personal experiences with suicide in her family, which have shaped her commitment to addressing mental health issues in her work. The conversation explores the importance of screening for mental health conditions, the role of physical therapists in providing holistic care, and the evolution of the PT Cares clinic at the University of Connecticut. Dr. Osborne emphasizes the need for physical therapists to be proactive in addressing mental health and the barriers that currently exist in the healthcare system. Visit integrativepainscienceinstitute.com for CEU training on psychologically-informed pain care for physical therapists and other practitioners. Thank you for listening, Joe Tatta, PT, DPT CEO, Integrative Pain Science Institute
January 26 · 10 min
APTA Expands PT Mental Health Role
In this episode, Dr. Joe Tatta discusses the recent policy changes by the American Physical Therapy Association regarding the role of physical therapists in behavioral and mental health. He emphasizes the importance of this policy in legitimizing the role of physical therapists in addressing mental health issues, moving from mere acknowledgment to active inclusion in practice. The discussion covers the historical context of these policies, the implications for physical therapy education and practice, and the ethical responsibilities that come with this expanded scope. Dr. Tatta highlights the need for competence and the importance of viewing physical therapists as whole health clinicians capable of integrating mental health into their practice. Visit integrativepainscienceinstitute.com for CEU training on integrative, psychologically-informed pain care for physical therapists and other practitioners. Thank you for listening, Joe Tatta, PT, DPT CEO, Integrative Pain Science Institute
January 19 · 58 min
Nutrition, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and the New Food Pyramid with Sara Brown, PT, DPT, MS
In this episode of the Pain Science Podcast, Joe Tatta, PT, DPT, welcomes Sarah Brown, PT, DPT, MS a doctor of physical therapy and nutritionist, to discuss the intricate relationship between food, the immune system, and chronic joint pain, particularly focusing on rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Dr. Brown shares her unique journey from physical therapy to nutrition, emphasizing the importance of combining movement and dietary changes to manage chronic pain effectively. They delve into the impact of diet on inflammation and pain, highlighting the significance of the Mediterranean diet and the potential benefits of an elimination diet for those suffering from RA. The conversation also explores the pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis, including genetic and environmental triggers, and the role of gut health in managing inflammation. Dr. Brown explains how lifestyle factors such as diet, stress, and sleep can influence the immune response and overall health. The episode concludes with practical advice on dietary changes, the importance of understanding food's role in health, and the potential of supplements like omega-3 fatty acids, curcumin, and resveratrol in alleviating symptoms of RA. This insightful discussion aims to empower listeners with knowledge and practical strategies to improve their health through nutrition and lifestyle adjustments. Visit integrativepainscienceinstitute.com for CEU training on integrative, psychologically-informed pain care for physical therapists and other practitioners. Thank you for listening, Joe Tatta, PT, DPT CEO, Integrative Pain Science Institute
January 5 · 46 min
Delivering Community Pain Care with Sharna Prasad, PT, DPT
In this episode of the Pain Science Podcast, Joe Tatta, PT, DPT, interviews Sharna Prasad, PT, DPT, about her journey from India to the U.S. and her experiences in pain management. They discuss the cultural influences on pain perception, the importance of understanding social determinants of health, and the need for a shift in physical therapy education. Dr. Prasad shares her insights on community empowerment, the development of pain education curricula, and the challenges faced in implementing new pain care models. Visit integrativepainscienceinstitute.com for CEU training on integrative, psychologically-informed pain care for physical therapists and other practitioners. Thank you for listening, Joe Tatta, PT, DPT CEO, Integrative Pain Science Institute
Sep 16, 2025 · 42 min
Treating Anxiety, Dizziness and Pain with Sarah Conover, PT, MHS, CHC
In this episode, Joe Tatta, PT, DPT, speaks with Sarah Conover, PT, MHS, CHC, a vestibular therapist with a background in treating conditions related to anxiety, dizziness, and pain. Sarah shared her journey, starting from her early career in the late 1980s, working in acute neuro care, to her current practice, which focuses on chronic vestibular issues. She highlighted the evolution of vestibular therapy and the increasing recognition of conditions like vestibular migraine, 3PD (persistent postural perceptual dizziness), and Mal de Débarquement syndrome. We delved into the intricate connections between the vestibular system and mental health, discussing how dizziness can trigger anxiety and other autonomic responses due to the close interplay between the vestibular system, the autonomic nervous system, and brain structures like the amygdala and hypothalamus. Sarah emphasized the importance of a holistic approach in treatment, incorporating mindfulness and acceptance-based strategies to help patients manage their symptoms. Sarah also shared her personal journey with anxiety and how it has influenced her practice. She employs a range of tools, including mindfulness practices, thought reframing, and expressive writing, to assist her patients in developing a sense of safety and acceptance regarding their symptoms. We also touched on the role of spirituality in healing, with Sarah explaining how she gently explores this aspect with her patients to support their overall well-being. To learn more about Sarah's work, visit her at dizzycoach.com Visit integrativepainscienceinstitute.com for more information and CEU courses on pain and mental health for physical therapists. Thank you for listening, Joe Tatta, PT, DPT CEO, Integrative Pain Science Institute
Sep 1, 2025 · 34 min
Integrating Mental Health and Pain Science into the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
In this episode, Joe Tatta, PT, DPT, speaks with Dr. Sarah Case-Morris, assistant professor at the University of Michigan–Flint, to explore how mental health, pain science, and health and wellness promotion are being woven into the Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Dr. Case-Morris shares her inspiring journey from teaching assistant to shaping the next generation of PTs, and we dive into her research on how early-career therapists—trained in the biopsychosocial model—approach pain and mental health differently than those rooted in a more traditional biomedical lens. We also talk about the real-world challenges of implementing clinical practice guidelines, especially when it comes to screening for psychosocial risk factors in back pain. Sarah gives us a behind-the-scenes look at how she's integrating pain science, mental health, and health and wellness into her teaching—right as CAPTE requirements are evolving to highlight the mental, psychological, and emotional dimensions of health. This is an important conversation about the future of physical therapy education and how preparing students with a whole-person approach can change the way we care for individuals and communities. For more information, visit integrativepainscienceinstitute.com For CEU courses on pain and mental health, visit integrativepainscienceinstitute.com/course/ Thank you for listening, Joe Tatta, PT, DPT CEO, Integrative Pain Science Institute
Mar 18, 2025 · 38 min
The Power of Walking to Prevent Low Back Pain with Tash Pocovi, PhD
In this episode, Joe Tatta, PT, DPT, speaks with physiotherapist and researcher Tash Pocovi, PhD about her groundbreaking study in the Lancet on the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of an individualized, progressive walking and education intervention for the prevention of low back pain recurrence. The trial, known as the Walk Back Trial, involved 24 physiotherapists across Australia who delivered an individualized and progressive walking program along with education. The participants, who were mostly sedentary, were given walking prescriptions tailored to their current activity levels, age, BMI, and comorbidities. The goal was to gradually increase their walking to 30 minutes most days of the week over six months. The results were promising, showing a relative risk reduction in low back pain recurrences and a reduction in care-seeking episodes. This has significant implications for both individual health and healthcare system burdens, highlighting the potential of simple interventions like walking combined with education. Dr. Pocovi also discussed the cost-effectiveness of the intervention, noting that it was highly likely to be cost-effective based on willingness-to-pay thresholds. The biggest savings were seen in reduced work absenteeism. For more information, please visit integrativepainscienceinstitute.com For CEU courses, please visit integrativepainscienceinstitute.com/course/ Love the show? Please subscribe, rate, and review. Thank you for listening, Joe Tatta, PT, DPT CEO, Integrative Pain Science Institute
Feb 22, 2025 · 55 min
Webinar: Help Your Patients Achieve Nutrition Goals to Manage Pain with Rose Pignataro, PT, DPT, PhD
In this special webinar episode, Joe Tatta, PT, DPT, and Rose Pignataro, PT, DPT, PhD, FAPTA, a leading researcher and physical therapist specializing in health behavior change, discuss how healthy eating can relieve chronic pain. They also discuss strategies to help patients adhere to and sustain nutritional changes. For more information, please visit integrativepainscienceinstitute.com For CEU courses, please visit https://integrativepainscienceinstitute.com/course/ Love the show? Please subscribe, rate, and review. Thank you for listening. Joe Tatta, PT, DPT CEO Integrative Pain Science Institute
Feb 10, 2025 · 57 min
TARGETing Back Pain with Psychologically-Informed Physical Therapy with Anthony Delitto, PT, PhD, FAPTA
In this episode, Joe Tatta, PT, DPT speaks with Anthony Delitto, PT, PhD, FAPTA a leading researcher in musculoskeletal pain, with over 100 peer-reviewed publications and a career dedicated to improving pain care. Dr. Delitto led the groundbreaking TARGET Trial, a $13-million PCORI-funded study investigating how early intervention with physical therapy—specifically, psychologically-informed physical therapy—can prevent acute low back pain from becoming chronic. In this episode, we dive into the findings of the TARGET Trial, how primary care providers can be trained to recognize risk factors for persistent pain, and why timely referral to physical therapy matters. We also discuss the critical role of physical therapists as primary care providers, the broader impact of poorly managed pain—including the overuse of opioids, unnecessary imaging, and low-value care—and what all of this means for patients, healthcare systems, and employers. For more information, please visit integrativepainscienceinstitute.com For CEU courses, please visit https://integrativepainscienceinstitute.com/course/ Love the show? Please subscribe, rate, and review. Thank you for listening, Joe Tatta, PT, DPT CEO Integrative Pain Science Institute
Jan 14, 2025 · 1 hr 17 min
Webinar: Mental Health Physical Therapy with Joe Tatta, PT, DPT and Jeremy Fletcher, PT, DPT
In this episode, Joe Tatta, PT, DPT, and Jeremy Fletcher, PT, DPT present a webinar on the mental health physical therapist and the role of physical therapy in mental health. This webinar covers many topics, including: The role of the physical therapist in mental and behavioral health. Opportunities for physical therapy professionals to work in mental and behavioral health. Suggested education and training in mental health physical therapy. For CEU courses and the Mental Health Physical Therapist Certification, please visit integrativepainscienceinstitute.com/course Love the show? Please subscribe, rate, and review. Thank you for listening, Joe Tatta, PT, DPT

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