Are My Thoughts and Feelings Causing My Pain?

In this episode of the Empowered Wellness series, we explore how thoughts, emotions, and past experiences influence physical pain. Our hosts—Deb Timmerman RN, DAIS, HMCT, ARCB, Susie Marsh, LBSW, and Lindsay Vertalka, MSPT discuss the science behind pain perception, the impact of stress and fear, and practical strategies to retrain the brain’s response to pain. Learn how cognitive reframing, movement, and complementary therapies can help you break the pain cycle and reclaim your well-being. 

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Transcript

Podcast Show Notes – Empowered Wellness Series: Episode 4

Title: The Impact of Stress and Anxiety on Pain and Healing

Host: Deb Timmerman, RN, Founder of Less Stress in Life

Co-Hosts: Susie Marsh, LBSW, Professional Organizer, and Lindsay Vertalka, MPT, Physical Therapist

Episode Summary

In this episode of Empowered Wellness, we explore the deep connection between thoughts, emotions, and physical pain. We discuss how pain is not just a physical sensation but also influenced by the brain’s interpretation of threats, past experiences, and emotional states. Our hosts—Deb Timmerman (RN, Board-Certified Reflexologist), Susie Marsh (Licensed Social Worker & Professional Organizer), and Lindsay Bertolka (Master’s-Level Physical Therapist)—break down the science behind pain perception and offer practical strategies to retrain the brain’s response to pain.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The Brain’s Role in Pain Perception – Pain is not just about tissue damage; the brain decides whether a sensation is a threat, which can amplify or reduce pain signals.
• Fear and Emotional Responses to Pain – Anxiety, depression, and stress can intensify pain, creating a vicious cycle. Recognizing and addressing emotional triggers can help break this cycle.
• Real-Life Examples & Case Studies – Personal stories from the hosts and patients on how shifting mindset helped manage pain effectively.
• Mind-Body Techniques for Pain Relief – The power of cognitive reframing, breathwork, guided visualization, and gratitude journaling in rewiring pain perception.
• Complementary Therapies – How modalities like dry needling, acupuncture, reflexology, and laser therapy can assist in pain management.
• The Importance of Movement – Why graded exposure to movement and reframing thoughts about pain can help the body and brain relearn safe movement patterns.

Actionable Takeaways:

• Start observing how your thoughts and emotions influence your pain levels.
• Practice breathwork or guided visualization to shift your response to pain.
• Keep a gratitude or pain journal to identify patterns and triggers.
• Seek support from professionals who understand the mind-body connection in pain management.
• Explore complementary therapies that support natural healing and nervous system regulation.

Next Episode Teaser:

Join us next time as we discuss what happens when surgery doesn’t provide the relief you expected and how to navigate post-surgical pain effectively.

Resources & More Information:
Visit Less Stress in Life for guided meditations, self-care tips, and additional resources on pain management.

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Disclaimer: The Less Stress in Life podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a healthcare provider with any health concerns. If you're experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate care.