7. Rethinking Pain: How Beliefs and Expectations Shape our Experience of Pain & Injury

Did you know that our minds have the power to reverse the effects of a powerful opioid? That's right, a drug that can numb our pain can also be counteracted by our own thoughts and beliefs. You're probably wondering, how is this possible? It all comes down to the incredible complexity of how pain works and the intricate dance between our brains and bodies. Pain is not purely a physical sensation. It's a multifaceted experience rooted deep within our nervous system. And we're going to explore just how much control we have over this experience. In this episode, Dr. Natasha Barnes dives into the world of pain science, pain management and injury recovery. From back pain to elbow sensitivity, Natasha provides insights, personal experiences, and expert advice on how to navigate the challenges of pain and injury. Whether you're a climber or simply looking for ways to deal with pain, this episode will give you the tools and knowledge to reframe pain and work around it during training. Let's dive in! [00:02:04] Injury is inevitable for athletes; normalize it. [00:08:38] Powerful pain expectations reverse drug effects. [00:12:50] Power of the mind affects opioid potency. [00:17:35] Reframe pain, retrain response, address unhelpful thoughts. [00:22:50] Use CBT techniques to create and "evidence sheet", challenge negative beliefs and cognitive distortions. [00:23:43] Research suggests slap tears may not cause pain. [00:30:48] Self efficacy in rehab leads to better pain outcomes. [00:35:16] When to seek professional guidance. [00:41:48] Exercise even directly after surgery improves outcomes. Follow me on Instagram Join the Foundational Strength Program Book an Injury Consultation Train with me  My Website