E130 - Dr. Michael Massey on Managing Pain Without Surgery: Rehab, Injections & Real Relief

Welcome to the Get Healthy Tampa Bay Podcast with Dr. Kerry Reller! This week, I am joined by Dr. Michael Massey, a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician and founder of Gulf Coast Pain Care. In this episode, we explore the complex world of pain—from acute flare-ups to chronic conditions—and how to manage it effectively without rushing into surgery or relying on heavy medications. Dr. Massey shares his personal story of back pain that shaped his medical path and discusses practical tools for pain relief, including physical therapy, chiropractic care, injections, supplements, and mindset. We also touch on emerging treatments like regenerative medicine and the powerful role of psychological and art therapy in healing. Whether you're dealing with back pain, migraines, or nerve pain, this episode is packed with empowering strategies.Dr. Massey is Triple Board Certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R), Pain Medicine and Brain Injury Medicine. He trained as a pain medicine fellow at University of Washington, the founding institution of pain medicine as a medical specialty. He also trained in a PM&R residency at Schwab Rehabilitation Hospital, an academic affiliate of University of Chicago. He developed an integrated pain care service within the CentraCare Health network with multiple service lines including interventional pain medicine, medication therapy management, spine/musculoskeletal medicine, opioid transition clinic and interdisciplinary pain care. He is currently the Founder and CEO of Gulf Coast PainCare providing comprehensive pain services along the west coast of Florida. He is the primary author of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) chapter in Bonica’s Management of Pain, 5th edition and co-author of CRPS practical diagnostic and treatment guidelines 5th edition. He is the founding member of the International Research Consortium for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. He is the co-author of multiple North American Spine Society spine coverage recommendations. He is the co-author of Adult Acute and Subacute Low Back Pain for Institute of Clinical Systems Improvement, 16th edition. Dr. Massey is a reviewer for The Spine Journal and Pain Medicine. He has served on multiple boards. Dr. Massey is a medical chart reviewer for appeals in state-run managed care and workers compensation programs. He has received training and is a Certified Physician Life Care Planner.  He is a conference speaker for a variety of topics related to PM&R, Pain Medicine and Life Care Planning.00:00 – Welcome and guest intro00:49 – Dr. Massey’s background and medical journey03:35 – Why he chose to specialize in pain medicine07:09 – How he overcame back pain without surgery09:42 – What everyone should know about pain11:48 – Healthy ways to approach acute pain15:41 – Magnesium, supplements, and anti-inflammatory diets20:52 – Collaborating with chiropractors and PTs23:21 – Where interventional pain procedures fit in31:08 – Advice for people with chronic painConnect with Dr. MasseyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/masseypain/Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1444310059726136/Website: https://gcpaincare.com/Connect with Dr. RellerConnect with Dr. Kerry RellerPodcast website: https://gethealthytbpodcast.buzzsprou... My linktree: linktr.ee/kerryrellermdLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerryrellermd/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClearwaterFamilyMedicineInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/clearwaterfamilymedicine/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kerryrellermdClearwater Family Medicine and Allergy website: https://sites.google.com/view/clearwa...Podcast: https://gethealthytbpodcast.buzzsprou...Subscribe to the Get Healthy Tampa Bay Podcast on Apple podcasts, Spotify, Amazon music, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, Pandora.