Episode 43: The Subconscious Side of Pain: Gut Health, Emotions & Why You’re Not Broken w Dr. Megan Steele

Are you stuck in the chronic pain loop? Tried the meds, scans, and PT—and still in pain?Or are you a rehab pro who’s great with injuries, but struggle with patients in chronic pain?If so, this is the episode for you. Dr. Mary welcomes Dr. Megan Steele, a physical therapist specializing in chronic somato-visceral pain and pain science. They discuss various topics including gut health, chronic pain, the nervous system, the impact of subconscious beliefs, and the role of spirituality in supporting the nervous system. Dr. Steele shares her insights into how stress and nervous system dysregulation affect physical and mental health, as well as the holistic approaches she employs in her practice. The conversation also delves into the significance of understanding the body's cues, the impact of trauma on health perceptions, and the benefits of integrating spiritual beliefs for overall well-being.00:00 Welcome to TMI Talk with Dr. Mary00:23 Introducing Dr. Megan Steele01:44 Understanding Gut Health and Pain02:33 The Role of the Nervous System02:45 Impact of Trauma and Travel on Gut Health02:57 Spirituality and the Nervous System03:12 Practical Tips for Managing Pain04:11 Diving into the Interview04:44 Dr. Steele's Journey into Gut Health07:54 The Gut-Brain Connection09:47 Challenges in Treating Chronic Pain11:42 The Role of Exercise in Pain Management15:55 Visualizing and Managing Pain22:40 The Subconscious and Pain26:06 Connecting Emotions and Physical Symptoms37:28 The Importance of Social Support39:05 Understanding Intuition and Interoception41:06 The Impact of Social Support and Isolation41:34 Spiritual Beliefs and Nervous System45:29 Associative Learning and Pain Management54:10 Environmental Factors and Nervous System57:32 Travel, Nervous System, and Digestion01:05:06 Menstrual Cycle, Pain, and Research Challenges01:13:48 Conclusion and Contact InformationYou can learn more about Dr. Megan Steele below:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/painscienceprof/https://www.megansteelept.com/If you are a health or movement professional and want to stay in touch with future episodes, webinars, courses, events and more. Subscribe to my email list below:https://drmarygrimberg.kit.com/4d90cba40bWant support for perimenopause that goes beyond hormones?Whether you (or your clients) are taking HRT but still having symptoms, not ready for it, or can’t tolerate it...there’s more we can do.I’ll be sharing practical tools from a movement and rehab perspective, focusing on the nervous system, fascia, lymph, viscera, and musculoskeletal system.If you want updates on workshops, resources, and strategies to support this phase of life more fully, would love you to join my email list.Subscribe to my email list hereI’ll see you in 2 weeks!PS:If you are interested in being a guest on the show, please fill out the form here.