Pain Science Education

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

Webinar: Help Your Patients Achieve Nutrition Goals to Manage Pain with Rose Pignataro, PT, DPT, PhD

In this episode, Joe Tatta, PT, DPT, interviews Rose Pignataro, PT, DPT, PhD, FAPTA, a leading researcher and physical therapist specializing in health behavior change. They discuss how healthy eating can relieve chronic pain and 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

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

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 

Becoming a Mental Health Physical Therapist with Jeremy Fletcher, PT, DPT

In this episode, Joe Tatta, PT, DPT speaks with Jeremy Fletcher, PT, DPT, on becoming a mental health physical therapist. Dr. Fletcher has over two decades of experience in clinical practice, education, and administration. His work bridging physical therapy and mental health grew out of his experience working in the military, teaching in the doctor of physical therapy programs, working at the VA, and as the Chief Operating Officer of a $4M funded SAMSHA Certified Community Behavioral Health clinic. This conversation covers many topics, including: how mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and PTSD affect physical therapy patient outcomes. the role of the physical therapist in mental and behavioral health. common misconceptions physical therapists hold about integrating mental health into physical therapy practice. opportunities for physical therapy professionals to work in mental and behavioral health. suggested education and training in mental health physical therapy. For questions about the Mental Health Physical Therapist Certification program, visit integrativepainscienceinstitute.com or email support@integrativepainscienceinstitute.com. The next cohort opens on Saturday, Jan 4th.  For CEU courses, please visit integrativepainscienceinstitute.com/course Love the show? Please subscribe, rate, and review. Thank you for listening,  Joe Tatta, PT, DPT