We all know that movement is essential for health, but what if you're dealing with chronic pain? Many people feel limited, even discouraged, from embracing movement because of fear or past experiences.
But what if that even with chronic pain, movement can be a source of joy and empowerment?

In this week's podcast episode of the Becoming Immune Confident Podcast, Dr. Kara Wada had the pleasure of speaking with DK Ciccone, a certified Pilates instructor and author of "You're Meant to Move," who shares her personal journey of navigating chronic back pain and reclaiming her love of movement.
DK emphasizes that our bodies are designed to move, and even with pain, we can find ways to engage in activities that bring us joy and support our well-being. She encourages us to shift our perspective on pain, exploring the role of the nervous system and how we can foster a deeper connection with our bodies.
DK's inspiring message reminds us that movement is not just about achieving a certain aesthetic, but about cultivating a deeper sense of agency, self-compassion, and resilience.

EPISODE IN A GLANCE
01:40 DK Ciccone's Personal Journey with Chronic Pain
04:35 The role of body image and diet culture in shaping our relationship with pain
07:36 Unhelpful Messages and Misconceptions About Pain
10:38 The Impact of Dismissive Medical Advice
12:58 Holistic Approach to Pain Management
17:53 Building Resilience and Managing Pain Flares
24:45 Pain Reprocessing Therapy and Somatic Tracking
28:39 Finding Joy in Movement
30:49 Core Message of the book 'You're Meant to Move'
33:07 Conclusion and How to Connect with DK Ciccone

ABOUT DANA KAREN (“DK”) CICCONE
Dana Karen (“DK”) Ciccone is a certified Pilates instructor who helps people in pain improve strength, mobility, and well-being in a weight-neutral environment. She’s also trained in pain reprocessing therapy through the Pain Psychology Center. Having begun her own journey with chronic back pain as a young teen, she has been exploring ways to help herself and others regain joy of movement for decades. After twenty years in the health sector, DK left a corporate career to follow her passion, later launching Movement Remedies, a chronic pain–focused Pilates studio in Boston, Massachusetts. Her first book, You’re Meant to Move: A Guide to Conquering Chronic Pain, Increasing Stress Resilience, and Reclaiming an Active Life, was released December 2023.

CONNECT WITH DANA KAREN (“DK”) CICCONE

Website → https://movementremedies.org 
LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/dana-karen-ciccone 
Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/movement_remedies/ 
Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/movement.remedies.llc/ 
YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@movementremediesllc 

Pick up a copy of DK Ciccone's book, "You're Meant to Move: A Guide to Conquering Chronic Pain, Increasing Stress Resilience, and Reclaiming an Active Life," available on Amazon.

ABOUT DR KARA WADA
Quadruple board-certified pediatric and adult allergy immunology & lifestyle medicine physician, Sjogren’s patient and life coach shares her recipe for success combining anti-inflammatory lifestyle, trusting therapeutic relationships, modern medicine & our minds to harness our body’s ability to heal.

CONNECT WITH DR WADA

Website → https://www.drkarawada.com/ 
LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/karawadamd/ 
Instagram → <