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• Joe Gambino
• Joe LaVacca

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Summary:
In this episode of the Beyond Pain podcast, hosts Joe Gambino and Joe LaVacca welcome Gino Lazzaro, a physiotherapist from Germany. The conversation begins with light-hearted banter about Christmas traditions and coffee preferences before diving into Gino's personal journey with pain and how it has shaped his approach to treating athletes. Gino shares his experience with a wrist injury sustained during gymnastics and discusses the differences between acute and persistent pain in athletes, emphasizing the importance of a biopsychosocial approach to care. In this conversation, Joe LaVacca and Gino discuss the bio-psycho-social model of pain management, emphasizing the importance of understanding the multifaceted nature of pain. They explore therapeutic approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Functional Therapy (CFT), and outline a five-step process for helping athletes navigate chronic pain. The discussion highlights the significance of communication between therapists and patients, and concludes with a powerful message about focusing on life beyond pain.

Takeaways:
Gino Lazzaro is a physiotherapist who works with athletes.

He had a significant wrist injury during gymnastics that impacted his career.

Pain can often be a side effect of an acute injury but can become a problem in itself when persistent.

Athletes often lose touch with the present moment due to their pain experiences.

Building rapport with patients is crucial for effective treatment.

Gino emphasizes the importance of taking time to recover properly from injuries.

His experience with pain allows him to empathize with his patients.

Biopsychosocial care is essential for managing chronic pain.

Gino's background in sports influenced his decision to pursue physical therapy.

He enjoys making cappuccinos and has taken a barista course. The bio-psycho-social model helps identify main sources of problems.

Supportive environments can sometimes hinder recovery.

Job satisfaction and nutrition significantly impact pain levels.

Acceptance is crucial for psychological flexibility in therapy.

Identifying a baseline level of activity is essential for recovery.

Progress should be incremental, not excessive.

Stabilization phases are important for emotional well-being.

Communication between therapist and patient is vital for success.

Focusing on life goals can help manage chronic pain.

Coping strategies are key to living with persistent pain.