In this episode of Canine Arthritis Matters, Hannah Capon speaks with Ben Cormack, an international educator and musculoskeletal therapist with over 20 years of experience, about the relevance of the biopsychosocial (BPS) model in veterinary care.

Ben explains the history and philosophy behind the BPS model, why it should be seen as a framework rather than a fixed treatment method, and how it can enhance communication, trust, and treatment outcomes. Together, they explore the parallels between human and veterinary medicine, highlighting how lifestyle, environment, psychology, and social factors can influence recovery as much as the physical diagnosis itself.

They also discuss the pitfalls of over-relying on polypharmacy, the importance of prognosis over diagnosis, and why taking time to truly listen to clients and patients can be transformative. Ben shares personal stories, including how he applied these principles to his own dog, Teddy, and how small environmental or emotional adjustments can make a big difference in an animal’s comfort and quality of life.

Guest Bio:

Ben Cormack is a musculoskeletal therapist, international presenter, writer, and educator with a patient-centred approach to rehabilitation. He owns Core Kinetic and co-owns The Better Clinician Project, offering evidence-based education to health professionals. Ben specialises in movement and exercise-based rehab, integrating the biopsychosocial framework into his work. He lectures globally, contributes to academic publications, and still works clinically to stay connected to real-world patient needs.

Key Takeaways:

The biopsychosocial model is a philosophy of care, not a fixed checklist, and should enhance rather than replace biomedical precision.

Listening to the patient (or client) is fundamental—understanding context and personal circumstances often guides better treatment decisions.

The source of pain is not always the cause; genetics, environment, behaviour, and emotional factors often play major roles.

Over-reliance on medications can overlook lifestyle and environmental changes that may have a bigger long-term impact.

Veterinary care can benefit from adopting strategies from human healthcare, such as focusing on prognosis, social factors, and patient-centred communication.

Relevant Links:

Core Kinetic: https://www.core-kinetic.com/

The Better Clinician Project: https://www.betterclinicianproject.com/

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Stay tuned to learn how early detection can make a significant difference in managing OA in younger dogs.