What actually happens in a patient's brain and body when you perform manual therapy? The answer may surprise you and change how you practice.

In this episode, Joe Tatta, PT, DPT, sits down with Damian Keter, PT, DPT, PhD, a researcher whose clinical career led him to question the foundational explanations behind one of physical therapy's most widely used interventions. Damian breaks down what a "treatment mechanism" actually means, a term frequently misused in the literature, and shares findings from his systematic review on the mechanisms associated with manual therapy.

The evidence reveals significant gaps: low-quality research, poor translational understanding, and the persistent influence of contextual factors that have nothing to do with the technique itself. Perhaps most provocatively, Damian addresses whether clinicians truly understand that manual therapy is no longer doing what we once thought,-realigning spines, correcting tissue abnormalities, or fixing structural problems.

With wide variability across professions, training backgrounds, and regions, false ideologies continue to circulate and undermine the credibility of evidence-based practitioners.

The good news? Understanding manual therapy through a mechanistic lens opens the door to smarter, more patient-centered practice. One where expectations, context, and the individual in front of you matter more than the technique you choose.

Visit integrativepainscienceinstitute.com for CEU training in integrative, psychologically informed care for physical therapists and other practitioners.

Thank you for listening,

Joe Tatta, PT, DPT

In this episode of the Pain Science Podcast, physical therapist Sherry Browerman discusses the intersection of yoga, physical therapy, and pain science. Sherry shares her journey of integrating these disciplines over 50 years, starting from her early experiences as an ice skater. They discuss how yoga and physical therapy can complement each other in understanding and managing pain. The conversation highlights the role of self-image and beliefs in movement and pain perception, emphasizing the importance of self-compassion and empowerment. Sherry also discusses how interoception, exteroception, and proprioception shape one's perception of movement and pain. Sherry's book, "From Bodily Knowledge to Intuitive Movement," serves as a foundation for exploring how these practices can lead to holistic healing and improved well-being.

Visit integrativepainscienceinstitute.com for CEU training in integrative, psychologically informed care for physical therapists and other practitioners.

Thank you for listening,

Joe Tatta, PT, DPT

In this episode, we explore the growing integration of mental health into physical therapy with Moisés Magos, a physiotherapist and founder of the Journal of Physiotherapy in Mental Health. Drawing on over a decade of experience working with vulnerable populations—including individuals impacted by trauma, addiction, and displacement—Moisés shares the clinical and systemic gaps that led to the creation of the journal.

The conversation highlights a critical shift in the profession: recognizing that mental health is not separate from physical rehabilitation, but deeply intertwined with patient outcomes. We discuss how traditional biomedical models often fall short in addressing the complexity of chronic pain and recovery, and why a more holistic, biopsychosocial approach is essential for modern practice.

Moisés offers a compelling perspective on the unique role physical therapists play in mental health care, emphasizing the power of movement, embodiment, and therapeutic alliance as tools for psychological and physical healing. He also explains how the journal serves as a global platform to elevate research, amplify diverse voices, and foster international collaboration across disciplines. Learn more about the Journal of Physiotherapy in Mental Health here https://jptmh.com/index.php/jptmh/index

Visit integrativepainscienceinstitute.com for CEU training in integrative, psychologically informed care for physical therapists and other practitioners.

Thank you for listening,

Joe Tatta, PT, DPT

In this episode, we explore how the words clinicians use to diagnose musculoskeletal pain can profoundly shape patient beliefs, behaviors, and clinical outcomes. Joined by Stephen Martin, PT, MSc, Senior Lecturer in Physiotherapy at the University of Winchester and PhD researcher on diagnostic language, we unpack emerging evidence showing that diagnostic labels are not neutral—they can act as powerful psychological signals that influence fear, recovery expectations, and even decisions around imaging and surgery.

We discuss why multiple labels are often used for the same condition and how this inconsistency creates confusion for both clinicians and patients. The conversation dives into the tension between specific and non-specific diagnoses—where specific labels may validate pain but increase fear and medicalization, while non-specific labels may support recovery but reduce patient satisfaction. A central theme is whether the label itself matters most, or the explanation that surrounds it, with growing evidence suggesting that how a diagnosis is communicated may be more impactful than the label alone.

You'll walk away with practical, evidence-informed insights on how to communicate diagnoses more effectively, reduce unintended harm, and support better outcomes in people living with pain.

Visit integrativepainscienceinstitute.com for CEU training in integrative, psychologically informed care for physical therapists and other practitioners.

Thank you for listening,

Joe Tatta, PT, DPT

In this episode of the Pain Science Podcast, we explore a key question in modern pain care: how do we measure whether pain science education actually changes the way people think about pain?

Pain researcher and physiotherapist Roland Reezigt, PT, PhD(c) joins us to discuss the best way to measure pain beliefs and how to assess conceptual change after Pain Science Education. The conversation highlights the shift from simply delivering pain information to facilitating true reconceptualization of pain. We discuss the difference between pain knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes—and why conceptual change, not just learning facts, is the real goal of pain education. Reezigt also raises an important challenge: many commonly used questionnaires may not clearly measure what clinicians think they measure.

For physical therapists, we explore which assessment tools are practical in busy clinical settings and how shifts in pain understanding translate into outcomes like reduced fear, greater self-efficacy, and meaningful behavior change.

Thank you for listening,

Joe Tatta, PT, DPT

In this episode, Justin Carrier, PT, DPT, explores what "Primary Care Physical Therapy" truly means and why it represents a pivotal shift for the profession. Rather than functioning solely within a referral-based model, primary care physical therapy positions physical therapists as primary care providers for neuromusculoskeletal conditions—capable of evaluation, assessment, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and management without unnecessary gatekeeping. This model improves timely access, reduces downstream costs, and aligns care with evidence showing that early conservative management leads to better outcomes.

A central focus of the discussion is APTA Utah's recent legislative victory, which formally strengthened the role of physical therapists as primary care providers. The change removed key barriers that previously limited autonomous practice, allowing patients more direct access to PT services and clarifying the PT's role within the healthcare system. The legislation addressed real problems: delays in care, increased healthcare spending, and unnecessary reliance on imaging, opioids, or specialist referrals for common musculoskeletal issues.

Visit integrativepainscienceinstitute.com for CEU training in psychologically informed pain care for physical therapists and other practitioners.

Thank you for listening,

Joe Tatta, PT, DPT

Founder, Integrative Pain Science Institute

Emily Herndon, PT, DPT, shares her inspiring journey of how Montana physical therapists became recognized as primary care providers, influencing legislation and expanding the scope of practice. Discover strategies for advocacy, legislative success, and transforming physical therapy into a true primary care profession.

Visit integrativepainscienceinstitute.com for CEU training in psychologically informed pain care for physical therapists and other practitioners.

Thank you for listening,

Joe Tatta, PT, DPT CEO, Integrative Pain Science Institute

In this episode of the Pain Science Podcast, Dr. Mary Beth Osborne discusses the integration of mental health into physical therapy practice. She shares her personal experiences with suicide in her family, which have shaped her commitment to addressing mental health issues in her work. The conversation explores the importance of screening for mental health conditions, the role of physical therapists in providing holistic care, and the evolution of the PT Cares clinic at the University of Connecticut. Dr. Osborne emphasizes the need for physical therapists to be proactive in addressing mental health and the barriers that currently exist in the healthcare system.

Visit integrativepainscienceinstitute.com for CEU training on psychologically-informed pain care for physical therapists and other practitioners.

Thank you for listening,

Joe Tatta, PT, DPT CEO, Integrative Pain Science Institute

In this episode, Dr. Joe Tatta discusses the recent policy changes by the American Physical Therapy Association regarding the role of physical therapists in behavioral and mental health. He emphasizes the importance of this policy in legitimizing the role of physical therapists in addressing mental health issues, moving from mere acknowledgment to active inclusion in practice. The discussion covers the historical context of these policies, the implications for physical therapy education and practice, and the ethical responsibilities that come with this expanded scope. Dr. Tatta highlights the need for competence and the importance of viewing physical therapists as whole health clinicians capable of integrating mental health into their practice.

Visit integrativepainscienceinstitute.com for CEU training on integrative, psychologically-informed pain care for physical therapists and other practitioners.

Thank you for listening,

Joe Tatta, PT, DPT CEO, Integrative Pain Science Institute

In this episode of the Pain Science Podcast, Joe Tatta, PT, DPT, welcomes Sarah Brown, PT, DPT, MS a doctor of physical therapy and nutritionist, to discuss the intricate relationship between food, the immune system, and chronic joint pain, particularly focusing on rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Dr. Brown shares her unique journey from physical therapy to nutrition, emphasizing the importance of combining movement and dietary changes to manage chronic pain effectively. They delve into the impact of diet on inflammation and pain, highlighting the significance of the Mediterranean diet and the potential benefits of an elimination diet for those suffering from RA.

The conversation also explores the pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis, including genetic and environmental triggers, and the role of gut health in managing inflammation. Dr. Brown explains how lifestyle factors such as diet, stress, and sleep can influence the immune response and overall health. The episode concludes with practical advice on dietary changes, the importance of understanding food's role in health, and the potential of supplements like omega-3 fatty acids, curcumin, and resveratrol in alleviating symptoms of RA. This insightful discussion aims to empower listeners with knowledge and practical strategies to improve their health through nutrition and lifestyle adjustments.

Visit integrativepainscienceinstitute.com for CEU training on integrative, psychologically-informed pain care for physical therapists and other practitioners.

Thank you for listening,

Joe Tatta, PT, DPT CEO, Integrative Pain Science Institute