Pain Speak

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My guest for this episode is Professor Denis Martin, Professor of Rehabilitation. He is Director of the Centre for Rehabilitation, Lifestyle medicine and Human performance at Teesside university. With academic roots at the University of Ulster and Napier University, he forged an impressive career spanning roles at Sheffield Hallam University and Queen Margaret  University, Edinburgh. During his time in Scotland, he also served as a chair of the pain association, Scotland and vice chair of the Scottish Parliament cross party group. He is renowned for his research in pain, disability and rehabilitation, and has over £25 million pounds secured in funding and an extensive publication record. Prof. Martin has led significant projects, exploring the use of extended reality and digital technologies and rehabilitation, and he currently serves as the vice chair of the XR for rehab network and leads a research theme on physical, mental and social health in the Applied Research collaboration (ARC) NENC area of NE England.

The focus of this episode is the Citizens' Jury Report that Denis has led on at the North East Nprth Cumbria. This is going to be officially released on 13th Nov 2025 at NewCastle. 

More information of the work of HINENC is available here at https://healthinnovationnenc.org.uk/what-we-do/improving-population-health/medicines-optimisation/citizens-jury-pain-management/

A summary report is available at https://healthinnovationnenc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/CIT-JURY-SUMMARY.pdf

The link to the event on 13th November and further details on how to register can be found by clicking below

https://healthinnovationnenc.org.uk/event/citizens-jury-on-pain-management/

Disclaimer:
This podcast is for education and general information only and does not replace personalised medical advice. If you are experiencing ongoing pain or distress, please consult your healthcare professional. 

Please provide a feedback and comments on the podcast and any questions that you may have.

If you enjoyed it please rate and leave a review on Spotify/Apple podcasts and tell a friend about this show.

The Pain Speak podcast is presented by Prof Deepak Ravindran, a NHS Consultant specialising in Pain and Lifestyle Medicine. Dr Ravindran is also the author of the book, 'The Pain Free Mindset'

Get in touch:
Twitter: @deepakravindra5
Instagram: drdeepakravindran
Website: www.deepakravindran.co.uk
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/DrDeepakRavindran
Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@drdeepakravindran5361

For Clinical Queries and consultations, please go to Berkshire Pain Clinic



Order a copy of the Pain Free Mindset here

For Season 1 and 3:
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My guest for todays episode is Lee Vaughn, a lived experience Expert and Health and Well Being Coach. 

Lee has navigated over 30 years living with persistent pain, transforming his experience into a source of advocacy, education, and hope. After decades of personal exploration, He now works with leading organisations like Peak Health Coaching, Pure Unity Health, UKIHCA, the NHS, Flippin Pain, and Pain Concern, helping bridge the gap between healthcare professionals and those living with pain. As host of a thriving online peer support group "Partnering Pain" , they champion the importance of lived experience in pain conversations, striving to ensure others feel less alone and more empowered on their own journeys.

www.facebook.com/share/u1de7KoaFW9rSkzo

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lee-vaughan-ba696a29a/

Disclaimer:
This podcast is for education and general information only and does not replace personalised medical advice. If you are experiencing ongoing pain or distress, please consult your healthcare professional. 

Please provide a feedback and comments on the podcast and any questions that you may have.

If you enjoyed it please rate and leave a review on Spotify/Apple podcasts and tell a friend about this show.

The Pain Speak podcast is presented by Prof Deepak Ravindran, a NHS Consultant specialising in Pain and Lifestyle Medicine. Dr Ravindran is also the author of the book, 'The Pain Free Mindset'

Get in touch:
Twitter: @deepakravindra5
Instagram: drdeepakravindran
Website: www.deepakravindran.co.uk
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/DrDeepakRavindran
Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@drdeepakravindran5361

For Clinical Queries and consultations, please go to Berkshire Pain Clinic



Order a copy of the Pain Free Mindset here

For Season 1 and 3:
Mixed and edited by Rob Cao at...

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Welcome back to the new Season of the Pain Speak Podcast. This season is titled "Voices In Pain" and the focus of this season is to shine a spotlight on various organisations and people who are making a difference to pain management in the UK and beyond and helping patients in persistent pain. Some of the episodes will be a sole while others will have a guest joining me.

Join us for an insightful conversation with Cormac, the first guest for this new season of the Painspeak podcast. In this episode, Cormac shares his journey from aspiring vet to a leading figure in pain research and education. Discover how a pivotal book changed his perspective on physiotherapy and led him to champion the Flippin' Pain campaign. We delve into the importance of public health approaches to pain management and the impact of community involvement. Tune in to explore the challenges and triumphs of transforming pain education and the future of digital health initiatives. 

Cormac Ryan is Professor of Clinical Rehabilitation at Teesside University and a community pain champion for the Flippin’ Pain campaign. He was awarded his PhD from the Glasgow Caledonian University in 2008 where he looked at the relationship between physical activity and persistent lower back pain. Cormac has published over 100 peer-reviewed journal articles and obtained over £1m in research funding. He enjoys fishing and long walks away from his children.

Flippin Pain is doing a free webinar Pain education for the nation on 15th October. It is part of EU pain awareness day and will feature Cormac along with a number of other speakers who are either patients with lived experience of pain or pain champions in their area.

So do register for it and share it . Pain Education for the Nation - Flippin' Pain

Disclaimer:
This podcast is for education and general information only and does not replace personalised medical advice. If you are experiencing ongoing pain or distress, please consult your healthcare professional. 

Please provide a feedback and comments on the podcast and any questions that you may have.

If you enjoyed it please rate and leave a review on Spotify/Apple podcasts and tell a friend about this show.

The Pain Speak podcast is presented by Prof Deepak Ravindran, a NHS Consultant specialising in Pain and Lifestyle Medicine. Dr Ravindran is also the author of the book, 'The Pain Free Mindset'

Get in touch:
Twitter: @deepakravindra5
Instagram: drdeepakravindran
Website: www.deepakravindran.co.uk
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/DrDeepakRavindran
Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@drdeepakravindran5361

For Clinical Queries and consultations, please go to Berkshire Pain Clinic



Order a copy of the Pain Free Mindset here

For Season 1 and 3:
Mixed and edited by Rob Cao at...

Send us Fan Mail

Generated by Notebook LM. Pls forgive the initial hyperbole generated by the AI about my credentials!!! (sounds very cringy when I heard it but cant do much about that as the rest was very good!)

Recently presented at the  2024 Lifestyles Summit organised by Modality and Pathfinder CIC at Google HQ in London, my presentation outlines the need for a trauma-informed approach to pain management. It argues that the conventional biomedical model is flawed and insufficient in addressing the complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors influencing pain experience. The presentation advocates for a Lifestyle Medicine Systems Approach to pain management, which focuses on the role of lifestyle factors, such as diet, exercise, stress management, and sleep, in pain relief and how that can massively help in all kinds of chronic  pain especially nociplastic pain . It emphasizes the importance of addressing Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) as they significantly contribute to chronic pain and calls for integrating lived experience into clinical practice. 

Disclaimer:
This podcast is for education and general information only and does not replace personalised medical advice. If you are experiencing ongoing pain or distress, please consult your healthcare professional. 

Please provide a feedback and comments on the podcast and any questions that you may have.

If you enjoyed it please rate and leave a review on Spotify/Apple podcasts and tell a friend about this show.

The Pain Speak podcast is presented by Prof Deepak Ravindran, a NHS Consultant specialising in Pain and Lifestyle Medicine. Dr Ravindran is also the author of the book, 'The Pain Free Mindset'

Get in touch:
Twitter: @deepakravindra5
Instagram: drdeepakravindran
Website: www.deepakravindran.co.uk
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/DrDeepakRavindran
Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@drdeepakravindran5361

For Clinical Queries and consultations, please go to Berkshire Pain Clinic



Order a copy of the Pain Free Mindset here

For Season 1 and 3:
Mixed and edited by Rob Cao at...

Send us Fan Mail

Chronic Pelvic Pain and Lifestyle Factors

This Notebook LM summary provides an overview of chronic pelvic pain based on a couple of key resources and a presentation that I gave on Chronic pelvic pain to health care professionals. I highlight the importance of a holistic approach that considers lifestyle factors, psychological well-being, and trauma-informed care. Remember, seeking professional medical advice and support is crucial for effective diagnosis and management of CPP.

Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is a common condition that affects millions of women worldwide. It is defined as intermittent or constant pain in the pelvic area for at least six months, unrelated to menstruation, intercourse, or pregnancy. CPP is a symptom, not a diagnosis, and can be caused by various factors, including endometriosis, fibroids, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and psychological factors.

Challenges and Complexity of CPP

Diagnosing and treating CPP can be challenging. A significant proportion of women with CPP have more than one diagnosis, and pain often increases with multisystem symptoms. Additionally, a substantial number of diagnostic laparoscopies yield negative results, and adhesions, while common findings, are not always the root cause of pain. In many instances, the underlying cause of CPP remains unclear so what is paramount is a validation of the patient symptoms and a  multidisciplinary holistic approach. This involves a combination of medical treatments, therapies, and lifestyle modifications. Pain management programmes can be beneficial, providing guidance, coaching, and support from a pelvic pain specialist. 

Trauma-Informed Care

A significant proportion of women with CPP have experienced adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), which can have long-term health consequences, including chronic pain. Trauma-informed care is an important aspect of CPP management. This approach involves understanding the impact of trauma on patients, validating their experiences, and providing sensitive and supportive care.

Resources for Further Information

• Endometriosis UK: www.endometriosis-uk.org
• Pelvic Pain Support Network: www.pelvicpain.org.uk
• Department of Health Expert Patient Initiative: www.expertpatients.co.uk/
• www.livewellwithpain.co.uk
• Curable App – on all platforms
• The Pelvic Pain Network - A collaborative of Physiotherapists with an active research interest in pelvic pain

Disclaimer:
This podcast is for education and general information only and does not replace personalised medical advice. If you are experiencing ongoing pain or distress, please consult your healthcare professional. 

Please provide a feedback and comments on the podcast and any questions that you may have.

If you enjoyed it please rate and leave a review on Spotify/Apple podcasts and tell a friend about this show.

The Pain Speak podcast is presented by Prof Deepak Ravindran, a NHS Consultant specialising in Pain and Lifestyle Medicine. Dr Ravindran is also the author of the book, 'The Pain Free Mindset'

Get in touch:
Twitter: @deepakravindra5
Instagram: drdeepakravindran
Website: www.deepakravindran.co.uk
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/DrDeepakRavindran
Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@drdeepakravindran5361

For Clinical Queries and consultations, please go to Berkshire Pain Clinic



Order a copy of the Pain Free Mindset here

For Season 1 and 3:
Mixed and edited by Rob Cao at...

Send us Fan Mail

This podcast, generated by Notebook LM based on a presentation I did earlier discusses the importance of deprescribing and provides practical strategies for implementing this process in the context of analgescis and polypharmacy especially in the older population. We explore the principle of deprescribing , the significance of deprescribing and how it can improve quality of life, reduce adverse effects, avoid worsening of diseases, reduce pill burden, and maintain control of chronic conditions. We also explore challenges and barriers in both patients and clinicians around deprescribing and finally the principles of deprescribing effectively in the right person at the right time.

Hopefully, healthcare professionals and patients will gain a better understanding of the importance of deprescribing, the challenges involved, and practical strategies for successful implementation.

Disclaimer:
This podcast is for education and general information only and does not replace personalised medical advice. If you are experiencing ongoing pain or distress, please consult your healthcare professional. 

Please provide a feedback and comments on the podcast and any questions that you may have.

If you enjoyed it please rate and leave a review on Spotify/Apple podcasts and tell a friend about this show.

The Pain Speak podcast is presented by Prof Deepak Ravindran, a NHS Consultant specialising in Pain and Lifestyle Medicine. Dr Ravindran is also the author of the book, 'The Pain Free Mindset'

Get in touch:
Twitter: @deepakravindra5
Instagram: drdeepakravindran
Website: www.deepakravindran.co.uk
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/DrDeepakRavindran
Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@drdeepakravindran5361

For Clinical Queries and consultations, please go to Berkshire Pain Clinic



Order a copy of the Pain Free Mindset here

For Season 1 and 3:
Mixed and edited by Rob Cao at...

Send us Fan Mail

Dr. Ravindran's presentation, "Complex regional pain syndrome: Trauma informed CRPS Care An integrated approach," focuses on trauma-informed care for CRPS patients. This was presented at the UK annual conference organised by CRPS UK. This podcast was a summary of that talk and the source files used by Dr Ravindran for his presentation and generated using the Noteook LM by Google.

Dr. Ravindran emphasises the importance of communication and understanding in a trauma-informed approach to CRPS care. He points out common issues that can arise, including miscommunication between care teams, a loss of trust between the patient and medical staff and a lack of consultant review, leading to patient anger, frustration and feelings of being disbelieved.

Dr. Ravindran's M.I.N.D.S.E.T approach to CRPS acknowledges the different kinds of pain experienced by CRPS patients, including nociceptive pain, nociplastic pain and neuropathic pain. This approach incorporates various treatment methods to address the physical and mental aspects of CRPS:

Dr. Ravindran also discusses Scrambler Therapy, its history, the reasons why it might be effective and the existing evidence base. He provides links to resources for further information about Scrambler Therapy. Overall, Dr. Ravindran advocates for a holistic approach that is informed by an understanding of trauma and the interconnectedness of physical and mental health.

Disclaimer:
This podcast is for education and general information only and does not replace personalised medical advice. If you are experiencing ongoing pain or distress, please consult your healthcare professional. 

Please provide a feedback and comments on the podcast and any questions that you may have.

If you enjoyed it please rate and leave a review on Spotify/Apple podcasts and tell a friend about this show.

The Pain Speak podcast is presented by Prof Deepak Ravindran, a NHS Consultant specialising in Pain and Lifestyle Medicine. Dr Ravindran is also the author of the book, 'The Pain Free Mindset'

Get in touch:
Twitter: @deepakravindra5
Instagram: drdeepakravindran
Website: www.deepakravindran.co.uk
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/DrDeepakRavindran
Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@drdeepakravindran5361

For Clinical Queries and consultations, please go to Berkshire Pain Clinic



Order a copy of the Pain Free Mindset here

For Season 1 and 3:
Mixed and edited by Rob Cao at...

Send us Fan Mail

This presentation on Pain Management 101 is an overview of how to change the mindset across healthcare concerning chronic pain. Dr. Deepak Ravindran's presentation explains the biology of pain, chronic pain, and its treatment. Dr. Ravindran also examines how a history of adverse childhood experiences affects the likelihood of experiencing chronic pain in adulthood. Furthermore, he offers strategies for treating chronic pain that include medication, intervention, neuroscience education, diet, sleep hygiene, exercise, and mind-body therapies. The presentation finishes by emphasizing the importance of trust and rapport between patients and doctors and highlights that pain is a complex phenomenon for which a combination of treatment strategies is often required.

This podcast was generated using Notebook LM based on a talk given by Dr Deepak Ravindran on an integrated approach to pain management.

Disclaimer:
This podcast is for education and general information only and does not replace personalised medical advice. If you are experiencing ongoing pain or distress, please consult your healthcare professional. 

Please provide a feedback and comments on the podcast and any questions that you may have.

If you enjoyed it please rate and leave a review on Spotify/Apple podcasts and tell a friend about this show.

The Pain Speak podcast is presented by Prof Deepak Ravindran, a NHS Consultant specialising in Pain and Lifestyle Medicine. Dr Ravindran is also the author of the book, 'The Pain Free Mindset'

Get in touch:
Twitter: @deepakravindra5
Instagram: drdeepakravindran
Website: www.deepakravindran.co.uk
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/DrDeepakRavindran
Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@drdeepakravindran5361

For Clinical Queries and consultations, please go to Berkshire Pain Clinic



Order a copy of the Pain Free Mindset here

For Season 1 and 3:
Mixed and edited by Rob Cao at...

Send us Fan Mail

Welcome to the second part of this 2 part episode where I speak to Dr Sabina Brennan. a clinical psychologist, neuroscientist, fellow podcaster and best selling author of the book on how to beat Brain Fog. 

As we know, Brain fog and congitive dysfunction is one of the most common sysmptoms noted in Longcovid. Treatments are still emerging and I thought it would be a fascinating and hugely useful to hear from a researcher and scientist and someone with lived exeperience herself on how to overcome brain Fog. Dr. Brennan discusses the reasons for brain fog, the present causes and the treatment option available and why we must pay attention.

In this episode, we delive deeper into how her 4 week program can really help with brain fog reduction in a careful evidence based manner. There are no quick fixes here however Sabina shows that done properly, there can be lasting recovery from something as complex as brain fog.

A little bit more about Dr Sabina Brennan is available below
Sabina Brennan (PhD., C.Psychol.,PsSI.) 

Dr Sabina Brennan is a psychologist, neuroscientist, speaker, host of the Super Brain podcast and author of two Irish Times No 1 best sellers (100 Days to a Younger Brain (2019) and Beating Brain Fog (2021). Sabina is on a mission to get people to look after their brain health as routinely as they look after their dental health.

Her public engagement projects, which include quirky animations and brain health websites aim to increase the societal impact of scientific research by translating complex content into easy-to-understand resources for general audiences. Her animations have been viewed in more than 140 countries and have been translated into 15 languages.

How to get in touch: www.superbrain.ie includes links to books, podcast and free online resources

Super Brain Podcast play.acast.com/s/superbrain 

twitter @Sabina_Brennan Instagram @SabinaBrennan

Please provide a feedback and comments on the podcast and any questions that you may have.

If you enjoyed it please rate and leave a review  on Apple podcasts and tell a friend about this show.

Let me know what you think about the show and  please recommend guests.

The Pain Speak podcast is presented by Dr Deepak Ravindran, a full time NHS Consultant specialising in Pain, Anaesthesia, MSK and Lifestyle Medicine. Dr Ravindran is also the author of the book, 'The Pain Free Mindset' and is the Lead for the Longcovid service and the Pain medicine Service at the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust.

Get in touch:
Twitter: @deepakravindra5
Instagram: drdeepakravindran
Website: www.deepakravindran.co.uk
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/DrDeepakRavindran


Order a copy of the Pain Free Mindset here

Mixed and edited by Rob Cao at https://dynamiqgroup.co.uk/

Huge Thanks to the The Podcast Coach for helping me set this all up. For high quality, bespoke podcast coaching and production at  www.thepodcastcoach.co.uk

Disclaimer:
This podcast is for education and general information only and does not replace personalised medical advice. If you are experiencing ongoing pain or distress, please consult your healthcare professional. 

Please provide a feedback and comments on the podcast and any questions that you may have.

If you enjoyed it please rate and leave a review on Spotify/Apple podcasts and tell a friend about this show.

The Pain Speak podcast is presented by Prof Deepak Ravindran, a NHS Consultant specialising in Pain and Lifestyle Medicine. Dr Ravindran is also the author of the book, 'The Pain Free Mindset'

Get in touch:
Twitter: @deepakravindra5
Instagram: drdeepakravindran
Website: www.deepakravindran.co.uk
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/DrDeepakRavindran
Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@drdeepakravindran5361

For Clinical Queries and consultations, please go to Berkshire Pain Clinic



Order a copy of the Pain Free Mindset here

For Season 1 and 3:
Mixed and edited by Rob Cao at...

Send us Fan Mail

It has been a hugely gratifying  and humbling experience to get the chance to set up the Longcovid Service for Berkshire and work with a great team from primary and community care. It has been 7 months now and we are still learning everyday about the condition of Longcovid and how it seems to affeect multiple systems. Right now we continue to  offer them support, a listening ear, appropriate testing and treatments where available in a  trauma informed manner.

In this episode, I speak to Dr Sabina Brennan. a clinical psychologist, neuroscientist, fellow podcaster and best selling author of the book on how to beat Brain Fog. 

As we know, Brain fog and congitive dysfunction is one of the most common sysmptoms noted in Longcovid. Treatments are still emerging and I thought it would be a fascianting and hugely useful idea to hear it from a researcher and scientist and someone with lived exeperience herself on how to overcome this.

This is a cracking epsidoe and in fact I had to break it up into 2 epsidodes.  I hope you enjoy the show.

A little bit more about Dr Sabina Brennan is available below
Sabina Brennan (PhD., C.Psychol.,PsSI.) 

Dr Sabina Brennan is a psychologist, neuroscientist, speaker, host of the Super Brain podcast and author of two Irish Times No 1 best sellers (100 Days to a Younger Brain (2019) and Beating Brain Fog (2021). Sabina is on a mission to get people to look after their brain health as routinely as they look after their dental health.

Her public engagement projects, which include quirky animations and brain health websites aim to increase the societal impact of scientific research by translating complex content into easy-to-understand resources for general audiences. Her animations have been viewed in more than 140 countries and have been translated into 15 languages.

How to get in touch: www.superbrain.ie includes links to books, podcast and free online resources

Super Brain Podcast play.acast.com/s/superbrain 

twitter @Sabina_Brennan Instagram @SabinaBrennan

Please provide a feedback and comments on the podcast and any questions that you may have.
If you enjoyed it please rate and leave a review  on Apple podcasts and tell a friend about this show.
Let me know what you think about the show and  please recommend guests.
The Pain Speak podcast is presented by Dr Deepak Ravindran, a full time NHS Consultant specialising in Pain, Anaesthesia, MSK and Lifestyle Medicine. Dr Ravindran is also the author of the book, 'The Pain Free Mindset' and is the Lead for the Longcovid service and the Pain medicine Service at the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust.

Get in touch:
Twitter: @deepakravindra5
Instagram: drdeepakravindran
Website: www.deepakravindran.co.uk
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/DrDeepakRavindran


Order a copy of the Pain Free Mindset here

Mixed and edited by Rob Cao at https://dynamiqgroup.co.uk/

Huge Thanks to the The Podcast Coach for helping me set this all up. For high quality, bespoke podcast coaching and production at  www.thepodcastcoach.co.uk

Disclaimer:
This podcast is for education and general information only and does not replace personalised medical advice. If you are experiencing ongoing pain or distress, please consult your healthcare professional. 

Please provide a feedback and comments on the podcast and any questions that you may have.

If you enjoyed it please rate and leave a review on Spotify/Apple podcasts and tell a friend about this show.

The Pain Speak podcast is presented by Prof Deepak Ravindran, a NHS Consultant specialising in Pain and Lifestyle Medicine. Dr Ravindran is also the author of the book, 'The Pain Free Mindset'

Get in touch:
Twitter: @deepakravindra5
Instagram: drdeepakravindran
Website: www.deepakravindran.co.uk
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/DrDeepakRavindran
Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@drdeepakravindran5361

For Clinical Queries and consultations, please go to Berkshire Pain Clinic



Order a copy of the Pain Free Mindset here

For Season 1 and 3:
Mixed and edited by Rob Cao at...