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The Beyond Pain Podcast

Par Four Performance
193 episodes   Last Updated: Jun 25, 25

Struggling with pain? Does it affect your workouts, golf game, plans for your next half marathon? Join The Joe's, two physical therapists, as they discuss navigating and overcoming pain so you can move beyond it and get back to the activities you love most. Whether you're recovering from an injury, dealing with chronic pain, or want to reduce the likelihood of injury tune into The Beyond Pain podcast for pain education, mobility, self-care tips, and stories of those who have been in your shoes before and their journey beyond pain.

Episodes

Send us a textDM Us! We love chatting with our audience, please feel free to do so on Instagram and say what's up!Joe GambinoJoe LaVaccaWant to work with us? Apply here!Watch on YouTube here.SummaryIn this episode of the Beyond Pain podcast, hosts Joe Gambino and Joe LaVacca explore various fitness myths and realities, discussing topics such as the importance of prioritizing health, the role of pain in exercise, and the effectiveness of stretching and weightlifting. They delve into common misconceptions like the 10,000 steps rule and the impact of posture on pain, while emphasizing the significance of movement and recovery techniques in achieving overall well-being.TakeawaysThe importance of routine in daily life.Prioritizing health can be challenging due to life responsibilities.Pain does not always equate to injury; understanding this is crucial.Stretching alone does not prevent injuries; strength training is essential.Weightlifting is beneficial for joint health, contrary to popular belief.Running does not inherently damage knees; activity is crucial for health.10,000 steps is an arbitrary number; more movement is generally better.Posture is not the sole cause of pain; variability in movement is key.Recovery techniques should complement, not replace, exercise.Manual therapy can be beneficial but should not be the only focus.
Send us a textSend us a textDM Us! We love chatting with our audience, please feel free to do so on Instagram and say what's up!Joe GambinoJoe LaVaccaWant to work with us? Apply here!Watch on YouTube here.SummaryIn this episode of the Beyond Pain podcast, hosts Joe Gambino and Joe LaVacca delve into the complexities of ACL and Achilles injuries, discussing the growing trend of non-surgical treatment options. They explore the factors influencing the decision to opt for surgery versus non-surgical routes, emphasizing the importance of individual goals and health status. The conversation highlights the uncertainty surrounding recovery outcomes and the need for realistic expectations in rehabilitation. Ultimately, the hosts stress that each person's journey is unique, and results can vary significantly based on numerous factors.TakeawaysNon-surgical options for ACL and Achilles injuries are becoming more common.Individual goals and health status are crucial in deciding treatment options.Surgery is a trauma that can affect recovery outcomes.Age and activity level influence the decision for surgery versus non-surgical treatment.Recovery expectations should be clearly communicated to patients.Healing can continue long after surgery, affecting long-term outcomes.Not all patients will return to their previous level of activity after surgery.Injury recovery is highly individualized and not guaranteed.Patients should be educated on the risks and benefits of each option.Understanding that results can vary is essential for patient mental health.
Send us a textDM Us! We love chatting with our audience, please feel free to do so on Instagram and say what's up!Joe GambinoJoe LaVaccaWant to work with us? Apply here!Watch on YouTube here.SummaryIn this episode of the Beyond Pain podcast, hosts Joe Gambino and Joe LaVacca discuss the complexities of disagreements in rehabilitation settings. They explore how communication can break down between patients and providers, the importance of understanding treatment options, and the need for clinicians to navigate patient expectations effectively. The conversation emphasizes the significance of empowering patients while also addressing their concerns and preferences in care.TakeawaysDisagreements in rehab can stem from miscommunication.Patients often accept treatments without understanding them.Clinicians should ask questions to clarify patient needs.It's important to validate patient concerns without judgment.Not every treatment is suitable for every patient.Empowerment in care can lead to better outcomes.Patients should feel heard in their treatment journey.Communication is essential for effective patient-provider relationships.Clinicians must balance patient desires with evidence-based practices.Understanding a patient's lived experience is crucial for effective care.
Send us a textDM Us! We love chatting with our audience, please feel free to do so on Instagram and say what's up! Joe GambinoJoe LaVaccaWant to work with us? Apply here!Watch on YouTube here.SummaryIn this episode of the Beyond Pain podcast, hosts Joe Gambino and Joe LaVacca discuss the evolution of technology in physical therapy, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. They explore the rise of telehealth, the importance of client engagement through apps like True Coach, and the role of wearables in health tracking. The conversation emphasizes the significance of walking as a fundamental health practice and the need for clients to commit to their health journeys. The episode concludes with reflections on how technology can enhance client-provider interactions and improve health outcomes.TakeawaysCOVID-19 accelerated the adoption of telehealth in physical therapy.Phone consultations can yield similar or better outcomes than in-person visits.Apps like True Coach enhance client engagement and communication.Video feedback allows for more effective coaching and learning.Tracking health metrics increases awareness and accountability.Walking is a simple yet powerful form of exercise.The 10,000 steps guideline is arbitrary and not scientifically backed.Even small increases in daily steps can improve mental health.Client commitment is crucial for successful health outcomes.Technology can facilitate deeper conversations about health and wellness.
Send us a textSend us a textDM Us! We love chatting with our audience, please feel free to do so on Instagram and say what's up! Joe GambinoJoe LaVaccaWant to work with us? Apply here!Watch on YouTube here.SummaryIn this episode of the Beyond Pain podcast, hosts Joe Gambino and Joe LaVacca reflect on their journeys in physical therapy, discussing their early experiences in school, clinical rotations, and the challenges they faced transitioning into the professional world. They explore the evolution of physical therapy practices, the integration of fitness into rehabilitation, and the impact of virtual consultations on patient care. The conversation highlights the importance of communication, patient relationships, and the need for a more personalized approach in therapy. They also touch on the challenges of burnout and the value of time in the therapeutic process, concluding with a look towards future topics.TakeawaysThe transition from student to professional can be challenging.Clinical rotations provide valuable but sometimes overwhelming experiences.Communication and connection with patients are crucial for success.Fast-paced environments can teach valuable skills for managing multiple patients.Finding the right work environment can significantly impact job satisfaction.The integration of fitness into physical therapy is becoming more common.Virtual consultations are changing the landscape of patient care.Time spent with patients is often more valuable than the number of visits.Burnout can occur when taking on too much responsibility.The definition of physical therapy is evolving to include a broader focus on wellness.
Send us a textDM Us! We love chatting with our audience, please feel free to do so on Instagram and say what's up!Joe GambinoJoe LaVaccaWant to work with us? Apply here!Watch on YouTube here.Summary: In this episode of the Beyond Pain podcast, hosts Joe Gambino and Joe Lavaca discuss various aspects of injury prevention, focusing on the recent Achilles injury of NBA player Jason Tatum. They explore the complexities of injury prevention, the psychological impact of injuries on athletes, and the role of footwear technology in injury risk.The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding injury risks, the significance of previous injuries, and the need for a holistic approach to athlete health and performance.Takeaways:Injury prevention is a buzzword, but true prevention is impossible.You can reduce injury risk by making your body more resilient.Previous injuries significantly increase the risk of future injuries.Injury rates in professional sports can fluctuate year to year.Psychological impacts of injuries can affect an athlete's performance and recovery.Footwear technology may contribute to injury risks in athletes.Training should focus on basics and not over-specialization in one sport.Athletes should be encouraged to engage in diverse physical activities.Understanding the demands of specific sports is crucial for injury prevention.Recovery strategies, including hydration and nutrition, are essential for injury mitigation.
Send us a textDM Us! We love chatting with our audience, please feel free to do so on Instagram and say what's up!Joe GambinoJoe LaVaccaWant to work with us? Apply here!Watch on YouTube here.SummaryIn this episode of the Beyond Pain podcast, hosts Joe Gambino and Joe LaVacca discuss the complexities of managing pain flare-ups in clients, the importance of setting expectations, and the emotional responses that accompany these experiences. They share personal anecdotes and insights on how to navigate client fears and the significance of building hope in the rehabilitation process. In this conversation, Joe LaVacca and Joe Gambino explore the complexities of patient care in physical therapy, emphasizing the importance of understanding individual barriers to healing, managing patient expectations, and the critical role of communication in guiding treatment. They discuss the challenges of uncertainty in healing processes and the need for professionals to provide personalized guidance rather than quick fixes. The conversation highlights the necessity of building trust and understanding between therapists and patients to foster effective rehabilitation.TakeawaysThe importance of setting clear expectations with clients.Building hope is crucial for client motivation.Understanding the emotional responses to pain flare-ups is key.Clients need to be prepared for potential flare-ups.Navigating fears is essential for effective rehabilitation.Communication is vital in addressing client concerns.Encouraging clients to engage in their recovery process is important.Recognizing the difference between new and old fears can guide treatment.Clients often feel shame or anger when flare-ups occur despite following a plan.Handling expectations can prevent clients from reverting to passive coping strategies. Understanding primary barriers is crucial for effective healing.Education helps patients change their perception of pain.Accepting uncertainty is a key theme in patient care.Patients often seek quick fixes instead of comprehensive solutions.Communication is essential for guiding patient expectations.Therapists should provide personalized guidance based on individual needs.The complexity of individual experiences must be acknowledged.Building trust with patients enhances treatment outcomes.Therapists should not let patients dictate their care entirely.A flexible approach in treatment can lead to better patient satisfaction.
Send us a textDM Us! We love chatting with our audience, please feel free to do so on Instagram and say what's up!Joe GambinoJoe LaVaccaWant to work with us? Apply here!Watch on YouTube here.Summary:In this episode of the Beyond Pain podcast, hosts Joe Gambino and Joe LaVacca discuss various aspects of elbow pain, including common issues like medial and lateral epicondylitis, the importance of grip strength, and the role of cortisone injections in treatment. They emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach to managing elbow pain, focusing on long-term solutions and the importance of setting goals for recovery. The conversation also touches on the significance of assessing related areas, such as the shoulder and neck, to ensure effective treatment.TakeawaysThe Knicks' playoff performance sparks discussion on sports excitement.Elbow pain often stems from overuse in sports, not just specific activities.Common elbow issues include medial and lateral epicondylitis.Treatment for elbow pain should focus on heavy loading and isometrics.Nerve entrapment can mimic elbow pain and should be assessed.Grip strength is crucial for overall arm function and injury prevention.Cortisone injections can be effective but should not be the first option.Long-term management of elbow pain requires patience and consistent effort.Coaching cues can significantly improve movement patterns and reduce pain.Setting clear goals is essential for effective rehabilitation. 
Send us a textDM Us! We love chatting with our audience, please feel free to do so on Instagram and say what's up!Joe GambinoJoe LaVaccaWant to work with us? Apply here!Watch on YouTube here.Summary:In this episode of the Beyond Pain podcast, hosts Joe Gambino and Joe LaVacca celebrate their one-year anniversary by reflecting on their journey and discussing various aspects of pain management and rehabilitation. They explore the complexities of pain, the importance of movement in recovery, and how to integrate fitness into rehabilitation programs. The conversation emphasizes the significance of setting goals and understanding individual needs in the recovery process, providing listeners with valuable insights into managing pain and improving overall health.TakeawaysThe podcast celebrates its one-year anniversary, marking a significant milestone.Listeners are encouraged to share ideas and topics for future episodes.Pain management strategies should be tailored to individual needs and circumstances.Movement is essential for recovery and can help alleviate pain.Setting realistic goals is crucial for effective rehabilitation and strength training.Pain is a complex experience that may not always require immediate action.Incorporating fitness into rehabilitation can enhance recovery outcomes.Clients should be guided by their goals when determining their fitness routines.Progress in rehabilitation may take time and requires patience.Understanding the client's environment and schedule is key to successful programming.
Send us a textSend us a textDM Us! We love chatting with our audience, please feel free to do so on Instagram and say what's up!Joe GambinoJoe LaVaccaWant to work with us? Apply here!Watch on YouTube here.Summary:In this episode of the Beyond Pain podcast, hosts Joe Gambino and Joe LaVacca welcome Dan Pope, a physical therapist with a rich background in sports and injury recovery. The conversation delves into Dan's personal experiences with injuries, the importance of understanding the psychological aspects of rehabilitation, and the protocols for returning athletes to their sports safely. Dan emphasizes the need for thorough testing and preparation to ensure athletes feel confident and ready to return to their activities after injury. In this conversation, Dan Pope discusses the complexities of surgical decisions in sports injuries, emphasizing the importance of patient education and informed decision-making. He highlights the need for quality physical therapy and the challenges of misinformation in pain management. Additionally, Dan shares insights from his experience writing a book aimed at empowering coaches and consumers in managing orthopedic issues.Takeaways:It's helpful to hurt yourself to learn about injuries.Understanding the psychological aspect of rehabilitation is crucial.Return to sport protocols should be individualized based on the injury.Athletes often return to sport too quickly after injuries.Regular testing and benchmarks can improve psychological readiness.Force plates and dynamometry are valuable tools in rehabilitation.Building strength and confidence is key for athletes post-injury.Injury recovery is a learning experience for both therapists and patients.Communication between therapists and athletes is essential for success.Sending patients to sports psychologists can enhance recovery outcomes. Surgery can sometimes be the best option for athletes.Conservative care can waste valuable time in recovery.Not all injuries require surgery immediately; it depends on the individual case.Education is key for patient decision-making regarding surgery.Physical therapists are well educated and capable of providing quality care.inding a therapist who understands your sport is crucial for effective rehabilitation.The book writing process is long and requires significant effort and detail.Coaches should learn to manage pain effectively to support their clients.Misinformation complicates pain management for consumers, making it hard to find accurate information.We aim to empower consumers with accurate information to make informed decisions about their health.