The Chronic Pain Breakup: Recent Episodes
Dr. Alissa Wolfe
The Chronic Pain Breakup is a podcast for those who want to learn how to beat stubborn pain, naturally. The host, Dr. Alissa Wolfe, chronic pain specialist and founder of the Chronic Pain Breakup Method, will share science and solutions so that you can feel better and get your life back.
Last but not least, this episode is the final part of a three-part series on CRPS (complex regional pain syndrome).
There is a difference between managing symptoms and pain, vs. actually treating the underlying cause of the pain.
Learn 10 new tools you can add to your CRPS Pain Care Tool Box, that will help you go beyond just managing pain, so that you can eventually rely less on pain management and learn to rely on yourself to get long lasting pain relief.
Listen to Part 1 Here: https://www.alissawolfe.com/podcasts/the-chronic-pain-breakup/episodes/2148050961
Listen to PART 2 here: https://www.alissawolfe.com/podcasts/the-chronic-pain-breakup/episodes/2148056168
Book a one-on-one call here: https://www.alissawolfe.com/book-call
References:
- Lee et al, 2021, 'Impaired Performance in Mental Rotation of Hands and Feet and Its Association with Social Cognition in Patients with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome'
- Lewis eta l, 2021, 'Visual illusions modulate body perception disturbance and pain in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: A randomized trial'
- Taylor et al, 2021, 'Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: A Comprehensive Review'
- Sayegh et al, 2013, 'Mirror therapy for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)-A literature review and an illustrative case report'
- Smart et al, 2016, 'Physiotherapy for pain and disability in adults with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) types I and II'
- Mendez-Rebolledo et al, 2017, 'Update on the effects of graded motor imagery and mirror therapy on complex regional pain syndrome type 1: A systematic review'
- Cuenca-Martinez et al, 2022, 'Pain relief by movement representation strategies: An umbrella and mapping review with meta-meta-analysis of motor imagery, action observation and mirror therapy'
- Shaifee et al, 2023, 'The Effectiveness of Rehabilitation Interventions on Pain and Disability for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis'
- Ruf et al, 2023, 'Mirror Therapy in Patients with Somatoform Pain Disorders-A Pilot Study'
- Shepherd et al, 2020, 'The clinical application of pain neuroscience, graded motor imagery, and graded activity with complex regional pain syndrome-A case report'
- Lotze et al, 2022, 'Clinical and Neurophysiological Effects of Progressive Movement Imagery Training for Pathological Pain'
- Schmid et al, 2017, 'Pain reduction due to novel sensory-motor training in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome I - A pilot study'
How We Can Work Together:
- Join The Chronic Pain Breakup Method - The most comprehensive program that teaches you to beat chronic pain by addressing the deeper cause, equipping you with knowledge and tools you can use that will put you in control of the pain instead of the pain controlling your every move.
- Book a FREE Pain Care Audit - Book a call so we can assess where you’re at and what your needs are
- Attend the Exclusive Online Training and learn how to breakup with your current pain "Managing" routine, and finally breakthrough chronic pain, once and for all, even if you've tried everything and nothing works.
Click here to subscribe on iTunes and write a review.
Let's Get Connected...
Here are some ways to enjoy more FREE resources and content from Alissa Wolfe.
- Join the FREE Facebook community
- Follow Alissa on Instagram
- Subscribe to my YouTube Channel
Welcome to Part 2 of this discussion on CRPS (complex regional pain syndrome). Here, we'll uncover some of the misinformation out there surrounding pain managing strategies used for CRPS.
In the world of CRPS, pain managing strategies are not all created equal. I wish I could they we're all no harm, no foul, but the truth is, there are some pain management strategies that, while they may relieve pain in the short term, have a long lasting, negative impact on your condition because they may exacerbate the underlying issue.
Listen to Part 1 Here: https://www.alissawolfe.com/podcasts/the-chronic-pain-breakup/episodes/2148050961
Stay tuned for Part 3!!
Book a one-on-one call here: https://www.alissawolfe.com/book-call
References:
- Zhao et al, 2018, 'The Effect of Ketamine Infusion in the Treatment of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: a Systemic Review and Meta-analysis'
- Azari et al, 2012, 'Efficacy and Safety of Ketamine in Patients with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome'
- Kirkpatrick et al, 2020, 'Optimizing the Treatment of CRPS With Ketamine'
- Connolly et al, 2015, 'A Systematic Review of Ketamine for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome'
How We Can Work Together:
- Join The Chronic Pain Breakup Method - The most comprehensive program that teaches you to beat chronic pain by addressing the deeper cause, equipping you with knowledge and tools you can use that will put you in control of the pain instead of the pain controlling your every move.
- Book a FREE Pain Care Audit - Book a call so we can assess where you’re at and what your needs are
- Attend the Exclusive Online Training and learn how to breakup with your current pain "Managing" routine, and finally breakthrough chronic pain, once and for all, even if you've tried everything and nothing works.
Click here to subscribe on iTunes and write a review.
Let's Get Connected...
Here are some ways to enjoy more FREE resources and content from Alissa Wolfe.
- Join the FREE Facebook community
- Follow Alissa on Instagram
- Subscribe to my YouTube Channel
In this episode, we’re gonna take a deep dive into the neurobiology of CRPS.
My aim is to essentially prove that this condition is real and help you understand the true nature of the condition so you can better understand how to treat it.
Stay tuned for part 2, where we'll discuss the treatments for CRPS! Wanna get help from someone who actually understands this condition?
Set up a FREE one-on-one call here: https://www.alissawolfe.com/book-call
How We Can Work Together:
- Join The Chronic Pain Breakup Method - The most comprehensive program that teaches you to beat chronic pain by addressing the deeper cause, equipping you with knowledge and tools you can use that will put you in control of the pain instead of the pain controlling your every move.
- Book a FREE Pain Care Audit - Book a call so we can assess where you’re at and what your needs are
- Attend the Exclusive Online Training and learn how to breakup with your current pain "Managing" routine, and finally breakthrough chronic pain, once and for all, even if you've tried everything and nothing works.
Click here to subscribe on iTunes and write a review.
Let's Get Connected...
Here are some ways to enjoy more FREE resources and content from Alissa Wolfe.
- Join the FREE Facebook community
- Follow Alissa on Instagram
- Subscribe to my YouTube Channel
In this episode, I'm covering 3 of the main reasons why everything you've tried in the past has failed to provide long-lasting relief.
This is only for those who are open-minded to seeing Pain Management through a new perspective...
You'll learn about how to make the shift from Managing Pain with Symptom Solutions to long term relief with a Pain Care System Solution.
And for those ready to take the next step and set up a one-on-one call with me, here's the link to book a call: https://www.alissawolfe.com/book-call
How We Can Work Together:
- Join The Chronic Pain Breakup Method - The most comprehensive program that teaches you to beat chronic pain by addressing the deeper cause, equipping you with knowledge and tools you can use that will put you in control of the pain instead of the pain controlling your every move.
- Book a FREE Pain Care Audit - Book a call so we can assess where you’re at and what your needs are
- Attend the Exclusive Online Training and learn how to breakup with your current pain "Managing" routine, and finally breakthrough chronic pain, once and for all, even if you've tried everything and nothing works.
Click here to subscribe on iTunes and write a review.
Let's Get Connected...
Here are some ways to enjoy more FREE resources and content from Alissa Wolfe.
- Join the FREE Facebook community
- Follow Alissa on Instagram
- Subscribe to my YouTube Channel
In this special episode, I'm sharing the first part of my transformative and life-changing course, 'Breakthrough Chronic Pain: Demystify Pain & Unlock Answers You Deserve'.
If you want access to Parts 2 and 3 of this course, just sign up here:
https://www.alissawolfe.com/breakthrough-chronic-pain-course-pwycRemember, this is your opportunity to be fully invested in your transformation. Don't let this information slip away. Sign up, commit to your transformation, and watch as you start creating the life you've always dreamed of.
Skip the line and Schedule a Pain Care Call: https://www.alissawolfe.com/book-call
Join the Battling Chronic Pain with Neuroscience Community >> https://www.facebook.com/groups/661471315077252
Do you experience increased pain, fatigue, and discomfort around holidays or when traveling? If so, you're not alone. In this episode, I will explore why people with chronic pain often feel worse during these times, and how it relates to their nervous system's need for consistency.
Our bodies are designed to thrive on routine and consistency, and any deviation from our usual schedule can be stressful for our nervous system. When we travel or have visitors, our routines are disrupted, which can exacerbate chronic pain and make it more difficult to manage.
Whether you're planning a trip or expecting visitors, this episode will provide valuable information and support to help you navigate the challenges of chronic pain during the holiday season and beyond.
How We Can Work Together:
- Join The Chronic Pain Breakup Method - The most comprehensive program that teaches you to beat chronic pain by addressing the deeper cause, equipping you with knowledge and tools you can use that will put you in control of the pain instead of the pain controlling your every move.
- Book a FREE Pain Care Audit - Book a call so we can assess where you’re at and what your needs are
- Attend the FREE Workshop - How To Master Chronic Pain Naturally: Discover The 3 Key Essentials to End Your Struggles With Stubborn Pain (without more pills, procedures, or pain-provoking PT... or becoming a holistic mind-body healer)
Click here to subscribe on iTunes and write a review.
Let's Get Connected...
Here are some ways to enjoy more FREE resources and content from Alissa Wolfe.
- Join the FREE Facebook community
- Follow Alissa on Instagram
- Subscribe to my YouTube Channel
Movement Physiologist, Cari Vann joins me today for a fabulous discussion about fear and faith with pain, elements that no one likes to talk about but are part of most people's journey with pain.
Cari's Website: mozvementcraft.com
Cari's Instagram: @movementcraft
Check out the "Better Than a Pill Podcast" wherever you listen to Podcasts
Grab Cari's "Prevent Pain Guide" ==> https://movementcraft.ck.page/
How We Can Work Together:
- Join The Chronic Pain Breakup Method - The most comprehensive program that teaches you to beat chronic pain by addressing the deeper cause, equipping you with knowledge and tools you can use that will put you in control of the pain instead of the pain controlling your every move.
- Book a FREE Pain Care Audit - Book a call so we can assess where you’re at and what your needs are
- Attend the FREE Workshop - How To Master Chronic Pain Naturally: Discover The 3 Key Essentials to End Your Struggles With Stubborn Pain (without more pills, procedures, or pain-provoking PT... or becoming a holistic mind-body healer)
Click here to subscribe on iTunes and write a review.
Let's Get Connected...
Here are some ways to enjoy more FREE resources and content from Alissa Wolfe.
- Join the FREE Facebook community
- Follow Alissa on Instagram
- Subscribe to my YouTube Channel
Join the Battling Chronic Pain with Neuroscience Community >> https://www.facebook.com/groups/661471315077252
Don't chase the pain! Instead, learn why pain spreads and how to address it. In this episode, I'm discussing this common problem associated with chronic pain, sharing why pain spreads, travels, and moves around as if it has a mind of it's own. And if your pain spreads, and you'd like to STOP chasing the pain... set up a free Comfort Clarity Call with me, where we will discuss your pain situation one-on-one to help you get unstuck and out of pain. Book a call here ==> https://www.alissawolfe.com/.../www.../book-call-call
Join the Battling Chronic Pain with Neuroscience Community >> https://www.facebook.com/groups/661471315077252
Have you been told to lose weight as a pain management strategy? So many people are told to (1) exercise to (2) lose weight to (3) relieve pain. In. That. Order. But this is the WRONG order of things... what we need to do is: (1) reduce pain by addressing the nervous system to (2) get more active so you can (3) lose weight (if that's your goal). Doing it outside this order only makes your pain problem worse! Let's have a conversation about your pain and map out a plan to get you some REAL pain relief --> https://www.alissawolfe.com/book-call
Join the Battling Chronic Pain with Neuroscience Community >> https://www.facebook.com/groups/661471315077252
Pain comes with so much stigma, isolation, confusion, fear, and misunderstanding.
Those who haven't experienced pain have no clue just how vastly and widely it impacts and changes your life.
In this episode, I explore one reason WHY chronic pain comes with so much stigma that leads to minimization and the hiding and masking of pain.
AND I'm doing something a little out of the ordinary for myself, I'm sharing a piece that was written by one of my current clients, many years ago, documenting the extent pain has changed her life. And in this story I hope that you find yourself somewhere in her story, can relate, and feel, not so alone.
Special thanks to the writer, Amanda Gieve, for sharing this piece with me and giving me permission to share it with the world.
Join the Battling Chronic Pain with Neuroscience Community >> https://www.facebook.com/groups/661471315077252
If you have arthritic or degenerative changes, does that mean you're "SOL" and you just need to learn to cope with the pain?
You're gonna think I sound crazy, but even if you have arthritic or degenerative changes, real structural and mechanical problems in your joints or spine, there IS more that you can do to reduce your pain and improve your functional ability!
In this episode, I'm sharing the TRUTH about arthritis and degenerative changes that should give you some hope for a brighter quality of life for you if you have stubborn pain associated with these "wear-and-tear" type issues.
Join the Battling Chronic Pain with Neuroscience Community >> https://www.facebook.com/groups/661471315077252
When you have chronic pain, you learn to hide it behind a mask as a way to cope. It's a way to feel connected to those around you, to, sort of, fake it to fit in.
Humans crave connection, but could you imagine being part of a community where it's safe to be in a state of healing? Could you imagine a community that is okay with having uncomfortable conversations, that supports growth and vulnerability instead of viewing it as weakness.
Community, connection and understanding is a vital component to healing the chronic pain problem, which is exactly why I've built this essential element into my program, the Chronic Pain Breakup Method.
Find a time to set up a free phone call with me today, to have a conversation about your pain and find out what else is needed to make healing happen for you.
==> https://www.alissawolfe.com/book-call
Join the Battling Chronic Pain with Neuroscience Community >> https://www.facebook.com/groups/661471315077252
One of the biggest challenges I see people who have chronic pain struggling with is STAYING ACTIVE.
In this episode of the Chronic Pain Breakup Podcast, I'm sharing 10 Keys to Staying Active when you have stubborn, persistent pain, so that you can do more with less pain.
This was one heck of a heartwarming conversation...
Let me first give you a little back story... I met Chanda about 8 months ago.
She was struggling with the YEARS (decades) of chronic pain and illness. She was doing everything she could to try to feel better... EVERYTHING. She got to a point where, like so many, she couldn't imagine her life could be any better.
In addition to sciatica, back pain, and shoulders that felt like glass, the worst of her pain was the constant, debilitating migraines.
After chatting about how much she had been through and already tried, it made sense to me that she would be skeptical about trying something else...
But despite her skepticism, she decided to give it a try, figuring since it was science-based, it had to be worth a try (spoiler alert... it WAS!!).
She (hesitantly) got started in the Chronic Pain Breakup Method and her results were too phenomenal not to share!
Within a matter of weeks, she started noticing a difference. Something clicked... and before she knew it she had reached her goal of being able to work out every day.
"To go from, not just bed bound, but SOOO ILL in bed, to now, I've got something everyday that I'm doing. That is incredible. I really never thought I'd be able to do anything ever again."
But my favorite part about Chanda's story is that she didn't have to believe it would work for it to work.
"I'm able to manage it and function much more than I was before... and it didn't take extreme effort. It didn't take belief. It didn't take anything woo-woo. It just is something that works."
In this episode, Chanda shares her inspiring story of transformation, and talks about:
- how she met her goals
- what was missing from her pain care
- what the drills were like
- what she learned in the program
- what it was that kickstarted changes in her body
And if you want to take that leap of faith and try something new despite being skeptical, despite being scared, despite the fear... it all starts with a free phone call with me where we connect 1:1 to get clear on whether this is an approach that could help you tackle your chronic pain problem.
Click here to find a time to connect ==> https://www.alissawolfe.com/book-call
Join the Battling Chronic Pain with Neuroscience Community >> https://www.facebook.com/groups/661471315077252
Have you been told you've "Failed Physical Therapy"??!
Well today I'm talking about why Physical Therapy HAS FAILED YOU, and why, so often, PT doesn't work for people with chronic pain.
Learn if you'd benefit from a nervous system retaining approach at my next FREE, live online workshop here ==> https://www.alissawolfe.com/workshop-registration
Join the Battling Chronic Pain with Neuroscience Community >> https://www.facebook.com/groups/661471315077252
If you're frustrated by not feeling motivated to exercise because you're always in pain... YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
In this episode, I'm exploring the science behind why it's so hard to stay motivated if you have stubborn pain, and I'll explain WHY your level of motivation is NOT the problem.
Learn if you'd benefit from a nervous system retaining approach at my next FREE, live online workshop here ==> https://www.alissawolfe.com/workshop-registration
Join the Battling Chronic Pain with Neuroscience Community >> https://www.facebook.com/groups/661471315077252
In this episode, my friend and colleague, Alison Hughes, shares her journey with chronic pain, navigating the health care system and eventually taking things into her own hands by implementing a self-care pain-care lifestyle change.
Her pain-self-care story involved learning about yoga and eventually her journey led her to become a yoga teacher.
In this episode, Alison and I discuss the common misconceptions around yoga and explore the importance of starting implementing key lifestyle changes to feel empowered and in control.
You can join Alison and I in our upcoming 3-day online class, The Foundations of Self-Care for Chronic Pain, happening on October 7, 14, and 21. Learn more and sign up here ==> https://www.alissawolfe.com/foundations
Alison's Links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/qigongyogaflow/
Website: https://www.qigongyogaflow.com/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZoCgLGyVOg2hCtohwS9EjA
Join the Battling Chronic Pain with Neuroscience Community >>
https://www.facebook.com/groups/661471315077252
There is a MASSIVE gap between the care that's available to you in the health care system and the care that your body actually needs.
My aim is to at least START to close that gap.
And so in this episode, I'm sharing the four essential elements that are necessary to be a part of ANY pain-care routine.
No pain management, self-care routine is complete with out these!
Be sure to share your "pain-care report card"!
And if you'd like to learn more, go back to the basics, and build up your fundamental pain care skills and knowledge, so you can be more successful in your pain relief attempts, check out the new online course, Foundations of Self Care for Chronic pain here ==> https://www.alissawolfe.com/foundations
Join the Battling Chronic Pain with Neuroscience Community >>
https://www.facebook.com/groups/661471315077252
"Alissa, everything you say about the nervous system makes so much sense! I totally need to retrain my nervous system, but HOW do I do it?!?! JUST TELL ME HOW!!!!"
If this is your thought.. this episode is for you.
It makes sense to me that you want to know HOW to retrain your nervous system, and also, I want you to be completely successful in that process.
So listen in to this episode for my thoughts on this!
Book a FREE Clarity Call ==> https://www.alissawolfe.com/book-call
Join the Battling Chronic Pain with Neuroscience Community >>
https://www.facebook.com/groups/661471315077252
The Chronic Pain B.S. is NEXT LEVEL!!!
In this episode, I'm covering 4 chronic pain misconceptions and sharing the TRUTH you need to hear.
We're busting these myths:
Myth #1: Pushing through pain is the only way to get anything done.
Myth #2: You have chronic pain because you're stressed or depressed.
Myth #3: You have to spend hours in the gym or PT clinic in order to make or maintain progress.
Myth #4: Meditation is the key to relieving chronic pain.
What other myths did I miss? What are the myths that you hear most often that you'd like me to clear up? Let me know in the comments!
Don't forget to apply to the Chronic Pain Breakup Method FULL SCHOLARSHIP before the deadline on Sunday, September 18 at 11pm PST
Apply here ==> https://www.alissawolfe.com/scholarship-application
Join the Battling Chronic Pain with Neuroscience Community >>
https://www.facebook.com/groups/661471315077252
Listen in to my conversation with a chronic pain educator and pain psychologist, Dr. Anna Redmond. We discuss the barriers that are preventing you from getting the in depth understanding of your pain that you need, the flaws with the biomedical model, and the connection between the physical realms and the psychological realm when it comes to pain.
Dr. Redmond shares her expertise, smashing some of the misconceptions about pain psychology care and what she needed to heal herself from her own chronic pain problem.
Be sure to follow Dr. Redmond on Instagram and grab all her resources and information:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drannaredmond/
Resources: https://links.drannaredmond.com/
Do you believe you can get better? On a scale from 1-10, how much do you believe you have the ability to get better, if 1 is not at all and 10 is I am super confident I can get better...
Today we are talking about incurable conditions... and specifically how we CAN get better even if we have a condition that can not be cured!
Why does weather affect pain?
Let me know in the comments if your pain changes with changes in the weather by sharing a weather-related emoji AND tell me how this feels to you.
And let me know 1 thing you learned!
Wanna learn about all the changes in the nervous system, and get in control of your pain so you feel less like your pain has control of your life?
Schedule that call with me today, click here: https://www.alissawolfe.com/book-call
Let me know if you've heard of the Vagus Nerve or not and what your thoughts are about it! My thoughts… it’s pseudoscience. 🚩🚩🚩
We DO need to address the nervous system in order to treat chronic pain conditions.
BUT... Nervous System Retraining goes beyond attempting to stimulate one single nerve.
It involves retraining the ENTIRE nervous system, including the peripheral nerves, spinal cord, and brain.
To learn about what all goes into full nervous system retraining routine, what the exact drills and strategies are to address all the changes of the nervous system that are caused by long term pain and that make pain stick around for longer than it should - set up a time to chat with me today.
Just click this link and find a time that works for your schedule: https://www.alissawolfe.com/book-call
What is the relationship between stress and chronic pain?
Does stress actually cause pain? Or is pain the cause of stress?
In this episode I'll be breaking it all down, giving you a new understanding of this complex issue, through the lens of neuroscience.
In this episode, I dive into the topic of surgery sharing a neuroscience/nervous system perspective!
If you're considering having surgery, there is no reason to put off doing nervous system retraining.
It is perfectly safe to do both and in fact, I would encourage you to do both because surgery will make nervous system sensitivity worse.
So to set up a time to chat with me about your pain condition and find out if you'd benefit from a nervous system approach, just click here: https://www.alissawolfe.com/book-call
What is inflammation and what can we do about it???
Clearing up some of the misconceptions about what inflammation is and what it has to do with pain...
Should we be focusing our efforts on reducing inflammation OR focusing on addressing the deeper reason WHY the body is creating inflammation to begin with?? 🤔🤔🤔
Here's a link to book a free, 1:1 Clarity Call with me: https://www.alissawolfe.com/book-call
Understanding the 3 types of pain is important to finding an approach that address your type, or TYPES, of pain.
The three types of pain are:
1. nociceptive pain
2. neuropathic pain
3. nociplastic pain
Before you decide which type of pain you have, remember that you can have more than one.
And in fact if you have had pain longer than 6 months, it is VERY likely that you have nociplastic pain (pain associated with changes in the nervous system).
In order to beat pain, we have to address it from all angles by addressing all types of pain that are contributing to your symptoms.
My program, the Chronic Pain Breakup Method, was designed to help you address the nociplastic side of your pain problem.
To find out what your next steps should be to address your pain problem from all angles, set up a free Comfort Clarity Call today.
Here's the link to set up a call: https://www.alissawolfe.com/book-call
Let's talk about the long-term effects of pain and how it has effects on us physically, emotionally, and neurologically.
Knowing the effect pain has on our bodies can help us understand what we need to do to really address the root cause, not just the symptoms.
In order to actually get a handle on pain, we need to address the whole problem, not just keep chasing the symptoms.
We can undo some of these effects of pain with the right foundational knowledge, tools, drills and strategies, structured system, support, coaching, accountability, and community.
To start the conversation with me today about how we can make an impact on your pain by retraining your nervous system, just book a free, no-strings-attached discovery call using this link: https://www.alissawolfe.com/book-call
Welcome to the CHRONIC PAIN BREAKUP PODCAST!
This podcast has been a long time coming and I think it's only appropriate that I kick things off with a bit of an introduction to me and what this space is all about.
Join me as I record these episodes LIVE inside the Battling Chronic Pain with Neuroscience - FB group here ==> https://www.facebook.com/groups/661471315077252
And send me a message with your questions and share your struggles so that I can address them!
Please make sure you subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts so you don't miss an episode.
And hang out with me on Instagram right here: @paincrusader