Can a simple therapeutic interaction release powerful chemicals in your brain like endorphins and oxytocin? Discover how the relationship between a therapist and client can turn an ordinary manual therapy session into a powerful healing experience. Join us as we sit down with Luana Colloca, professor at the University of Maryland and director of the Placebo Beyond Opinion Center, to unravel the profound effects of placebos in manual therapy. Luana takes us through the myriad ways trust, warmth, and competence in the therapist-client relationship can significantly enhance therapeutic outcomes.

Ever wondered how your expectations can shape your recovery? We dive deep into the impact of patient expectations and expectancy on therapeutic success. Learn how managing expectations through honest dialogue and realistic goal-setting can prevent disappointment and bolster treatment efficacy. Luana shares compelling insights into the subconscious mechanisms of expectancy and how therapists can utilize cognitive-behavioral techniques to harness these for better patient outcomes. We also uncover fascinating studies on post-operative pain management, illustrating how patient awareness of treatment can dramatically influence its effectiveness.

In our exploration of subtle cues and future directions, we touch on everything from the influence of environmental factors in therapy to the revolutionary concept of open-label placebos. Luana recounts her journey from skepticism to belief in the placebo effect, inspired by groundbreaking research. Look ahead to the future of placebo therapy as we discuss reversing impaired inner pharmacy mechanisms and personalizing treatment plans. Whether you're a therapist or simply curious about the mind-body connection, this episode promises to expand your understanding of the powerful interplay between psychology and treatment outcomes.

Please download her free manual on Placebo Effects Through the Lens of Translational Research: https://academic.oup.com/book/54240

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