• Episode 72: Rewiring the Pain Response: How the Brain, Body, and Mind Work Together
    Oct 23 2025

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    • Joe Gambino
    • Joe LaVacca

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    Watch on YouTube here.


    Summary

    In this episode of the Beyond Pain podcast, hosts Joe Gambino and Joe LaVacca delve into the complex nature of pain, emphasizing the mind-body connection and the importance of compassionate communication in healthcare.

    They discuss how pain is often misunderstood as being 'all in your head' and explore the implications of this perspective on patient care. The conversation highlights the significance of listening to patients, understanding their experiences, and providing them with options to empower their healing process.

    Through a compassionate approach, the hosts aim to restore hope and clarity for those struggling with chronic pain.

    Takeaways

    • Pain is a perception and an emotion.
    • The words we use in healthcare have a significant impact.
    • Compassion is essential in managing pain effectively.
    • Pain can be both in the mind and the body.
    • Listening to patients is crucial for effective treatment.
    • There are often unseen pathways to pain that imaging cannot detect.
    • Empowering patients with options can restore hope.
    • Pain sensitivity can increase over time due to prolonged stress.
    • It's important to educate patients about their pain responses.
    • Healthcare providers should avoid disempowering language.
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    15 mins
  • Episode 71: Lifting Heavy With Chronic Pain: How to Train Hard, Stay Safe, and Ditch Fear in the Gym
    Oct 16 2025

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    • Joe Gambino
    • Joe LaVacca

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    Watch on YouTube here.


    Summary

    In this episode of the Beyond Pain podcast, hosts Joe Gambino and Joe LaVacca discuss the importance of heavy lifting and strength training in fitness. They address common concerns from clients about the safety of lifting heavy weights and emphasize that strength training is essential for overall health and longevity.

    The conversation explores how to challenge oneself in fitness, the relationship between pain and progress, and the importance of finding a personal path in exercise.

    The hosts encourage listeners to embrace the hard work of lifting and to focus on their individual goals.


    Takeaways

    • If you can lift heavy and do it safely, do it.
    • Training in the gym should carry over to real life.
    • Strength training is essential for health and longevity.
    • Challenging yourself is key to making progress.
    • Pain shouldn't deter you from lifting heavy.
    • Lifting weights is one of the safest forms of exercise.
    • You need to find what works for you in fitness.
    • Don't let past injuries dictate your current training.
    • Consistency and stimulus are crucial for strength gains.
    • Always aim to push your limits in a safe manner.
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    23 mins
  • Episode 70: Stop the Setbacks: PT Tools to Handle Flare-Ups & Get Moving Again
    Oct 2 2025

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    • Joe Gambino
    • Joe LaVacca

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    Watch on YouTube here.

    Summary

    In this episode of the Beyond Pain podcast, hosts Joe Gambino and Joe LaVacca delve into the complexities of flare-ups and the psychological barriers that can hinder recovery, such as kinesiophobia.

    They discuss the importance of managing expectations during pain and recovery, building confidence in movement, and practical strategies for navigating flare-ups.

    The conversation emphasizes the need to view pain as information that can guide recovery rather than something to fear, encouraging listeners to keep moving forward and break the cycle of pain.

    Takeaways

    • Flare-ups can create a fear of movement, known as kinesiophobia.
    • Managing expectations is crucial for recovery from pain.
    • Pain should be viewed as information, not something to fear.
    • Building confidence in movement is essential for recovery.
    • It's important to keep moving forward despite pain.
    • Taking a break from certain activities can aid recovery.
    • Using pain as a guide can help in making recovery decisions.
    • Expect some pain during recovery, but don't let it stop you.
    • Practical strategies can help navigate flare-ups effectively.
    • Confidence in movement can improve quality of life.



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    38 mins
  • Epsiode 69: Beyond 6 Months: Evidence-Based ACL Rehab Strategies for PTs and Patients with Steph Allen
    Sep 25 2025

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    • Joe Gambino
    • Joe LaVacca

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    Watch on YouTube here.

    Summary

    In this episode of the Beyond Pain podcast, hosts Joe Gambino and Joe LaVacca welcome physical therapist Steph Allen, founder of ACL Resolve. They discuss the intricacies of ACL rehabilitation, the importance of specialized care, and the shift towards virtual rehabilitation.

    Steph shares her journey into ACL care, the psychological aspects of recovery, and common pitfalls patients face. The conversation also touches on the significance of measuring outcomes, the role of comparison in recovery, and the importance of endurance testing.

    Listeners gain insights into the rehabilitation process and resources available for those recovering from ACL injuries.

    Takeaways

    • Steph Allen has over a decade of experience in physical therapy, focusing on ACL rehabilitation.
    • The insurance model often limits the care patients receive, especially in ACL recovery.
    • Virtual rehabilitation can enhance accountability and patient engagement.
    • Psychological factors, such as fear and confidence, play a crucial role in recovery.
    • Comparison to others can negatively impact a patient's recovery journey.
    • Early stages of rehabilitation focus on reducing swelling and improving quad activation.
    • Monitoring pain and swelling is essential to adjust rehabilitation plans.
    • Return to running should be approached cautiously, with emphasis on strength and symmetry.
    • Endurance testing can provide valuable insights into a patient's readiness for sports.
    • The rehabilitation process is collaborative, requiring communication between therapist and patient.



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    52 mins
  • Episode 68: Simplifying Assessments for Chronic Pain: Practical Strategies for PTs and Patients
    Sep 17 2025

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    • Joe Gambino
    • Joe LaVacca

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    Watch on YouTube here.


    Summary

    In this episode of the Beyond Pain podcast, hosts Joe Gambino and Joe LaVacca discuss the evolution of assessment processes in physical therapy, emphasizing the importance of understanding chronic pain, the role of touch, and the significance of movement in rehabilitation.

    They explore the SFMA framework, the necessity of context in assessments, and the value of self-assessments for clients.

    The conversation highlights the need for a goals-driven approach to therapy, ensuring that assessments serve the individual's specific needs and objectives.

    Takeaways

    • Assessment processes have become simpler over time.
    • Chronic pain is complex and requires nuanced understanding.
    • Touch plays a vital role in client connection and assessment.
    • Movement buy-in is essential for effective rehabilitation.
    • Assessments should rule out red flags before proceeding.
    • The SFMA provides a framework for holistic assessments.
    • Self-assessments empower clients to understand their bodies.
    • Context is crucial in interpreting assessment results.
    • Goals should drive the assessment and treatment process.
    • The body learns and adapts through consistent movement.
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    32 mins
  • Episode 67: Is That Click Dangerous? Understanding Joint Noises, Pain, and Building the Right Rehab Team
    Sep 10 2025

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    • Joe Gambino
    • Joe LaVacca

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    Watch on YouTube here.


    Summary:

    In this episode of the Beyond Pain podcast, hosts Joe Gambino and Joe LaVacca discuss the common phenomenon of body sounds, such as popping and clicking, and how they relate to joint health and physical therapy.

    They explore when these sounds may be concerning, the importance of building a collaborative healthcare team, and key considerations for choosing the right provider.

    The conversation emphasizes the significance of listening to patients, validating their concerns, and the role of movement in joint health.

    They also share valuable takeaways for listeners regarding pain management and the importance of reevaluation in treatment.

    Takeaways:

    • Pain doesn't equal damage and neither does clicking or noise.
    • Listening is the most important aspect of patient care.
    • You should feel valued at the end of a session with a provider.
    • Clicking and popping are often not concerning unless accompanied by other symptoms.
    • Build a healthcare team that helps you reach your goals.
    • Movement helps flush out joint fluid and improve joint health.
    • Don't worry about body sounds; they often resolve on their own.
    • Consult your doctor for a second opinion if needed.
    • Re-evaluate your treatment if there's no change in four to six weeks.
    • Pain is not always in the area of injury; look for root causes.
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    33 mins
  • Episode 66: Programming Around Pain with Justin Farnsworth
    Aug 6 2025

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    • Joe Gambino
    • Joe LaVacca

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    Watch on YouTube here.


    Summary

    In this episode of the Beyond Pain podcast, Joe Gambino interviews Justin Farnsworth, a seasoned physical therapist and educator. They discuss the intersection of rehabilitation and training, emphasizing the importance of movement in pain management.

    Justin shares his personal experiences with pain and how they shape his approach to therapy. The conversation highlights the significance of building trust with clients, effective communication, and the need for tailored programming in rehabilitation.

    Justin also introduces his courses aimed at educating coaches and clinicians on how to integrate training and rehab effectively.


    Takeaways

    • Rehab and training are interchangeable concepts.
    • Pain is influenced by multiple factors, not just physical injury.
    • Movement is essential for recovery and pain management.
    • Education is key for both clients and professionals.
    • Building trust with clients enhances outcomes.
    • Programming should be tailored to individual needs.
    • Pain and muscle soreness are different and should be distinguished.
    • Effective communication is crucial in therapy.
    • Exercise can be a powerful tool for rehabilitation.
    • Creating a supportive environment fosters learning and growth.
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    46 mins
  • Episode 65: Still Can’t Bench Without Shoulder Pain? Here’s Why (And What to Do About It)
    Jul 30 2025

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    Send us a text

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    • Joe Gambino
    • Joe LaVacca

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    Watch on YouTube here.


    Summary

    In this episode of the Beyond Pain podcast, hosts Joe Gambino and Joe LaVacca discuss a range of topics, starting with a humorous take on a recent Coldplay concert incident that sparked a conversation about public behavior. They then transition into a more serious discussion on shoulder pain related to bench pressing, exploring assessment techniques, the importance of movement quality, and how to modify exercises for better performance and pain management. The episode concludes with insights on the technical aspects of bench pressing and the significance of individualized coaching and adjustments.


    Takeaways

    • Coldplay incident highlights public behavior and consequences.
    • Understanding shoulder pain is crucial for athletes.
    • Assessing range of motion is key in treatment.
    • Pain and movement are complex and interrelated.
    • Bench press technique requires careful attention.
    • Modifications can alleviate pain during exercises.
    • Individualized coaching improves performance.
    • Trial and error is essential in finding solutions.
    • Movement tools are necessary for effective training.
    • Strengthening the rotator cuff is vital for shoulder health.
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    23 mins