Episode Overview:
In this episode, Dr. Brandon Parker interviews Dr. Tom Walters, an orthopedic physical therapist, educator, and social media content creator known for his platform “Rehab Science.” They discuss the true nature of pain, the difference between injury and pain, how mindset and education play critical roles in recovery, and practical strategies to rebuild strength, mobility, and resilience.
Key Topics:
Timestamps:
0:00 – Introduction
0:14 – Meet Dr. Tom Walters: Orthopedic Physical Therapist & Educator
2:08 – Transition from clinical practice to online rehab education
3:56 – Defining pain as both physical and emotional: Why pain isn’t always linked to tissue damage
7:00 – Phantom limb pain & brain’s role in pain perception
9:04 – Injury vs. pain: The impact of context and meaning on pain experience
10:15 – Common imaging findings (e.g., disc bulges) without pain and how to address patient beliefs
12:00 – The importance of empathy, communication, and planting “educational seeds”
14:10 – Manual therapy, narratives, and helping patients see progress
15:33 – The rehab process: Calming pain, addressing impairments, and gradual progress
17:30 – Tissue-specific healing timelines: Why different tissues heal at different rates
21:00 – Using low-load mobility and non-threatening movement as early rehab steps
22:28 – Phase-by-phase rehab: Pain reduction, restoring mobility & motor control, then building strength
25:00 – Resistance training as the “Fountain of Youth” for long-term resilience
29:00 – Strength training’s role in longevity, independence, and “compressing morbidity”
31:00 – Social connections, movement-based hobbies, and mental health benefits of staying active
33:00 – Dealing with chronic, unexplained pain and fear avoidance: Gradual exposure & mindset shifts
37:00 – Parallels between persistent pain and chronic anxiety: Sensitizing and desensitizing neural circuits
41:00 – Visualization techniques in rehab: Mentally rehearsing movements to reduce fear
43:00 – Dr. Walters’ book: Bridging the gap between short-form social media tips and in-depth rehab principles
47:00 – Body region-specific chapters & three-phase rehab approach in the book
51:00 – Encouraging active participation, self-management, and seeking help when needed
54:00 – Final takeaways: Move, learn, and strengthen for long-term health
55:00 – Where to find Dr. Walters: Instagram & YouTube (@rehabscience)
Resources & Links:
Dr. Tom:
Host: Dr. Brandon Parker
