Ep 59: When Traditional Physical Therapy Falls Short w/Mark Kargela, PT, DPT
Episode Summary and Notes
Mark Kargela, PT, DPT, is a clinical assistant professor at Midwestern University in Glendale, Arizona, specializing in spine and persistent pain conditions. Mark shares his knowledge on chronic pain management and the value of an integrated approach to physical and mental health.
The Multifaceted Nature of Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is a multifaceted issue that affects millions of people worldwide. Mark emphasizes the complexity of chronic pain, highlighting that traditional physical therapy methods may not suffice for everyone. "There was about 10 to 20 percent of my practice that did not respond to traditional physical therapy..." he explains. This realization led Mark to explore pain science more deeply and to integrate these insights into his practice.
Individualized Movement and Chronic Pain
Movement plays a crucial role in recovering from chronic pain. However, Mark points out that the approach to movement must be individualized. He explains that sometimes, people are overly tense and need to learn relaxation techniques, while others may need to build strength. "With each person, I try to structure movement, you know, individually to the person in front of me to see what their thoughts are on movement, what's been their experience with movement..." he notes. This tailored approach helps patients explore and find what works best for their unique situations.
Mark and Destiny Winters, LPC, CRC, discuss the importance of integrating physical therapy with mental health practices. Destiny shares her experience in somatic experiencing and acceptance and commitment therapy, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach. "I think this is it. I kind of love this collaboration here. Cause you're physical and you're trying to bring that mental piece in. And then I'm mental and trying to bring that physical piece in," Destiny remarks.
Sensitization and Chronic Pain
One of the challenges in chronic pain treatment is addressing pain sensitization. Mark explains that sensitization can be driven by both tissue issues and life stresses. He cautions against oversimplifying the pain experience by focusing solely on the brain. "I think some of the discussions early on around sensitization became this, 'it's the pain is in the brain and your brain's overprotecting you,'" he says. A more nuanced understanding is required to genuinely help patients manage their pain.
Collaborative and Person-Centered Approaches to Pain Management
Mark advocates for a collaborative approach to pain management, where the patient's expertise and experiences are valued. "My big philosophy has been just to bring the humanity back to healthcare..." he asserts. By recognizing the patient as an expert in their own experience, healthcare professionals can better support their journey to wellness.
The conversation with Mark Kargela highlights the importance of an integrated, person-centered approach to chronic pain management. By combining physical and mental health practices, healthcare professionals can better address the complexities of chronic pain and support patients in living healthier, more fulfilling lives. For more insights and expert discussions, be sure to check out Mark's Modern Pain Podcast and learn about his ongoing work in the field of pain science.
