Mindfulness for pain isn’t candles and breathing apps. It’s measurable, mechanism-based analgesia. In this episode, we break down what the neuroscience actually shows about mindfulness and pain modulation—and why it works through pathways completely independent of opioids. You’ll learn: How mindfulness decouples sensation from suffering (insula vs. prefrontal activity)Why “trying to relax” can backfire—and what to cue insteadHow thalamic gating may reduce nociceptive input before conscious pr...
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Host / Clinician / Faculty / Father / Husband
Mark Kargela is a physical therapist, educator, and founder of Modern Pain Care. With over two decades of clinical experience, Mark brings a refreshing, human-first approach to pain care—one that ditches the fix-it model and empowers both patients and clinicians to engage with complexity, uncertainty, and meaningful change. This podcast is where clinical skill meets real-life context, challenging outdated norms and offering conversations that help you grow your practice, your mindset, and your impact.