You had surgery expecting relief, but you're still in pain—why? In this episode of the Empowered Wellness series, we uncover the hidden reasons behind persistent post-surgical pain. Join Deb Timmerman, RN DAIS, HMCT, ARCB, Susie Marsh, LBSW and professional organizer, and Lindsay Vertalka, MSPT, as they explore how the brain, emotions, and nervous system play a crucial role in pain perception.
Learn why healing isn’t just about tissue repair and discover practical strategies to retrain your body and mind for lasting relief. If you're frustrated by ongoing pain after surgery, this episode is a must-listen!
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Podcast Show Notes – Empowered Wellness: Episode 5
Title: Why Do I Still Have Pain After Surgery?
Host: Deb Timmerman, RN, Founder of Less Stress in Life
Co-Hosts: Susie Marsh, LBSW, Professional Organizer, and Lindsay Vertalka, MPT, Physical Therapist
Episode Summary
In this episode of the Empowered Wellness series, we dive into the often frustrating and confusing experience of post-surgical pain. If you’ve undergone surgery expecting relief, but are still experiencing discomfort weeks, months, or even years later, you’re not alone. Hosts Deb Timmerman (RN, Board-Certified Reflexologist), Susie Marsh (Licensed Social Worker & Professional Organizer), and Lindsay Vertalka (Master’s-Level Physical Therapist) discuss why pain can persist despite tissue healing and explore the emotional, neurological, and physiological factors at play.
Key Topics Discussed:
- Understanding Healing Timelines – Tissues generally heal within 3-6 months, but pain can persist due to factors beyond physical injury.
- Central Sensitization & The Pain Loop – How the nervous system can become hypersensitive, keeping the body stuck in a pain cycle.
- The Role of Emotions in Pain Perception – Stress, fear, and past trauma can amplify pain and slow the recovery process.
- Why Some People Heal Differently – The impact of mindset, nutrition, movement, and social support on post-surgical recovery.
- Preparing for Surgery Holistically – How proactive approaches like nutrition, visualization, and mindfulness can set you up for better healing outcomes.
- Retraining the Brain for Pain Resilience – Strategies to help rewire pain patterns, including movement therapy, cognitive reframing, and relaxation techniques.
Actionable Takeaways:
- Recognize that pain does not always mean harm. If you're still experiencing pain after six months, it’s often more about the nervous system than lingering tissue damage.
- Shift your mindset about healing. Recovery isn’t always linear; setbacks are part of the process.
- Practice techniques to desensitize the nervous system. Consider breathwork, guided visualization, movement therapy, and emotional processing to retrain the brain’s pain response.
- Seek holistic support. Physical therapy, reflexology, nutrition, and mental health support can all play a role in pain recovery.
Next Episode Teaser:
Join us next time as we explore how to build a support system that enhances recovery, minimizes stress, and restore balance in daily life.
Resources & More Information:
Visit Less Stress in Life for guided meditations, self-care tips, and additional resources on pain management and holistic healing.
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Disclaimer: The Less Stress in Life podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a healthcare provider with any health concerns. If you're experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate care.
