Why Your Body Gets Stuck in Pain & How Movement Heals Faster - With Dr. Tom Walters

The Model Health Show

Shawn Stevenson

Fitness, Health & Fitness, Nutrition

4.8 • 7.3K Ratings

🗓️ 3 June 2026

⏱️ 82 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Dealing with pain is a normal part of the human experience. But what we often forget is the power we have to facilitate our healing and help our bodies get stronger than before. On this episode, you’re going to learn about rehabilitating injuries, reducing pain, and building an adaptable, resilient body. Dr. Tom Walters is a board-certified orthopedic physical therapist who specializes in the treatment of pain and movement disorders. He is also the author of Rehab Science, a comprehensive guide to healing from injury and building strength and functionality. Today, Dr. Tom Walters is back on The Model Health Show to help us gain a more robust, holistic understanding of pain. You’re going to learn about how to overcome pain with the right mindset and exercises, the critical connection between pain and the nervous system, and some of the major misconceptions that commonly stop folks from fully healing. If you’re ready to get out of pain, heal from injuries, and maintain a strong, functional body, just press play and enjoy the show! In this episode you’ll discover: How pain can act as a critical feedback system. (3:09) What the pain avoidance cycle is. (5:52) How overprotecting an injury can lead to more issues. (6:28) The important connection between movement and healing. (10:42) How aerobic exercise can accelerate healing. (12:45) The difference between hurt and harm. (15:30) How mechanical pain and chronic pain patterns differ. (21:51) What the biopsychosocial model of pain is. (29:52) How calming your nervous system can help resolve pain. (36:02) What nerve flossing mobilization is. (48:15) How simple low-load mobility exercises can reduce pain. (56:11) The connection between physical pain and emotional pain. (58:28) How to train your mindset and desensitize your pain system. (1:04:58) Why strength training is essential for reducing your risk of injury. (1:14:58) Items mentioned in this episode include: DrinkLMNT.com/model - Get a truly meaningful dose of electrolytes in a science-backed ratio. Free sample pack with any order. Paleovalley.com/model - Reclaim vibrant health with nutritional food and supplements that prioritize nutrient density and get 15% off your order. Rehab Science by Dr. Tom Walters - Get the complete guide to overcoming pain! Rehab Science Body Region Series by Dr. Tom Walters - Explore specific protocols for different body parts! Connect with Dr. Tom Walters Website / Instagram / YouTube Be sure you are subscribed to this podcast to automatically receive your episodes: Apple Podcasts Spotify Soundcloud Pandora YouTube This episode of The Model Health Show is brought to you by LMNT and Paleovalley. Most people are underhydrated—and it’s costing you energy, focus, and performance. LMNT delivers a science-backed electrolyte ratio with no sugar, no junk—just what your body actually needs. Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/model. If you’re serious about real health, it starts with real nutrition. Paleovalley delivers nutrient-dense foods and supplements designed to help you feel stronger, more energized, and fully alive. Get 15% off your order at paleovalley.com/model.

Transcript

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0:00.0	You are now listening to The Model Health Show with Sean Stevenson.
0:04.8	For more, visit The Model Health Show.com.
0:10.2	Welcome to the Model Health Show.
0:12.1	This is fitness and nutrition expert, Sean Stevenson,
0:14.4	and I'm so grateful for you tuning in with me today.
0:17.2	Recently, Hall of Fame NFL coach Tony Dungey shared the story of his son Jordan,
0:23.2	who was born with a rare genetic condition called congenital insensitivity to pain, where he
0:29.9	doesn't feel any pain. At first glance, that might sound amazing to go through life without
0:36.1	experiencing all the pain from the bumps and the bruises
0:40.4	and the injuries and stubbing your toe. You just brush it off like it's a superpower.
0:47.1	Again, at first glance, that might sound amazing. But when Tony and his family received this
0:52.5	diagnosis for his son Jordan, when he was just a baby,
0:56.8	he was also informed that his son would likely not live to make it until the age of five.
1:03.3	And this is because without the ability to experience pain, you don't have the ability to avoid
1:10.7	things that are not only dangerous to you, but deadly
1:14.4	to you.
1:15.5	But just as rare as this condition, Jordan's story is rare because not only has he survived
1:24.1	into his mid-20s as of this recording, despite over 70 surgeries, he's living
1:33.2	life and he's thriving.
1:35.9	And one very powerful lesson that Tony and his family have learned and that we all need to
1:41.9	learn is that without pain, Jordan did a lot of damage to his body.
1:49.7	He did a lot of damage to his life. And sometimes pain is exactly what we need in order to inform ourselves that we need to do something differently.
	...

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