Unweaving the Tapestry of Pain: A Journey Beyond the Physical with Katie Rothwell | E103
Mar 17, 2025
In this episode of "Brain Health: Unchaining Your Pain" features pain therapist Katie Rothwell, who shares her journey with chronic pain. She discusses how pain isn’t just physical but also linked to emotions and stress. Her struggles with back pain while solo parenting and serving in the military shaped her perspective. This led her to develop the "Beat Pain" approach to help others regain control.
Katie explains how brain health affects pain perception and how stress amplified her suffering. A TED Talk by Lorimer Moseley helped her understand pain as a brain-processed experience. By changing her mindset and lifestyle, she found lasting relief. Now, she empowers others to break free from chronic pain and reclaim their lives.
DIscussed in the episode:
- 00:02:21 Dr. Ruth welcomes guest Katie Rothwell and introduces her background in pain therapy
- 00:03:01 Talks about the brain-body connection and the role of stress in chronic pain
- 00:04:01 How stress, lifestyle, and environmental factors impact brain health and pain
- 00:05:31 Describes how back pain hit her suddenly while caring for her toddler
- 00:07:01 Discusses initial treatment with painkillers, anti-inflammatories, and rehab
- 00:09:01 Talks about being in the military, spinal rehab programs, and temporary relief methods
- 00:11:31 Discovers massage therapy, cranial sacral therapy, and the role of neuroscience in pain
- 00:14:01 Managing pain while solo parenting due to husband’s military assignment
- 00:16:01 Links major life stressors (moving, parenting alone, sleep deprivation) to pain episodes
- 00:18:31 Discusses moving to Saudi Arabia, parenting alone, and dealing with housing issues
- 00:20:01 Talks about housing instability and how stress influenced her pain
- 00:22:01 Highlights the connection between stress, trauma, and chronic pain
- 00:24:01 Discusses subconscious mind’s role in pain perception and awareness
- 00:26:31 Talks about societal influences on pain, including relationships and lifestyle
- 00:30:01 The impact of spirituality and a sense of purpose in healing pain
- 00:34:01 Shares personal journey of becoming a physiotherapist and pain specialist
- 00:38:01 Talks about how knowledge and continuous learning helped her become pain-free
- 00:42:01 Discusses how nutrition, sleep, and lifestyle choices affect pain management
- 00:46:01 Importance of self-empowerment instead of relying on quick fixes for pain
- 00:50:01 Talks about brain health, emotional trauma, and their connection to chronic pai
- 00:54:01 Discusses historical perspectives on healing, from ancient tribes to modern medicine
- 00:58:01 Talks about emotional release through singing and how it supports healing
- 01:02:01 Importance of community, connection, and empowering oneself in healing
- 01:06:01 Closing remarks, and final reflections on pain management.
Connect with Katie Rothwell:
- Website: www.katierothwell.co.uk
- Instagram: @beat__pain__now https://www.instagram.com/beat__pain__now
- Facebook: @Beatpaintherapy https://www.facebook.com/katie.rothwell.7
- Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@katierothwell_BEAT_Pain
Connect with Dr Ruth Allan:
- Book a call to discuss your needs
- Unchain your pain from a trauma or unpleasant experience FAST through 1-1 trauma recovery coaching with Dr Ruth Allan. First session guaranteed
- Learn about the Wellbeing Warrior Academy and how we can support you, your family and your organisation in taking charge of, and optimising your brain and whole body health to live a healthier, happier life.
Related episodes, books, topics and events:
- E19 Overcoming Health Obstacles with Louise Carmi
- E25 Beating Stage 4 Terminal Cancer with Mark Edmondson
- E50 Baby weaning and you with Rebecca Reed
- E74 The Psychological Impact of Trauma
- E94 How to manage chronic pain: the pain free MINDSET approach
DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute, or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please always seek the advice of your general practitioner or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.
Disclosure: All items marked with a * are hyperlinked to a partner program. Dr Ruth Allan takes part in several partner programs, designed to provide a way for her to earn fees by linking to other company websites. You are not charged any extra by using these links
