Understanding Pain Beyond the Surface: Insights from Physical Medicine Expert Dr. Matt Weaver [Facilitated Episode 15]
- The Facility Denver
- 17 hours ago
- 4 min read
In our latest podcast episode, we had the privilege of speaking with Dr. Matt Weaver, DC, a physical medicine specialist who brings a refreshingly evidence-based approach to conservative healthcare. The conversation revealed profound insights about pain management, rehabilitation, and the importance of proper patient education that deserve deeper exploration.
One of the most significant takeaways from our discussion was the fundamental misunderstanding many patients have about pain. "A big mistake that people make is that pain equals damage, and that's not always the case," Matt explained. This misconception leads countless individuals down a path of fear-avoidance, limiting their activities and creating a cycle that can actually worsen their condition. Research consistently shows that many people have structural damage without pain, while others experience significant pain without corresponding tissue damage. This disconnect highlights the complex, multidimensional nature of pain that goes far beyond simple biomechanics.
The conversation also illuminated the powerful impact of what healthcare providers say to patients. Matt shared a compelling example of "nocebo" - the opposite of placebo - where negative suggestions or harmful narratives from healthcare providers can actually increase pain and impair recovery. He described a patient who had been told by her surgeon that she should "never do free weights" after spinal fusion surgery, creating unnecessary fear about normal daily activities like carrying groceries or picking up grandchildren. These seemingly innocent clinical comments can dramatically shape a patient's recovery journey, often in detrimental ways. Providers must be incredibly mindful of their language, focusing on empowerment rather than limitation.
Perhaps the most actionable insight for anyone experiencing musculoskeletal pain is Matt's emphasis on the "Goldilocks" approach to rehabilitation. The key is finding the perfect balance of activity - enough to stimulate tissue adaptation and healing, but not so much that it provokes significant flare-ups. This gradual exposure approach stands in contrast to the all-or-nothing mindset many patients adopt. Rather than focusing exclusively on what you can't do when injured, shift attention to what you can do and build from there. This patient-centered philosophy helps develop both physical resilience and psychological confidence, essential components of lasting recovery.
The conversation challenged conventional approaches to conservative care that rely heavily on passive treatments or quick fixes. Matt emphasized that while hands-on techniques like soft tissue work and dry needling can provide temporary relief, the path to lasting improvement comes through proper movement, graded exposure, and building resilience over time. The ultimate goal isn't dependency on treatments but developing the capacity to self-manage and thrive independently. This perspective requires patience from both patient and provider, acknowledging that meaningful recovery from chronic issues takes time and consistent effort.
For healthcare providers, Matt's insights offer a valuable reminder about the importance of truly meeting patients where they are. This means developing individualized care plans based on goals, psychology, and life circumstances rather than standardized protocols based solely on diagnosis. It means being honest about recovery timelines, even when that means acknowledging that meaningful improvement might take months rather than days. Above all, it means earning trust through genuine connection and empathy, which research consistently shows to be among the most powerful predictors of positive health outcomes.
Looking for an Honest + Down-to-Earth Pain Specialist?
>> Connect with Dr. Matt Weaver, DC at DocSpitz Performance Clinic in Littleton, Colorado.
Seemingly innocent clinical comments can dramatically shape a patient's recovery journey, often in detrimental ways. Providers must be incredibly mindful of their language, focusing on empowerment rather than limitation.
If you prefer content in audio format, check out Facilitated Episode 15 | Not A Quick Fix for a candid discussion between Functional Medicine Doctor Mitchell Rasmussen and Rehab Specialist Doctor Matt Weaver | Listen here
Work with us at The Facility Functional Medicine:
If you’re curious about functional medicine and how it could work for you, we’d love to help. Book an initial consultation with our Denver-based clinic (we see patients locally and via telehealth) and take the first step toward a health journey that doesn’t stop with you.
Meet The Functional Medicine Team behind Facilitated:
Mitchell Rasmussen, DC, CFMP: Mitchell is a certified functional medicine practitioner with a doctorate of chiropractic at The Facility Functional Medicine Clinic in Denver, Colorado.
Lots of letters behind this name. I went into the field of chiropractic knowing I wanted to practice Functional Medicine. My biggest passion is the immune system. I've focused a lot of post-doctoral education on immunology and clinical applications for chronic diseases like Lyme and other tick-borne pathogens, viral burden, and mold exposure.
About Kate Daugherty, MS, CNS: Kate is a certified nutrition specialist and functional nutritionist at The Facility Functional Medicine Clinic in Denver, Colorado.
I embarked on my career journey in neuroscience, which seamlessly transitioned into further education in human nutrition. Utilizing food as medicine to treat the mind-body connection is truly remarkable. I believe our eating habits nourish our soul just as profoundly as they do our body.
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