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Reflections After Attending EP3 2025


After an incredible few days at the EP3 conference in Melbourne, I’m walking away deeply inspired by the global momentum in pain science and the growing synergy between two powerful paradigms for chronic pain recovery.




Bioplasticity vs. Mindbody: Two Movements, One Goal


In the world of chronic pain, two parallel revolutions have emerged—one in Australia and one in the United States. Both challenge outdated biomedical models and offer new hope to those living with persistent symptoms. However, they take different paths to achieve this.



Australia’s Bioplasticity Model 'Fit For Purpose'


Led by pioneers such as Lorimer Moseley and David Butler, and a new generation of brilliant researchers at institutions like the University of South Australia (UniSA) and the Noigroup, this approach is grounded in pain neuroscience and pain system hypersensitivity.


It emphasizes:

  • Pain as an output of a sensitized nervous system

  • A mismatch between sensory input and the brain’s internal models—driven by predictive processing and perceived threat

  • Education as treatment: Explain Pain, graded exposure, and functional reactivation

  • Use of sensory and motor imagery training, including laterality, graded motor imagery, and visualizations to rebuild movement confidence and cortical maps

  • Highlights the adaptability of the nervous system (bioplasticity)

  • Aimed at shifting how pain is explained and treated in healthcare, especially in rehab and physio settings


With studies like the RESOLVE trial (featuring a genuine sham placebo) and innovations like Reality Health's VR-supported immersive and compelling pain education and brain retraining, this model brings contemporary neuroscience into clinical practice.


This approach is typically clinician-led, with a strong focus on restoring function through movement, safety, and the reconceptualization of pain.



The Mindbody/Neuroplastic Symptom Recovery Movement


In the U.S., the mindbody approach began with Dr. John Sarno in the 1980s but has since evolved into a contemporary, neuropsychology-informed model through Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) and related frameworks.

 


It emphasizes:

  • Pain as a learned neural pathway—not a structural problem

  • A mistake in predictive processing, where the brain misinterprets safe signals as dangerous

  • The role of catastrophizing, hypervigilance, and fear in maintaining the pain-fear-pain cycle

  • Tools like somatic tracking, safety reappraisal, and emotional awareness and expression to downregulate threat

  • A client-centered approach focused on curiosity, emotional safety, and personal agency


The 2021 Boulder Back Pain Study (Pain Reprocessing Therapy) provided strong evidence that these techniques can lead to lasting reductions in chronic pain, validating the power of neuroplastic, brain-first care.

 

This model is supported and delivered to individuals living with chronic symptoms by trained coaches, therapists, physicians, and physical therapists. It speaks the language of neuropsychology, mindfulness, emotional integration, and self-directed healing.





Why These Models Matter to Me


As a manual therapist and chronic pain coach, I don’t see these approaches as opposites -they’re, in fact, the perfect blend.


From the bioplasticity model, I use the science, movement, education, sensory-motor training, and graded exposure to build confidence and restore function.


From the mindbody model, I help clients reduce fear, reframe catastrophizing thoughts, cultivate emotional awareness and expression, and create internal safety through both somatic and cognitive techniques.


Together, these approaches allow me to address both the physiological and psychological dimensions of pain—always grounded in the most up-to-date, evidence-based practices. This dual lens helps me meet people where they are with a toolkit that’s flexible, science-backed, and deeply compassionate.


This is why I traveled 32 hours to attend EP3. It was a full-circle moment that affirmed my work, my values, and my commitment to integrated, person-centered care.





Common Ground and Identical Goals

  • Pain is real—even without structural damage

  • The nervous system is plastic and changeable

  • Pain is shaped by perception, emotion, attention, and belief

  • Recovery is possible through safety, education, and reprocessing

  • A client-centered approach with shared decision-making leads to better outcomes


Together, they offer a complete and compassionate model for recovery.



Integration Is the Future


The most powerful pain care is personalized, and I believe the integration of these models is where the deepest healing happens.


  • Clinical research + emotional safety

  • Functional retraining + fear reduction

  • Empowerment through education + self-trust through emotional processing and agency


This is the model I practice. This is what I offer my clients. And this is the future I’m proud to be part of.


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