If you’ve ever left an appointment feeling unheard, doubted, or dismissed, this episode is for you.

On this week’s Pain Free Living Podcast, Bob Allen, osteopath, and Clare Elsby, positive psychology coach and therapist, explore something that is rarely talked about, and that is the emotional and physical impact of not being believed when you’re in pain.

You’ll find out why feeling dismissed can affect your self-worth, trust in healthcare, and even your nervous system.

Clare explains how being doubted can create a deep sense of injustice, particularly for neurodivergent individuals, where fairness and being heard are core values.

From an osteopathic perspective, Bob shares what happens when your scans are “normal” but you are still in pain. He also explains why MRI findings don’t always correlate with symptoms, how the nocebo effect can amplify suffering, and why language in healthcare matters more than most people realise.

We also explore fascinating examples like phantom limb pain and mirror therapy, showing clearly that pain is always real, even when there’s no obvious tissue damage.

If you’ve been told “there’s nothing wrong” but you’re still in pain, keep pushing for an explanation and don't take no for an answer.

You know your body, and although pain is complex, it is never imaginary!

1. Pain is real even when scans are clear because imaging doesn’t always explain symptoms.
2. Feeling dismissed can impact your self-worth, trust, and stress levels.
3. The nocebo effect shows how negative language can worsen pain.
4. Your autonomic nervous system can become sensitised, amplifying pain signals.
5. Pain management works best when physical and psychological perspectives are addressed together.

How mirror therapy works https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mirror_therapy

The rubber hand illusion using a mirror https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxwn1w7MJvk

Bob Allen has been treating people in pain since 2008, combining hands-on osteopathy with clear, jargon-free education to help you understand your body and move with confidence.

Clare Elsby brings the therapy and positive psychology lens, helping you explore how thoughts, beliefs, and values influence your health and wellbeing.

More Bob’s story: https://bit.ly/BobsOsteoStory

Clare’s profile: https://www.clareelsby.com/

Newsletter sign-up: https://bit.ly/PFL_newsletter_signup

Podcast & socials: https://linktr.ee/Painfreeliving

This podcast provides general information for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice and should not replace professional assessment, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek qualified healthcare advice if you are in pain, have new or worsening symptoms, or have any concerns about your health before starting exercise or self-care routines.