Transcript

Bart Van Buchem (00:01): Hello, and welcome to The Pain Podcast, presented by Le Pub Scientifique. I'm Bart van Buchem, a Pain Specialist Physiotherapist, and with me is my friend Tim Beames, founder of Le Pub Scientifique. Thanks for tuning in again, especially just before the holidays. Today, we’re discussing something relevant to this time of year: why taking a break from therapy can sometimes be beneficial.

We recently spoke about one of your patients, Tim. Perhaps that’s a good starting point?

Tim Beames (00:44): Yes, this topic comes up a lot with my patients, actually. I was working with someone who’s been incredibly dedicated, putting all his energy into his treatment and well-being. He’s got regular appointments he’s committed to, but recently, he finally allowed himself a break. Not a miraculous recovery, but the difference he felt from simply taking a step back was remarkable.

It wasn’t about abandoning treatment, but more about setting things aside—putting appointments, emails, and obligations on hold. And especially with persistent pain, taking this kind of pause can be very impactful.

Lorimer Moseley’s research, for example, with Graded Motor Imagery (GMI) and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), shows that those who regularly engage with their own treatment often do best. However, there’s a lot of pressure to maintain that level of commitment, and it’s crucial to also allow space for rest.

Bart Van Buchem (03:28): That’s an interesting point, and it aligns with the idea that everyone’s going to take a break at some point—whether it’s during the holidays or other occasions. It gives patients an opportunity to reset. I imagine that as a therapist, you also get a bit of breathing space, and it can even feel like a fresh start when they return. It’s a chance to re-evaluate and take stock of how things are going.

Tim Beames (04:42): Absolutely. The break isn’t just about stopping therapy; it’s about re-evaluating and managing self-care. People often feel empowered when they manage their own recovery well during these periods.

Bart Van Buchem (04:54): Exactly. And if a patient does well on their own, it might suggest they could reduce the frequency of sessions. If the goal is to empower patients, a successful holiday break can be a positive indicator of progress.

When they come back, it’s rewarding to see how they managed themselves, perhaps coping well with flare-ups or navigating a new environment. Changing surroundings, like going fishing or being in a different space, is a unique opportunity to understand how they experience their body when they’re out of their usual routine.

Tim Beames (06:23): Yes, that’s it. For him, it wasn’t even about catching fish; it was just about being in a different setting.

Bart Van Buchem (06:31): How do you address this in your sessions, Tim? How do you make it part of their recovery journey?

Tim Beames (06:48): I think it’s crucial to plan downtime into everyday routines, not just rely on holidays for a break. Whether it’s a bit of time after work or taking weekends off, finding moments to pause can be valuable. Of course, if you have kids, “downtime” might feel different, but it’s still important.

And when we think of holidays, we can’t live as if we’re permanently on vacation. But the change of scenery, focusing on family, or simply being somewhere new is incredibly enriching.

Bart Van Buchem (08:49): That’s true. I think of it as a chance to reflect on what went well, what they learned, and how they can take those insights forward. But holidays bring a different sense of awareness—it’s a more embodied experience. In a new environment, with fresh experiences, patients might even feel more capable.

Tim Beames (10:24): Yes, exactly. And it’s not just about doing different things. People tend to feel more grounded and aware of their body in those moments. This heightened awareness of their surroundings, and how they experience their own body, can reveal insights that go beyond just taking a break.

Bart Van Buchem (10:43): Yes, like how wine tastes better on holiday! It’s about more than the setting or the activity—it’s a change in mindset.

Tim Beames (11:30): Exactly. That “experiential” aspect of a holiday or break can be transformative. It’s about being able to drop into the moment, to notice how you feel and how your body responds. This is something I encourage my patients to practice, whether it’s being fully present in a specific memory or enjoying a holiday snap that makes them smile.

Bart Van Buchem (15:50): And I think holidays encourage people to be present. You’re fully immersed in new places and experiences. Just paying attention to your senses—smelling, tasting, seeing—adds depth to those experiences. And this presence, in turn, can help in their recovery journey.

Tim Beames (17:56): Exactly. And by engaging fully with these moments, patients might find new ways of managing their well-being. It’s about seeing how they can bring elements of these experiences back into their daily lives. Holidays offer a window to practice new perspectives and, perhaps, to learn what truly helps them feel well.

Bart Van Buchem (18:55): It ties into that idea: for real change, sometimes the context needs to shift. Paying attention to these experiences helps reinforce them. Andrea Evers shared something similar with us recently—positive engagement with experiences is reinforced when the context allows it to be memorable and impactful.

Tim Beames (20:01): Yes, giving yourself permission to take a break is huge. Especially for those of us self-employed, it can be challenging to let go and not feel like you should be working. I see this in many patients as well. It’s hard to pull back when you’re used to pushing forward, but it’s necessary for long-term recovery.

Bart Van Buchem (20:27): Absolutely. A therapeutic break should be part of the process, just as much as pushing through treatment. It’s about evaluating what works best for each person. Some patients actually do better when they have some time away. The summer holidays are a perfect chance for both therapists and patients to explore this approach.

Tim Beames (21:21): Exactly. But it does challenge traditional medical beliefs, doesn’t it? The idea that therapists are supposed to be the ones “fixing” people.

Bart Van Buchem (21:39): Yes, it’s a shift in perspective, like putting the patient in the driver’s seat. We’re used to being the ones in control, but stepping back lets them take charge of their journey. And while it might be daunting for some, it’s empowering for others.

Tim Beames (22:42): Yes, we’re like occasional passengers on their journey. They’re the ones driving, and we’re there to help them along the way.

Bart Van Buchem (23:05): Right, but I think we’re out of time, Tim. We should wrap up.

Tim Beames (23:12): Talking about holidays, wine, and the benefits of a break—what’s not to enjoy?

Bart Van Buchem (23:17): Indeed! Thanks to everyone for joining us. We hope this was helpful and relevant. If you’re attending the IASP World Congress on Pain in Amsterdam this August, we’d love to see you. Join us on the 6th for the Pain Pub Quiz—it’ll be a fun international gathering.

Tim Beames (25:05): Yes, and don’t forget to share the podcast if you enjoy it. Thanks for listening, and we’ll see you next time.

Bart Van Buchem (25:17): Absolutely. Don’t forget to like, follow, or subscribe so you’re the first to know when a new episode drops. Thanks for listening, and catch you later!