Episode #11
EP 11 | Is Your Nervous System the Missing Piece to Pain Relief? | Perry Nickelston
What if the muscles you're treating aren't the real place to begin? In this fascinating episode, Paula Nutting is joined by internationally renowned chiropractor and educator Dr. Perry Nickelston to explore the powerful relationship between the nervous system, the lymphatic system, fascia, and chronic pain. Drawing from decades of experience in movement, rehabilitation, and functional medicine, Perry explains why lasting pain relief requires looking beyond muscles alone. Together, Paula and Perry unpack how the vagus nerve, neuroinflammation, the lymphatic system, and fascial connections influence healing, recovery, and overall wellbeing. The conversation explores the importance of understanding the body as an interconnected system rather than treating isolated symptoms. Perry shares practical insights into how therapists can better assess clients, improve clinical reasoning, and help regulate the nervous system to create more meaningful and lasting outcomes. Whether you're a massage therapist, manual therapist, movement professional, or healthcare practitioner, this episode offers a fresh perspective on treating pain by addressing the whole person—not just the painful tissue. In this episode: • Why the nervous system plays a critical role in pain and recovery • The connection between the vagus nerve, fascia, and the lymphatic system • Understanding neuroinflammation and its effect on healing • Top-down versus bottom-up approaches to treatment • Why muscles are often the messenger—not the root cause • Helping clients regulate stress through manual therapy • Improving clinical reasoning by looking beyond symptoms • The importance of listening before treating • Building trust to create better therapeutic outcomes • Why every body system works together during healing • Integrating lymphatic and nervous system principles into clinical practice Timeline Highlights: 00:05 – Paula introduces Dr. Perry Nickelston and Stop Chasing Pain. 02:40 – The connection between the vagus nerve, fascia, and the lymphatic system. 04:21 – Top-down versus bottom-up approaches to pain and healing. 08:10 – Why inflammation changes how the brain processes pain. 13:45 – Looking beyond muscles to understand the real cause of symptoms. 21:18 – The role of the lymphatic system in recovery and overall health. 30:42 – How stress, breathing, and the autonomic nervous system influence healing. 39:15 – Helping clients build resilience instead of chasing symptoms. 47:06 – Clinical reasoning and treating the whole person, not just the pain. 55:20 – Why therapists should keep learning and questioning old assumptions. 01:02:05 – Meeting clients where they are and building trust first. 01:03:15 – Perry shares resources and education through Stop Chasing Pain. Watch on YouTube https://youtu.be/pAQO74W8d2U If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to follow the podcast, leave a review, share it with your colleagues, and rate the show on your favorite podcast platform. Connect with Dr. Perry Nickelston: https://www.stopchasingpain.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialstopchasingpainllc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stopchasingpain/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/njlaserdoctor LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/perrynickelston/ TikTok: @stopchasingpain Disclaimer: The following program is for informational and educational purposes only. The content discussed regarding musculoskeletal health, injury recovery, and physical therapy techniques is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a therapist-patient relationship between you and Paula or her guest presenter. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or physical injury. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately. Reliance on any information provided in this podcast is solely at your own risk. Therapist testimonial highlighting the value of Paula Nutting's Supercharged Therapist Group, mentorship, ongoing support, and professional guidance for therapists seeking continued growth and clinical confidence. The Supercharged Therapist Method, ONLINE option to treat in ONE session what can take THREE or more Paula Nutting talks about her educational journey and why it has made putting the technique of facilitating the Chapmans Reflexes so effective, powerful, and useful for any therapist whether you are a Massage Therapist, Myotherapist, Remedial Massage Therapist, and more! If you are a massage therapist, myotherapist, or remedial massage therapist and been in the industry for less than five years then this message is for you! Learn the Techniques that you might have not done yet like How to do your Muscle Energy Technique, How to do your Myofascial Release Technique and more. Learn from your peers and get valuable mentoring to become a fully booked massage, myotherapist, or remedial massage therapist. FREE Resources for Therapists ▶ Watch the FREE webinar: https://vimeo.com/577539672?fl=pl&fe=sh Watch therapist testimonials & clinical education content: https://youtu.be/YfrWsuTJP98 https://youtu.be/pPLkIEEf9k8 https://youtu.be/DHwAxbeEONY https://youtu.be/RCMyWNNTPTA https://youtu.be/3ayD4-jeTTY https://youtu.be/4FB7vh7kIoU Learn more about my Mentorship Programs & Therapist Training: https://yourmusculoskeletalspecialist.com Access all of my resources, courses, events & links in one place: https://smartlink2.metricool.com/public/smartlink/paulanutting Got questions or want to collaborate? paulanuttingyms@gmail.com
