In this week's episode, I'm joined by physician and researcher Dr. Jen Romanello to explore why the words healthcare providers use matter, how seemingly well-intentioned interactions can contribute to medical trauma, and why understanding neuroplastic pain isn't dismissive of your symptoms, but one of the most hopeful frameworks for recovery.
Dr. Romanello shares her own recovery from neuroplastic pelvic pain while in medical school, the research she conducted on patients' experiences seeking care for pelvic pain, and how she's working to help change the conversation inside the western medical system itself.
This is an honest, nuanced conversation about validation, science, hope, and the future of pelvic pain care.
In this episode, we discuss:
Dr. Jen Romanello's personal journey through neuroplastic pain and symptoms
Why so many people with pelvic pain feel dismissed by healthcare providers
The difference between medical gaslighting and a science-based neuroplastic pain explanation
Findings from Dr. Romanello's Words Matter research study on patients' experiences seeking pelvic pain care
Why language can either build trust or contribute to medical trauma
How physicians are (and aren't) currently educated about pelvic pain and sexual medicine
Why education and accurate diagnosis can be life-changing for both patients and clinicians
How the medical community is beginning to embrace neuroplastic pain science
About Dr. Jen Romanello
Dr. Jen Romanello is an internal medicine physician, researcher, and advocate for improving education around chronic pain and sexual medicine. She co-leads the Early Career Special Interest Group through the Association for the Treatment of Neuroplastic Symptoms (ATNS) and has conducted published research exploring patients' experiences seeking care for pelvic pain.
Her work focuses on bridging the gap between traditional medicine and modern pain neuroscience while improving how clinicians communicate with patients living with persistent pain.
Resources Mentioned
The Way Out by Alan Gordon
Dr. John Sarno's The Mindbody Prescription
Association for the Treatment of Neuroplastic Symptoms (ATNS)
Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT)
Tight Lipped
International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health (ISSWSH)
Connect with Dr. Jen Romanello
Instagram: @jenromanello
Learn more about the ATNS Early Career Special Interest Group: earlycareer@symptomatic.me
Connect with Rachel:
Get Your Free Pain Flare Plan
Join BCPP
Book A Pelvic Pain Strategy Session
IG: thepelvicpaincoach
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Healing is possible.
I'm rooting for you, always. 💜
