The Real Work with Maggie Sterling 23 - Dr. Brad Fanestil, MD | This Is How You Heal Anxiety and Chronic Pain
Jan 19, 2026
Dr. Brad Fanestil, MD, is a board-certified internal medicine physician who pivoted to mind-body medicine after decades in primary care. He discusses how chronic pain and anxiety can be healed through neuroplasticity rather than just managed. Listeners will learn about the connection between pain and the brain’s protective mechanisms, the importance of somatic exercises, and how to identify neuroplastic symptoms. Dr. Fanestil also emphasizes that understanding these concepts goes beyond intellect and requires practical application.
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Stop Testing And Try A Different Approach
- Stop endless testing once due diligence is done and doctors are puzzled.
- Take ownership and explore mind-body approaches when nothing physical explains symptoms.
Medicine Excels At Acute Care, Not Chronic Mystery
- The current medical system is excellent at detecting life-threatening problems but limited at chronic unexplained symptoms.
- New neuroscience resources exist and patients must seek them out.
Get On Board With The Neuroplastic Model
- Get on board with the neuroplastic explanation before rewiring work begins.
- Accepting the idea empowers you to practice the required body-based training.