48 | Diaphragmatic Breathing: The Most Inexpensive Pain Treatment Doctors Never Talk About
48 | Diaphragmatic Breathing: The Most Inexpensive Pain Treatment Doctors Never Talk About  
Podcast: The Pain Free Formula
Published On: Tue Feb 10 2026
Description: Do you ever wish for a simple, proven way to quiet pain and anxiety without pills or endless appointments? In this science-backed solo episode, Stacey Roberts reveals the transformative benefits of diaphragmatic breathing and why harnessing this “built-in remedy” could be your life’s most powerful shift. Drawing on research from leading institutions and her own clinic success, Stacey demystifies breathwork, explains how stress amplifies pain, and walks you through a step-by-step exercise you can use anywhere, anytime.Tune in now to break free from pain’s grip, reclaim your body’s resilience, and tap into insights you won’t find on a typical health show. Don’t wait! Your calm, confident self is just one breath away.Timestamped Highlights[00:00:01] – Why pain isn’t just physical: Meet the surprising tool that works every second of your life[00:01:06] – Stacey’s personal meditation story and the “aha” moment that changed her pain forever[00:02:24] – Is relief just placebo, or is science on your side? The critical research most people miss[00:03:17] – Are you trapped in fight-or-flight mode and how can you break free today?[00:04:13] – What’s really happening in your body with diaphragmatic (belly) breathing[00:06:29] – Pain thresholds, stress hormones, and how breath can reset your nervous system[00:07:15] – Try this game-changing breathing exercise right now—Stacey walks you through exact steps[00:10:21] – The secret to activating your parasympathetic system (and why it matters for lasting pain relief)[00:12:11] – Breathwork as daily medicine: How clinicians recommend you build your “pain-resistant” muscles[00:12:45] – Bonus benefits: Why breathwork heals anxiety, sleep, gut issues, and moreReferences:Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. (n.d.). Diaphragmatic breathing. Johns Hopkins MedicineOverview of diaphragmatic (belly) breathing and its role in activating the relaxation response and reducing stress-related pain.U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (n.d.). Diaphragmatic breathing: Assist self-management of pain. VA Whole Health LibraryClinical guidance from the VA Whole Health program on using diaphragmatic breathing as a practical, self-directed tool for pain management.Busch, V., Magerl, W., Kern, U., Haas, J., Hajak, G., & Eichhammer, P. (2012). The effect of deep and slow breathing on pain perception, autonomic activity, and mood processing—An experimental study. Pain Medicine, 13(2), 215–228. View studyExperimental study demonstrating that deep, slow breathing can increase pain thresholds and reduce sympathetic nervous system activity.Important LinksPain-Free Formula Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-pain-free-formula/id1802518411Free eBooks - https://newyouhealthandwellness.com/ebooksBiomechanics: When Movement MattersHeal Your Gut, Heal Your Pain - The Gut Joint Axis: A Missing Link to Joint and Muscle HealthHormones: A Missing Piece in Pain ReliefStacey’s Book on Amazon - https://www.amazon.ca/Pain-Free-Formula-Solving-Injections/dp/0998183717 New You Health and Wellness Website - https://newyouhealthandwellness.comAbout the HostStacey Roberts, PT, MBA, MSN, RN, is an Amazon bestselling author, physical therapist, registered nurse, and functional medicine specialist with 30+ years of experience. She founded and runs New You Health and Wellness in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. Her program, detailed in her book, The Pain-Free Formula; Solving The Puzzle of Muscle and Joint Pain Without Surgery, Drugs or Injections, has helped thousands overcome chronic pain and reclaim their vitality.The Pain-Free Formula Podcast is brought to you by Stacey Roberts. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.