Module 1.6: Sensory Receptors, The AP Threshold, & Peripheral Sensitization

In this final lesson of Module 1, I bring everything together — biomechanics, pain science, and pattern recognition — and show you how to use these ideas in real patient conversations without sounding like a neuroscience textbook.

I revisit Dave (our load-sensitive case) and Athena (our sustained extension-sensitive case) to explain how mechanical vs. chemical receptor sensitivity shows up in the clinic, and why understanding the action potential (AP) threshold and principle of summation completely changes how you coach patients on load management.

You’ll learn how to explain why back pain can “sneak up” on people by the end of the day, why load management strategies work best before symptoms spike, and how to use simple analogies like the bucket to teach this without losing patient buy-in.

You’ll learn:

  • How to use peripheral sensitization as an entry point for Pain Neuroscience Education (PNE) talks

  • Why you should start PNE with the periphery, not the brain, when explaining pain to patients who’re currently flared up

  • How to meet people where they are using their language (“discs,” “nerves,” etc.)

  • Practical strategies to desensitize the system — from load & sleep to breath work and exercise

  • How to avoid triggering fear responses while still empowering patients with clarity

Watch this one all the way through — it’s not just theory. It’s the bridge between your evaluation framework and how you’ll actually communicate it in real life with patients.

⏱️TIME STAMP

0:00 – 0:40 | Welcome to the final section: Peripheral Sensitization & Pain Science Conversations
0:41 – 1:15 | The goal: tie biomechanics and pain science into pattern recognition
1:16 – 2:15 | Why this lesson matters for framing patient education
2:16 – 3:30 | Introducing Dave’s case — load sensitivity and end-of-day flare-ups
3:31 – 5:00 | The coaching moment: why load management must be proactive
5:01 – 7:15 | Sensory Receptor 101 — mechanical vs. chemical activation
7:16 – 9:00 | Debunking the myth of “pain receptors”
9:01 – 10:45 | The Action Potential Threshold & All-or-None Principle explained
10:46 – 12:20 | The Principle of Summation — how small triggers build throughout the day
12:21 – 14:45 | Applying summation to mechanical load sensitivity
14:46 – 16:30 | The Bucket Analogy — teaching patients about sensitivity
16:31 – 17:45 | Introducing Athena’s case — sustained extension sensitivity
17:46 – 19:00 | Coaching Athena using the “minimum effective dose” principle
19:01 – 20:30 | How to start pain science conversations without triggering fear
20:31 – 22:10 | Why starting with peripheral sensitization builds trust
22:11 – 23:40 | Meeting patients where they are: language and tone matter
23:41 – 25:10 | Desensitization strategies: knowledge, movement, and breath
25:11 – 26:30 | Sleep, ergonomics, and environment as clinical interventions
26:31 – 27:45 | The physiology behind calming the nervous system
27:46 – 28:40 | Why movement and blood flow are your best “medications”
28:41 – 30:10 | Medications and short-term chemical desensitization strategies
30:11 – 31:15 | Reflection: connecting all sections of Module 1
31:16 – 33:00 | Clinical Success Work — reflective questions and application 

P.S If you’re finding this course clinically helpful and actionable then you’ll love ​The Complete Solve-Sciatica system​. I dive deep into the entire acute evaluation process step-by-step. From the nuances of the subjective interview, the objective exam, and active treatment strategies to help your patients find relief that actually lasts.