Menopause isn’t just about hot flashes. It can show up as unexplained joint pain, shoulder issues, pelvic dysfunction, and too often, women are told it’s all “just aging.” In this episode of The Pain-Free Formula Podcast, Stacey Roberts sits down with fellow physical therapist and pelvic health pioneer Stacey Futterman Tauriello to break down what’s really happening to our bodies during perimenopause and menopause, and why your hormones might be at the root of your pain.

They unpack how estrogen acts as an anti-inflammatory, why pelvic floor therapy matters more than Kegels, and how tools like SoftWave can help restore tissue health. Plus, they preview the upcoming 2026 Not Your Mother’s Menopause conference, what inspired it all and how you can gain access.

This is an empowering conversation for every woman navigating midlife changes, providers supporting them, or anyone ready to stop normalizing pain and start asking better questions.

Timestamped Highlights

[00:00:00] – Meet Stacey Futterman Tauriello and why menopause is a pain topic, literally

[00:01:27] – How hormone shifts can trigger joint pain worse than hot flashes

[00:02:30] – Personal stories of perimenopause symptoms and the power of estrogen therapy

[00:04:30] – Behind the Not Your Mother’s Menopause conference and its explosive growth

[00:06:00] – Why HRT is not the only path: alternative sessions at the 2026 event

[00:07:00] – The gap in research and how providers can empower instead of gaslight

[00:08:40] – What PTs should ask about hormonal health (yes, even at age 38)

[00:09:50] – Estrogen as joint lube: how its loss changes recovery and performance

[00:10:55] – Why pelvic floor dysfunction shows up years after childbirth

[00:12:05] – The truth about “small bladders” and why we’ve normalized leaking

[00:13:00] – From intimacy to incontinence: why tissue health = muscle health

[00:14:20] – The misunderstood overactivity of pelvic floors

[00:15:00] – How SoftWave helps boost blood flow, rebuild tissue, and support healing

[00:16:15] – It’s not weakness—it’s circulation, coordination, and better input

[00:17:30] – Conference preview: Ozempic, hormones, cancer, sexual health & more

[00:18:55] – How to talk to your doctor: testing, questions, and empowerment

[00:20:30] – Creating community: why this is more than a lecture; it’s a movement

[00:22:00] – What drives Stacey Futterman: doing good in a chaotic world

[00:23:15] – Final takeaway: hope, community, and passing it on

Safety Reminders

Pelvic floor symptoms, hormonal shifts, and chronic joint pain during menopause are common, but not normal. If you’re dealing with new pain, incontinence, or tissue changes, consult a qualified provider. This episode is educational and does not replace medical advice.

About the Guest

Stacey Futterman Tauriello, PT, MPT, WCS, BCB-PMD is a nationally recognized pelvic and orthopedic physical therapist, founder of 5 Point Physical Therapy, cofounder of Not Your Mother’s Menopause, and a longtime instructor with the Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute. She blends orthopedic sports medicine with pelvic floor rehab to help patients resolve pain, regain confidence, and live fully. She’s been featured on NBC’s Today Show, CBS New York, and more.

Clinics:

📍 New York, NY: 5 POINT Physical Therapy PLLC

37 W. 20th Street, Suite 607 | Tel: 212-226-2066

📍 Millburn, NJ: 5 POINT Physical Therapy and Wellness LLC

318 Main Street, Suite 200A | Tel: 973-671-5855

🔗 5pt.com

🎟️ Not Your Mother’s Menopause Conference Info

• 📅 January 11, 2026
• 
  
• 🌐 Register:

Most people think of chocolate as a guilty pleasure, but what if the right kind could actually fight pain and inflammation? In this episode of The Pain-Free Formula Podcast, Stacey Roberts dives deep into the science behind dark chocolate, cocoa flavanols, and how they interact with your body’s inflammatory and nervous systems.

You’ll learn which types of chocolate could contribute to pain reduction, which ones might make it worse, and how to build a mindful, pain-friendly chocolate ritual. Whether you’re managing chronic joint pain or just love a good square of dark chocolate, this episode is packed with tasty, science-backed takeaways.

[00:00:00] – Chocolate boosts serotonin and dopamine for better mood and pain resilience

[00:00:34] – The Pain-Free Formula mission and Stacey’s message of hope

[00:01:27] – Welcome and topic reveal: The truth about chocolate and pain

[00:02:20] – The science behind cocoa and flavonoids

[00:03:07] – How dark chocolate reduces inflammation and oxidative stress

[00:03:36] – Chocolate’s impact on fibromyalgia, fatigue, and endorphins

[00:03:59] – The problem with most chocolate: sugar, dairy, and processed fats

[00:04:28] – How milk proteins block polyphenol absorption

[00:04:49] – Additives, shelf life, and hidden inflammation

[00:05:10] – The “good, bad, and bittersweet”: breaking down chocolate types

[00:05:36] – Why dark chocolate (70–90%) is the best choice for inflammation

[00:06:00] – What to look for: non-alkalized cocoa for maximum benefit

[00:06:06] – Milk chocolate: low cocoa, high sugar, and lost benefits

[00:06:36] – White chocolate: no antioxidants, all inflammation

[00:07:00] – Cacao nibs: the unprocessed superfood

[00:07:26] – The chocolate-hormone connection: serotonin, dopamine, and magnesium

[00:08:26] – When sugar and milk cancel out chocolate’s benefits

[00:08:49] – The nervous system connection: overactivation vs. rest-and-digest

[00:09:11] – Stacey’s “Pain-Free Formula Chocolate Ritual”

[00:09:33] – How to pair chocolate with healthy fats for better absorption

[00:09:53] – Mindful eating to activate healing and parasympathetic tone

[00:10:42] – Spice it up: turmeric and cinnamon as chocolate enhancers

[00:11:00] – The verdict: dark chocolate = medicine for your mitochondria

[00:12:00] – You don’t have to settle for pain—healing is possible

Choose high-quality dark chocolate (85%+ cacao) and avoid dairy-laden, sugar-filled varieties. If you’re experiencing pain flare-ups even with a clean diet, you may have hidden food sensitivities.

Call us for food sensitivity testing:

📞 414-299-8121

📧 info@newyouhealthandwellness.com

• Schümann, G., et al. (2008). The anti-inflammatory properties of cocoa flavanols. British Journal of Nutrition, 99, 777–786.
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• Ramirez-Sanchez, I., et al. (2020). Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Nociceptive Effects of Cocoa: A Review. Pain and Therapy, 9, 415–430.
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• Starowicz, P., et al. (2021). Chocolate intake and muscle pain sensation: A randomized cross-over trial. PLOS ONE.
• 
  
• Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. (2023). Dark chocolate is best choice for health—but don’t turn it into medicine.
• 
  
• UCLA Health. (2018). Dear Doctors: How much do sugar and additives impair dark chocolate’s benefits?
• 
  

• Pain-Free Formula Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-pain-free-formula/id1802518411
• 
  
• Free...

What if your best pain reliever wasn’t in your medicine cabinet but in your sense of humor?

In this uplifting episode of The Pain-Free Formula Podcast, Stacey Roberts explores the surprising power of laughter as a tool for reducing chronic pain, stress, and even inflammation. Through storytelling, research, and a guided mini “laughter workout,” Stacey reveals how intentional laughter can shift brain chemistry, activate healing hormones, and provide real relief from discomfort, all without side effects.

Whether it’s Norman Cousins’ famous recovery through Marx Brothers reruns or modern studies showing how laughter yoga lowers cortisol and improves life satisfaction, this episode makes one thing clear: a daily dose of joy might just be part of your wellness plan.

[00:00:00] – Opening gratitude and intro to laughter as medicine

[00:01:00] – What is laughter therapy and why it matters

[00:01:30] – Norman Cousins’ healing story with laughter

[00:03:01] – The physiology of laughter: cortisol, endorphins, circulation

[00:04:00] – How laughter shifts pain perception

[00:05:00] – Parasympathetic response and relaxation after laughter

[00:06:13] – Structured laughter (laughter yoga) and contagious effect

[00:07:19] – Cortisol reduction and oxytocin release from social laughter

[00:08:00] – Practical laughter prescription: laugh before/during stress

[00:08:50] – Mini laughter workout guided by Stacey

[00:10:00] – Norman Cousins revisited: 10 minutes of laughter = 2 hours of sleep

[00:10:45] – Chronic pain patients using humor see better life satisfaction

[00:11:30] – Final thoughts: Stacey’s 5-point laughter prescription

Laughter won’t replace medical treatment, but it’s a complementary practice that supports healing. If your pain persists or worsens, consult a healthcare provider.

• Laugh every day — on purpose.

• Before something stressful, get your giggle reps in.

• Laugh with others — shared laughter multiplies the benefit.

• Reframe your pain — find humor in the struggle.

• And never underestimate a good snort-laugh.

📞 Call 414‑299‑8121

📧 Email info@newyouhealthandwellness.com

• Kramer, C. K., & Leitão, C. B. (2023). Laughter as medicine: A systematic review and meta-analysis of interventional studies evaluating the impact of spontaneous laughter on cortisol levels. PLoS ONE, 18(5), e0286260. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0286260
• 
  
• Şis, Ç., & Kılınç, T. (2022). The effect of laughter yoga on perceived stress, burnout, and life satisfaction in nurses during the pandemic: A randomized controlled trial. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 49, 101638. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2022.101638
• 
  
• Kuru Aliçi, N., & Bahçeli, P. Z. (2021). Effects of laughter therapy on life satisfaction and loneliness in older adults living in nursing homes in Turkey: A parallel-group randomized controlled trial. Rehabilitation Nursing, 46(2), 104–112. https://doi.org/10.1097/RNJ.0000000000000288
• 
  
• Hassanzadeh, R., et al. (2017). The effect of laughter yoga on anxiety and sleep quality in patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease. BMC Research Notes, 10, 371.

Do you ever notice your body aches more after a weekend of takeout or packaged snacks? It might not be your imagination.

In this episode of The Pain-Free Formula Podcast, Stacey Roberts explores the hidden impact of ultra-processed foods—those industrial, ingredient‑heavy items that often dominate modern diets—and how they may be quietly fueling inflammation associated with muscle and joint pain. Stacey walks through the evidence based science of gut barrier disruption, oxidative stress, microbiome imbalance, and how these mechanisms connect diet to pain signaling.

You’ll also get practical strategies for dialing down the inflammatory fire. This episode is for anyone who wants to understand why their pain flares and what to do about it.

• [00:00:00] – Why pain can flare up after takeout, snacks, or quick meals
• 
  
• [00:01:00] – What counts as ultra‑processed and why it matters more than you think
• 
  
• [00:02:00] – NIH study: two diets, same calories—very different results
• 
  
• [00:03:20] – How food companies design cravings and profit from inflammation
• 
  
• [00:03:40] – Hidden inflammation: what CRP, IL‑6, and TNF‑alpha reveal
• 
  
• [00:04:00] – Gut barrier damage: how additives trigger “fire alarms” in your body
• 
  
• [00:04:48] – The oxidative stress analogy: teenagers, houses, and free radicals
• 
  
• [00:06:00] – How processed foods strip antioxidants and weaken your defenses
• 
  
• [00:06:28] – The gut microbiome connection: fewer good bacteria, more inflammation
• 
  
• [00:07:18] – How gut inflammation spreads to joints, muscles, and nerves
• 
  
• [00:07:51] – Neurobiology 101: how inflammation turns into chronic pain
• 
  
• [00:08:27] – Central sensitization: when your nervous system stays “on alert”
• 
  
• [00:09:14] – Why even healthy foods can trigger pain if you’re sensitive to them
• 
  
• [00:10:00] – Not all processed foods are evil—balance and moderation matter
• 
  
• [00:11:23] – Why correlation isn’t causation (and what studies still can teach us)
• 
  
• [00:12:10] – First step: swap just one processed meal for a whole‑food option
• 
  
• [00:12:37] – Label literacy: short ingredient lists = healthier choices
• 
  
• [00:13:01] – Anti‑inflammatory allies: omega‑3s, polyphenols, and fiber
• 
  
• [00:13:32] – Why gentle movement helps inflammation and how to modify workouts
• 
  
• [00:14:41] – The food‑pain journal: how to spot triggers over time
• 
  
• [00:15:17] – What to do if you still have pain on a clean diet (hint: testing!)
• 
  
• [00:16:23] – When to get ALCAT testing and how it uncovers hidden sensitivities
• 
  
• [00:17:01] – Stacey’s closing message: “Pain is not a life sentence—heal from the inside out.
• 
  

• This episode doesn’t focus on dosage; it’s about food quality and habits.
• Avoid relying on IgG tests—they are less reliable in Stacey’s clinical experience.

If you suspect certain foods trigger your symptoms, call 414‑299‑8121 or email info@newyouhealthandwellness.com to learn more about ALCAT food sensitivity testing.

• Elma, Ö., Brain, K., & Dong, H. J. (2022). The Importance of Nutrition as a Lifestyle Factor in Chronic Pain Management: A Narrative Review. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 11(19), 5950.

Could your medication be the hidden cause of your joint or muscle pain?

In this episode of The Pain-Free Formula Podcast, Stacey Roberts breaks down six common medication categories that may be contributing to chronic pain, without you even realizing it. From statins and antidepressants to NSAIDs and antibiotics, Stacey walks you through the real side effects that may be worsening your symptoms, not helping them.

She shares what the research says, what to look for in your own medication history, and what conversations to have with your provider if any of these medications ring a bell. You’ll also learn how nutrient testing, hormone evaluation, and functional medicine strategies can help restore your body’s natural healing systems, without stopping medication abruptly or unsupervised.

If you’ve been managing pain with no clear cause, this episode might be the missing piece.

• Do not stop any medications abruptly.
• 
  
• If you suspect a medication might be contributing to your pain, consult your provider and:
• 
  
• Track when symptoms started vs. when you started the medication
• 
  
• Request nutrient testing, hormone testing, and functional support
• 
  
• Explore pain-safe alternatives with professional guidance
• 
  

At New You Health and Wellness, we support patients struggling with unexplained muscle and joint pain. Our clinic offers:

• Functional medicine consultations
• 
  
• Nutrient and hormone testing
• 
  
• A personalized SoftWave therapy program
• 
  
• Food and gut health assessments
• 
  

Call 414-299-8121 or email info@newyouhealthandwellness.com to learn more.

• Statins:
• European Atherosclerosis Society. (2015). https://doi.org/10.1093/eurheartj/ehv043
• Ahmet et al. (2020). https://doi.org/10.1161/JAHA.118.009835
• NSAIDs:
• Solaiman et al. (2024). https://aoj.amegroups.org/article/view/8367/html
• Cervoni, E. (2024). https://www.bmj.com/content/386/bmj.q2030
• Antidepressants:
• Harvard Health Publishing. (2021). https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/what-are-the-real-risks-of-antidepressants
• Riediger et al. (2017). https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2017.00307
• Opioids:
• Lee et al. (2011). https://www.painphysicianjournal.com/current/pdf?article=MTQ0Ng%3D%3D&journal=60
• Fluoroquinolone Antibiotics:
• FDA Drug Safety Communication (2018).

Not everyone wants to rely on supplements or prescriptions to manage joint pain, and the good news is, you don’t always have to.

In this episode of The Pain-Free Formula Podcast, Stacey Roberts walks you through 7 common foods that are rich in polyphenols, natural plant compounds that act like your body’s clean-up crew. These antioxidant-rich pantry staples not only reduce inflammation but can also support joint tissue, gut health, and circulation. From olive oil and tea to turmeric and berries, Stacey breaks down how these foods work and where to find them in your kitchen.

You’ll also learn why even “healthy” foods can sometimes cause inflammation and how food sensitivity testing, like the ALCAT, can help you figure out exactly which pain-fighting foods are right for your body.

If you’re looking for practical, natural ways to reduce joint and muscle pain without another pill bottle—this episode is for you.

• Learn more about the ALCAT food sensitivity test: Call 414-299-8121 or email info@newyouhealthandwellness.com

• Pain-Free Formula Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-pain-free-formula/id1802518411
• 
  
• Free eBooks - https://newyouhealthandwellness.com/ebooks
• Biomechanics: When Movement Matters
• Heal Your Gut, Heal Your Pain - The Gut Joint Axis: A Missing Link to Joint and Muscle Health
• Hormones: A Missing Piece in Pain Relief
• 
  
• Stacey’s Book on Amazon - https://www.amazon.ca/Pain-Free-Formula-Solving-Injections/dp/0998183717
• New You Health and Wellness Website - https://newyouhealthandwellness.com

Stacey 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...

Walk into any supplement aisle and you’ll see them: Glucosamine & Chondroitin, promising relief for your aching joints. But after decades of debate, are they actually effective? Or just another bottle of false hope?

In this episode of The Pain-Free Formula Podcast, Stacey Roberts breaks down the latest science, clears up the confusion, and helps you decide whether these popular joint supplements are a smart part of your long-term strategy, or just an unnecessary expense. She shares the newest research from a 2024 meta-analysis, explains how these compounds work in the body, and offers practical guidance on dosage, safety, and how to choose the right brand.

If you’ve ever wondered whether glucosamine and chondroitin are worth your time and money, or if you’re considering adding them to your arthritis relief plan, this episode is for you.

• Typical Dosage:
• 
  
• Glucosamine sulfate: 1500 mg/day
• Chondroitin sulfate: 800–1200 mg/day
• 
  
• Cautions:
• 
  
• People with shellfish allergies should use vegan versions.
• Those on blood thinners (e.g. warfarin) should consult their doctor first.
• Effects are not immediate. Give supplements at least 3–6 months before deciding.

ConsumerLab’s Picks:

(If you click on these Amazon links, New You Health and Wellness may receive a small commission should you decide to purchase.)

• Kirkland Signature (Costco) Advanced Glucosamine Chondroitin - https://amzn.to/3VvJlXu
• Cosamin DS for Joint Health - https://amzn.to/4nkIDIP
• 
  

Stacey’s Picks:

• Douglas Labs Glucosamine Plus Extra Strength - https://amzn.to/46xUZ91
• Thorne Glucosamine and Chondroitin - https://amzn.to/4nHWc4y
• Vegan Glucosamine and Chondroitin - https://amzn.to/4nsIV00i

• Rabade, A., Viswanatha, G. L., Nandakumar, K., & Kishore, A. (2024). Evaluation of efficacy and safety of glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, and their combination regimen in the management of knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Inflammopharmacology, 32(3), 1759–1775. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10787-024-01460-9
• ConsumerLab (2017). Does glucosamine raise “bad” LDL cholesterol? Read article - https://www.consumerlab.com/answers/does-glucosamine-raise-ldl-bad-cholesterol/glucosamine-cholesterol/?search=Glucosamine

• Pain-Free Formula Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-pain-free-formula/id1802518411
• 
  
• Free eBooks - https://newyouhealthandwellness.com/ebooks

What if a few simple changes could get rid of your knee pain just as well as the anti-inflammatory medication in your cabinet?

In this episode of The Pain-Free Formula, Stacey breaks down new research that’s changing the game for people living with knee arthritis. Instead of reaching for meds or bracing for surgery, what if a simple shift in your stride could ease the pain and even protect your joints from further damage? Sounds too good to be true, but the science is in, and Stacey explains exactly how it works.

You’ll hear how gait retraining, SoftWave therapy, and smart, personalized movement can create real, lasting relief without the side effects. If you’re tired of chasing symptoms and ready for something that actually works, this episode is for you.

Start now because pain doesn’t have to be a life sentence, and your next step could be your best one yet.

• [00:02] – What if your knee pain fix isn’t in a pill… but in your gait?
• [00:04] – The fascinating research that proves what to change in your stride, to get rid of knee pain
• [00:06] – Why biomechanics matters more than you think
• [00:08] – The MRI results that shocked researchers
• [00:10] – SoftWave therapy: What it is and why it works
• [00:11] – The forgotten link between your ankle, hip, and knee pain
• [00:13] – How fast can you feel relief—and avoid unnecessary surgery?
• [00:15] – Stacey’s bold reminder: “Pain is not a life sentence”

• SciTechDaily Article – Gait Study
• SoftWave Therapy Episode
• NSAIDs & Pain Sensitivity Episode
• SoftWave Therapy Details

• Pain-Free Formula Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-pain-free-formula/id1802518411
• Free eBooks - https://newyouhealthandwellness.com/ebooks
• Biomechanics: When Movement Matters
• Heal Your Gut, Heal Your Pain - The Gut Joint Axis: A Missing Link to Joint and Muscle Health
• Hormones: A Missing Piece in Pain Relief
• Stacey’s Book on Amazon - https://www.amazon.ca/Pain-Free-Formula-Solving-Injections/dp/0998183717
• New You Health and Wellness Website - https://newyouhealthandwellness.com



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