This video, created with NotebookLM, introduces the Human Rehabilitation Framework and how IOCH is reshaping healthcare. It’s a story of science, care, and community working together to create lasting change.
In this podcast-style deep dive, we explore what “contextual health” really means, why IOCH was created, and how our work is changing lives. You’ll hear how the Human Rehabilitation Framework connects research, technology, clinical services, and education — and why this matters for challenges like chronic pain, movement, and overall well-being.
Read the Full TranscriptWelcome back to the deep dive. So you’ve sent us some interesting sources, and today we’re gonna crack them open. We’re looking at an organization called the Institute of Contextual Health — IOCH for short. We’ve got bits from their website about programs, impact sections, and even some blog titles that seem quite revealing. Our mission here is to figure out what they mean by contextual health, why it feels different, and why their perspective might be useful, especially for things like ongoing movement issues or pain that just won’t quit.
The sources make it clear pretty quick: IOCH is not into quick fixes. They see health itself as not static but as a process — constantly evolving. Contextual health is about understanding that process, maybe even predicting it, and then helping people make realistic, adaptable changes that actually stick in the long run. It’s about the whole journey.
Their core philosophy is about the whole picture, not just symptoms. They explicitly go beyond the obvious physical stuff. Yes, biology matters, but also psychology, stress levels, beliefs about pain, social life, cultural background, and even your environment. All of these factors make up the health story. For example, it’s not just “my knee hurts.” It might also be “my knee hurts, I have a stressful job, little social support, and I live in a third-floor apartment with no elevator.” IOCH emphasizes tailoring care to the full context, because if everyone’s context is different, then their health path must be different too.
So how do they do it? IOCH organizes its work around four main pillars: research, technology, clinical services, and education. Research helps them understand these complex interactions. Technology helps deliver or track personalized plans. Clinical services provide direct care. Education spreads this way of thinking to professionals and the public. It’s a deliberate, integrated structure supporting their approach.
Even though some numbers in their impact section were placeholders, the categories tell you a lot about their values and priorities. They highlight serving clients using a biopsychosocial approach, and reaching clients on Medicaid or from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds — a clear commitment to access and equity. They also emphasize developing biopsychosocial-informed coursework, presenting lectures globally, and helping clients safely reduce or even stop opioid use. Empowering clients to access mental health services is another priority, recognizing how pain, addiction, and mental health are deeply connected. Importantly, they note that clients are passing on the skills they learn and sharing their stories — creating a ripple effect of sustainable change.
The blog titles offer further insight. One is Growth Happens in the Trenches: How Complexity Theory Helps Us Understand Life’s Most Transformative Moments. Complexity theory looks at systems with many interacting parts, like health, where small changes can lead to big, emergent outcomes. IOCH applies this to show that health change happens in messy, real-life situations — not in neat, linear ways. Another blog, Move Over, Perfect Posture: The Case for a More Flexible Approach, argues against rigid, one-size-fits-all advice. Instead, they emphasize adaptable approaches that fit the individual and their context — a perfect example of their philosophy in action.
For those intrigued, IOCH offers several ways to engage: becoming a client, supporting them as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit through donations, volunteering, collaborating, or even pursuing career opportunities with the organization.
Altogether, IOCH presents itself as an organization fundamentally built around seeing health holistically — deeply personalized and context-aware, especially for complex issues like pain and movement. Their model says: biology matters, but it’s just one thread in a bigger weave that includes mind, social world, environment, and culture. By blending research, technology, clinical work, and education, they aim to help people make lasting, sustainable changes. It’s an invitation to see health less as a list of problems to fix and more as a dynamic dance between all the parts of life.
Real, lasting health change comes from understanding and working with the whole person, situated in their unique context. So here’s a final question: if context is as vital as biology, what parts of your daily routines, social connections, or environment might be influencing your well-being — in ways you haven’t yet considered?
At the core of IOCH's mission is groundbreaking use-inspired research focused on understanding the interplay of factors that contribute to chronic pain and movement problems. Projects include those related to measurement, personalized care, and clinical reasoning. We aim to explore impact focused research topics for generating real societal change.
IOCH is at the forefront of developing innovative software solutions aimed at revolutionizing chronic pain management and support. Our key developments include the Biopsychosocial Process Based Case Management Software (PB-CMS) and the Chronic Pain Empowerment Network (CPEN), a prosocial learning and support ecosystem.
Our clinical services continue the foundation established by DMR Move, a rehabilitation practice renowned for its clinicians trained in the Human Rehabilitation Framework (HRF). Now under the acquisition of IOCH, we are expanding our reach through initiatives such as workshops, public health campaigns, and partnerships with healthcare providers to enhance care standards.
IOCH offers a comprehensive suite of educational programs for healthcare providers, patients, and the community. These programs aim to disseminate knowledge about effective pain management strategies, promote psychological flexibility, and foster a supportive community for those affected by chronic pain.
Contextual health is an approach that understands and addresses health conditions by examining the comprehensive biological, psychological, and social history and context of an individual. This method extends beyond simply addressing physical symptoms to consider how these interrelated factors—alongside the individual’s personal experiences and environmental conditions—shape health outcomes. It recognizes that health is influenced not only by genetic and physical conditions but also by psychological states, social environments, and past experiences. At the Institute of Contextual Health (IOCH), we are dedicated to overcoming the limitations of traditional healthcare models by integrating these multifaceted insights. Our goal is to provide healthcare facilities with the tools and insights needed to deliver more effective care that responds to the diverse needs of the communities they serve.
The Institute of Contextual Health (IOCH) operates on a robust foundation supported by four critical pillars: Research, Technology, Clinical Services and Outreach, and Education. Each of these pillars is vital in our mission to revolutionize the understanding and treatment of chronic pain and movement issues. Here’s how each pillar supports and enhances our overarching goals:
Together, these pillars not only reinforce IOCH’s vision but also create a dynamic ecosystem that advances the Human Rehabilitation Framework (HRF). This synergy ensures our approaches are scientifically valid, practically applicable, and highly effective in addressing the complexities of health, thus making a profound impact on the lives of those we serve. This integrated approach is crucial for transcending the limitations of traditional healthcare models and delivering care that truly resonates with individual needs.
The Institute of Contextual Health (IOCH) has developed the Human Rehabilitation Framework (HRF), an innovative model that integrates a biopsychosocial process-based approach to rehabilitation. The HRF is designed to comprehensively address the complex and multifaceted nature of chronic pain and movement issues by considering not only the biological aspects of health but also the psychological and social dimensions.
How the HRF Applies Contextual Health:
Comprehensive Integration of Factors: The HRF applies the principles of contextual health by focusing on the entire context of an individual’s life. This includes their biological conditions, psychological state, and social environment. By integrating these factors, the HRF goes beyond traditional treatment models that often focus solely on physical symptoms.
Personalized Care: At the heart of the HRF is the commitment to personalized, individualized care. This framework recognizes that each person’s health experience is unique and shaped by a complex interplay of factors. Treatments and interventions are therefore tailored to meet the specific needs and circumstances of each individual, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
Process-Based Approach: Unlike conventional models that may rely heavily on static diagnoses and standard protocols, the HRF uses a process-based approach. This means it emphasizes understanding and modifying the processes that contribute to health and disease. For example, it looks at how personal beliefs, behaviors, and social interactions influence health outcomes and integrates methods to address these dynamically.
Focus on Functionality and Outcomes: The HRF prioritizes functional outcomes and the real-life impact of treatments. It assesses how interventions improve an individual’s ability to perform daily activities and enhance quality of life, rather than just alleviating symptoms. This outcome-focused approach is aligned with the principles of contextual health, which values practical effectiveness in real-world settings.
Educational and Empowering: The framework also emphasizes education and empowerment of patients. By educating individuals about the factors that affect their health and involving them actively in their care process, the HRF promotes greater self-management and psychological flexibility. This empowerment is a key aspect of contextual health, as it helps individuals navigate their health journeys with more confidence and understanding.
The HRF embodies the essence of contextual health by providing an integrated, dynamic approach to rehabilitation. It ensures that healthcare is responsive to the complexities of human health and effective in achieving meaningful, personalized outcomes. To gain a deeper understanding, we invite you to explore our detailed whitepaper, which delves into the science behind the HRF and illustrates its impact on healthcare delivery.
The Institute of Contextual Health (IOCH) has evolved through the integration and expansion of several foundational initiatives, each contributing uniquely to the robust framework that IOCH represents today. Initially, two distinct but aligned paths—Dynamic Principles and DMR Move and Recover—laid the groundwork for what would eventually become IOCH.
Dynamic Principles initiated the educational branch, focusing on disseminating knowledge about the biopsychosocial process-based approaches to healthcare, particularly in the realms of pain management and rehabilitation. This education arm emphasized the necessity of integrating contemporary scientific insights into practical healthcare education, aiming to elevate the standard of care provided by health professionals.
Simultaneously, DMR Move and Recover established a community clinic that became renowned for its innovative approach to chronic pain and movement rehabilitation. This clinic was pivotal in demonstrating the practical applications of theories taught by Dynamic Principles, providing tangible evidence of the effectiveness of a process-based approach in clinical settings.
The fusion of these two entities under the house of the Institute of Contextual Health marked a significant milestone in the journey towards a more integrated and scientifically-informed approach to health care. By combining the strengths of Dynamic Principles’ educational frameworks with the clinical successes of DMR Move and Recover, IOCH has created a powerful synergy. This union has not only strengthened the individual components but has also created a comprehensive platform that addresses education, clinical application, and community outreach comprehensively.
Today, IOCH continues to build on this strong foundation, driving forward the mission to transform healthcare by applying a deep understanding of the biopsychosocial aspects of health through both educational and clinical pathways. This history of collaboration and integration is what makes IOCH a unique and influential force in the realm of contextual health.
The Institute of Contextual Health (IOCH) has made a significant impact on healthcare by advancing personalized care and enhancing community health standards through our innovative approaches. For more details on our specific achievements and ongoing efforts, please visit our Impact page to learn more!
The Institute of Contextual Health (IOCH) serves both patients and professionals. For patients, IOCH offers comprehensive care that addresses chronic pain and movement issues through innovative and personalized treatment plans.
For professionals, the institute provides educational programs and research opportunities designed to advance knowledge and practice in the field of health care, particularly in the areas of chronic pain management and rehabilitation.
This dual focus allows IOCH to impact individual health outcomes directly while influencing broader healthcare practices and standards.
There are several ways you can support the Institute of Contextual Health and contribute to our mission of transforming healthcare through contextual health innovations. Here are a few options:
Donations: Your financial contributions help us continue our groundbreaking research, develop new technologies, and expand our educational and clinical services. You can make a donation through our website or contact us directly to discuss other giving opportunities.
Volunteer: We welcome volunteers to help with various aspects of our operations, from assisting in our community clinic to supporting our research and educational events. Volunteering is a rewarding way to make a difference and gain insight into our work.
Participate in Research: Join our research studies as a participant to help us advance scientific knowledge and improve clinical practices in the field of contextual health.
Educational Programs: Enroll in our educational programs to learn more about the Human Rehabilitation Framework (HRF) and other innovations at IOCH. These programs are designed for both healthcare professionals and the general public.
Spread the Word: Help raise awareness about the work we do at IOCH by sharing information about our mission and services with your network, on social media, or within your community.
For more detailed information on how you can support us, please visit our support page or contact our team directly. Together, we can make a significant impact on the health and well-being of individuals and communities around the world.
We invite researchers, professionals, students, and advocates who share our passion for advancing contextual human health to join us in our endeavors. By collaborating and working together, we can build a future where every individual has the opportunity to thrive and lead a fulfilling life.
The Institute of Contextual Health (IOCH) is a 501(c)(3) science and technology research and development organization. IOCH envisions a world where personalized, scientific care transcends traditional healthcare boundaries, driven by innovation, equity, and compassion. We aim to transform health and well-being, setting new benchmarks in personalized care and ensuring accessible, world-class services for all.
Unlock your path to better health by becoming a client at IOCH, where personalized care meets your unique health needs.
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