Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) is an evidence-based psychological treatment for certain forms of chronic pain, particularly primary or neuroplastic pain. It helps people understand how the brain and nervous system can contribute to ongoing pain and teaches strategies to reduce fear, calm the nervous system, and change learned pain patterns.

No. Pain is always a real experience. PRT does not suggest that pain is imaginary or that you're making it up. Instead, it recognizes that the brain and nervous system play an essential role in creating every pain experience. For some people with chronic pain, those systems can become overprotective, continuing to generate pain even when there is no ongoing tissue damage or when the level of pain no longer matches what is happening in the body.

Neuroplastic pain refers to pain that is primarily maintained by changes in how the brain and nervous system process danger rather than ongoing tissue injury. It is sometimes called primary pain. Common examples may include certain cases of chronic back pain, neck pain, migraines, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, pelvic pain, and other persistent pain conditions.

PRT is not appropriate for every type of pain. During our initial evaluation, we'll review your medical history, current symptoms, and previous evaluations to determine whether your pain appears consistent with neuroplastic or primary pain and whether PRT may be a good fit. If additional medical evaluation is needed, I'll recommend that before beginning treatment.

Yes. Many people begin PRT after living with pain for years. Research suggests that even long-standing pain can improve when the nervous system becomes less protective and learned pain patterns begin to change.

Traditional pain management often focuses on reducing symptoms through medication, injections, or procedures. PRT focuses on changing the brain's learned danger response, reducing fear of pain, and helping people gradually return to valued activities with greater confidence.

Pain Reprocessing Therapy is designed to complement—not replace—appropriate medical care. We encourage clients to continue working with their physicians, physical therapists, and other healthcare providers as part of a collaborative approach.

Yes. A growing body of research shows that psychological treatments can reduce pain intensity, improve physical functioning, decrease fear of movement, and enhance quality of life for many people living with persistent pain. Therapy is particularly effective when it addresses both the emotional and nervous system processes that influence pain.

Yes. PRT and physical therapy often complement one another. While physical therapy focuses on restoring movement, strength, and function, PRT helps reduce fear, pain sensitivity, and nervous system overprotection that may interfere with recovery. When appropriate, I welcome collaboration with your healthcare team.

Yes. I provide virtual chronic pain therapy and Pain Reprocessing Therapy for clients located in Maryland, Washington, DC, Virginia, and Colorado (North Carolina coming soon), as well as in-person appointments in Bethesda, Maryland.