What is a Therapeutic Pain Specialist (TPS), and how does pain neuroscience retrain chronic pain?

What is central sensitization?

Pain is produced by the brain as a protective response, influenced by signals from the tissues, past experiences, stress and sleep³. When pain persists, the nervous system can become more sensitive, amplifying signals so that normal movement or light touch hurts more than expected¹. It is a real change, and it can be retrained.

How does pain neuroscience education help?

Understanding why pain persists, and why hurt does not always mean harm, lowers the sense of threat and makes it easier to move. Systematic reviews show pain neuroscience education can reduce pain, disability, fear of movement and catastrophizing, especially when combined with exercise⁴.

What does treatment with a Therapeutic Pain Specialist look like?

• A clear explanation of your pain, including what scans do and do not show
• Graded activity and exposure to movements you have been avoiding
• Hands-on care to ease sensitivity and support movement
• Sleep, stress and pacing strategies, plus a plan for flare-ups

Where can I see a Therapeutic Pain Specialist in Alpharetta or Cumming?

Dr. Manan Patel is one of the few certified Therapeutic Pain Specialists in North Atlanta, and also a Certified Vestibular Specialist, so pain and dizziness can be treated in one plan. Patients come to our Cumming and Alpharetta clinics from Johns Creek, Milton, Roswell, Suwanee and Forsyth County.

Where can I get help in Alpharetta, Cumming and nearby?

Dr. Manan Patel, PT, DPT, TPS and our team of physical therapists see patients from Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Roswell, Cumming, Suwanee, Sugar Hill, Buford, Duluth and Forsyth County at two North Atlanta clinics. Every visit is 60 minutes, one-on-one, and urgent appointments are available within 48 hours. We are in-network with Traditional Medicare, BCBS / Anthem and Tricare, and offer a $129 rate per visit for self-pay and out-of-network plans. Not sure where to start? Take the free symptom self-check, or visit our Alpharetta clinic or Cumming clinic page.

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References

1. Woolf CJ. Central sensitization: implications for the diagnosis and treatment of pain. Pain. 2011.
2. Siddall B, et al. Short-term impact of combining pain neuroscience education with exercise for chronic musculoskeletal pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Pain. 2022.
3. Raja SN, et al. The revised International Association for the Study of Pain definition of pain: concepts, challenges, and compromises. Pain. 2020.
4. Louw A, et al. The efficacy of pain neuroscience education on musculoskeletal pain: A systematic review of the literature. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice. 2016.

Answered by Dr. Manan Patel, PT, DPT, TPSDoctor of Physical Therapy, Certified Vestibular Specialist and one of the few certified Therapeutic Pain Specialists in North Atlanta, with 15+ years of outpatient care. About Dr. Patel

This answer is general education, not a diagnosis or a substitute for an examination. If you have new or worsening symptoms, contact your doctor. Call 911 for sudden severe dizziness with trouble speaking, weakness, numbness, double vision or a severe headache.