UNT Health to host cutting-edge course that reframes pain through the brain
An internationally recognized leader in pain science education will be the featured speaker at a two-day continuing education workshop taking place Nov. 1 and 2 at UNT Health Fort Worth.
The course will feature Adriaan Louw, Ph.D., director of the Therapeutic Neuroscience Research Group, who integrates research in neurobiology and neurophysiology with practical strategies for patient care and has published more than 100 peer-reviewed articles about the subject.
Pain neuroscience education reframes pain as a complex experience generated by the brain rather than a direct sign of tissue damage. Research shows that by helping patients understand the biology of pain, clinicians can reduce fear, increase movement and improve function. The approach has been shown to lower disability rates and foster greater patient engagement.
“UNT Health is proud to host a groundbreaking workshop on pain neuroscience education—an emerging, research-backed approach that is transforming how we understand and treat pain,” said Colleen Louw, a fellow of pain science and director of the Therapeutic Pain Specialist certification program at Evidence in Motion in San Antonio. “From acute and sub-acute conditions to chronic and perioperative pain, PNE is proving to be a powerful tool in improving outcomes and empowering clinicians.”
The two-day program will cover the history and principles of TNE, why neuroscience is essential in physical therapy, and how to apply the method in clinical settings for patients with acute, sub-acute and chronic pain. Participants will engage in lectures, demonstrations and discussion-based learning.
“By changing the way patients think about their pain, we can change the way they move and function,” Adriaan said.
Course objectives include:
- Reviewing the latest research on TNE
- Demonstrating clinical applications with patient-centered metaphor
- Identifying output systems affected by chronic pain
- Developing strategies to integrate TNE alongside traditional treatments
Michael Furtado, DPT, EdD, chair of the Department of Physical Therapy at UNT Health, said the course supports the university’s mission to improve health through evidence-based innovation.
“TNE has transformed the way we understand and address pain, shifting the focus from purely biomedical explanations to the integration of neuroscience and patient-centered communication,” he said. “By bringing these leaders to our community, we are excited that participants will learn, integrate and create solutions that contribute to healthier communities.”
The course is hosted in partnership with Evidence in Motion, which has led advancements in pain neuroscience education for more than two decades.
To register, click here. For more information or to access a UNT Health alumni promotional code, contact Dr. Mindy Brummett at mindy.brummett@unthealth.edu. For additional continuing education opportunities, visit UNT Health’s Division of Academic Innovation page.
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