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Author: Zach Stearns, PT, DPT

Zach Stearns, PT, DPT, is an outpatient physical therapist practicing in Duke University Health System. He earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy in 2017 from the University of Florida. He primarily treats patients with persistent spinal pain and osteoarthritis. His previous career experience includes working in psychiatric hospitals and clinical psychology laboratories. Zach is passionate about applying psychological skills and principles to physical therapy practice, and he is currently completing a pain coping skills certification program based on cognitive-behavioral theory.

Pitfalls and Pearls of Persistent Pain

As the subject of chronic pain and its treatment has become crucially important in today’s healthcare and rehabilitation environments, we offer the accounts of three physical therapists who have encountered patients with persistent pain and learned valuable lessons in the process. The article shows how a humanistic approach—involving factors such as trust, shared decision-making, and empathy—can add a psychosocial dimension to the treatment of chronic pain, and work to achieve more lasting results.