TMS and PRT Coaching

Certified in Pain Reprocessing Therapy by the Pain Psychology Center and Alan Gordon

Meet our Director

Rick Hamman has over 40 years of experience with TMS. In 2022, he became certified in Pain Reprocessing Therapy by the Pain Psychology Center in Los Angeles. He received his certification under the direction of Alan Gordon. Upon completion, he started PRTCoach.com. Rick is well known in the states, as well as internationally. Rick is currently finishing his Master of Social Work degree from Indiana University; He also has a BA from Purdue University.

With Pain Reprocessing Therapy, we can help to alleviate the suffering and distress of people experiencing persistent and chronic pain.

Understanding Pain Reprocessing Therapy

The impact of chronic pain extends beyond its physical toll, exerting a profound influence on the brain itself. Remarkably, chronic pain possesses the capacity to reconfigure the very structure of the brain, fortifying neural pathways that encode the sensation of pain. This process acquaints the brain with the distressingly familiar sensation of "centralized" or "primary" pain, a form of discomfort not rooted in bodily issues but rather stemming from the alterations in the brain's neural circuitry.

This is where Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) comes in. PRT is a form of therapy designed to help individuals like chronic back pain patients overcome the negative effects of chronic pain. Embedded within this therapeutic approach is the fundamental premise that pain and trauma possess the potential to create negative thought patterns and behaviors that are challenging to alter without the guidance of a skilled professional.

At its essence, PRT is an iteration of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), strategically tailored to empower individuals in the identification and transformation of the very negative thinking and behavioral patterns entwined with their pain and trauma.

PRT is a versatile tool, frequently employed in treating chronic pain as well as a diverse spectrum of mental health conditions and negative thought patterns associated with pain and trauma. It is also often used to treat chronic pain, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and an array of interconnected conditions often arising from the intricacies of emotional distress.

The core objective of PRT is to diminish or even eliminate pain by instructing the relevant brain regions to reinterpret pain signals as harmless. PRT is specifically designed to disrupt the distressing cycle of pain, begetting fear, which in turn exacerbates pain. 

Before embarking on the journey of PRT, a pivotal step is a thorough medical evaluation. This essential assessment serves the vital purpose of ruling out any underlying injuries or medical conditions as potential culprits for the pain you are experiencing.  In instances where no physical cause is identified, PRT holds the potential to significantly alleviate or entirely eradicate the experience of pain.

How Does Pain Reprocessing Therapy Work?

Pain Reprocessing Therapy encompasses a comprehensive framework comprising five fundamental elements:

Educational Empowerment: The first pillar involves an educational journey through the intricate workings of the brain, shedding light on the origins of pain and its potential for reversal.

Personalized Validation: The second component revolves around the collection and reinforcement of personalized evidence, affirming the brain's capacity to influence pain and its potential for transformation.

Cultivating a Safety Lens: The third facet is centered on the mindful cultivation of a safety-oriented perspective when attending to and evaluating pain sensations.

Emotional Resilience: The fourth dimension entails the proactive addressing of emotional threats that may contribute to pain experiences.

Positive Affirmation: The final pillar revolves around channeling one's focus toward the cultivation of positive emotions and sensations, fostering a holistic approach to well-being.

Incorporating these five core components, Pain Reprocessing Therapy offers a multidimensional approach aimed at promoting healing, resilience, and a transformative journey toward pain management.

What To Expect During Your PRT Treatment

During a PRT session, you will work one-on-one with our trained therapist who will guide you through the process of identifying and changing negative patterns of thinking and behavior that are associated with chronic pain and trauma. Here are some things you can expect during a typical PRT session:

Assessment: At the beginning of your treatment, your therapist will conduct an assessment to better understand your symptoms, history, and treatment goals. This will help them develop a personalized treatment plan for you.

Cognitive Restructuring: One of the main techniques used in PRT is cognitive restructuring. This involves identifying negative patterns of thinking that contribute to chronic pain and trauma, and working to change them. Your therapist will help you identify these patterns and teach you new ways of thinking that are more positive and healthy.

Exposure Therapy: Exposure therapy is another technique used in PRT. This involves gradually exposing individuals to the source of their pain and trauma in a controlled and safe environment. This can help individuals overcome their fears and anxieties related to their trauma.

Relaxation Training: Relaxation training involves teaching individuals such as chronic back pain patients relaxation techniques that can help them manage stress and anxiety. This can include deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, and visualization techniques.

Homework: In your therapeutic journey, your therapist might provide you with assignments to work on independently between sessions. These assignments serve as valuable tools to reinforce and solidify the skills and techniques imparted during therapy. They could encompass a range of activities, such as honing relaxation techniques or engaging in exercises aimed at cognitive restructuring.

Whether you are dealing with chronic back pain or chronic musculoskeletal pain, your therapist will establish a close collaborative partnership with you, dedicated to comprehending your unique needs and aspirations. With unwavering commitment, they will adapt and fine-tune your treatment plan as necessary, striving to ensure that you attain the most optimal long term outcomes.

How is PRT Different from Other Treatments?

Other traditional and existing treatments have typically aimed to help individuals suffering from chronic pain function better by addressing issues like reducing pain perception, mitigating catastrophic thinking, improving pain coping mechanisms, fostering acceptance, and encouraging participation in activities that hold personal value.

Today, PRT represents a significant advancement in the realm of psychological treatment for chronic pain. While certain interventions, such as exposure therapy, share some commonalities with PRT—especially the emphasis on recognizing that engaging in activities despite pain is not necessarily harmful—PRT uniquely centers on the reevaluation of chronic pain sensations, emphasizing their safety and dispelling the notion that chronic pain invariably signifies tissue damage.

While there has been research that has demonstrated the beneficial impact of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) in managing chronic pain, it is worth noting that Pain Reprocessing Therapy has emerged as the most effective contemporary treatment option, with consistently positive outcomes that often endure even a year after the therapy has concluded.

Health Conditions That Can Benefit From PRT

Extensive research findings underscore the efficacy of Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) as a viable and scientifically proven approach for a diverse range of chronic conditions. These conditions encompass:

  • Spinal pain

  • Moderate Chronic back pain

  • Chronic Musculoskeletal pain

  • Neck pain in adolescents

  • Migraine

  • Fibromyalgia

  • Osteoarthritis

PRT also emerges as a promising approach for individuals grappling with neuroplastic or nociplastic pain, conditions characterized by an absence of a discernible cause. Instead, they manifest as responses to a sensitized central nervous system and irregular pain signal processing, often accompanied by feelings of fear and insecurity. Those contending with neuroplastic or nociplastic pain may potentially find lasting relief through PRT.

Recognizing the indicators of neuroplastic pain involves a range of factors, including but not limited to:

  • Pain emergence without a specific injury or trauma

  • Pain that shifts or migrates within the body

  • Pain linked to stress as a primary trigger

  • Inconsistent pain patterns

  • Experiences of childhood trauma or adversity

  • A history of diverse pain symptoms

  • Proneness to anxiety, perfectionism, or heightened levels of self-awareness

PRT serves as a versatile and evidence-based therapeutic approach, offering hope and relief to individuals confronted with a wide array of chronic pain conditions, including those rooted in neuroplasticity and complex pain processing.

Why Choose Us As Your Pain Reprocessing Therapy Center?

When it comes to Pain Reprocessing Therapy, it is paramount to choose the right partner on your journey to chronic pain relief. At our clinic, we recognize the inherent challenges of seeking assistance for chronic pain and trauma. That's why we offer Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) as a safe, effective, and compassionate approach to helping individuals overcome their emotional struggles. 

Here are some compelling reasons why you should choose us for your Pain Reprocessing Therapy needs:

Expertise: Our therapists are highly trained and experienced in the techniques and methods used in PRT. They have a deep understanding of the complex nature of chronic pain and trauma and are skilled in helping individuals overcome these obstacles. You can trust that you are in the hands of experts.

Personalized Treatment: Every individual's experience of chronic pain is different, and that necessitates a personalized approach to their treatment. Rest assured that your treatment plan will be specifically tailored to your situation to address your needs and goals.

Compassionate and Empathetic Care: Living with chronic pain is emotionally taxing. When you have taken the significant step of seeking help and healing, we want to be as supportive as possible. We believe that the healing process begins with a safe, empathetic, and supportive environment. Our therapists provide compassionate care, creating a safe and nurturing space for individuals to explore their chronic pain and trauma.

Evidence-Based Approach: PRT is an evidence-based treatment that has been shown to be highly effective. Our therapists use the latest research and techniques to ensure that our clients receive the best possible care.

Collaborative Treatment: We believe that therapy is a collaborative process and that the best results are achieved when individuals are actively involved in their own treatment. Our therapists work closely with clients to help them develop the skills and strategies they need to overcome their chronic pain.

Holistic Approach: Our stance on PRT goes beyond merely alleviating symptoms. We are dedicated to delving into the underlying sources of chronic pain, taking into account physical, emotional, and psychological facets. This comprehensive outlook is focused on promoting your overall state of well-being.

Patient-Centered: Your individual objectives and preferences are of utmost importance to us. We engage in a collaborative effort to establish realistic milestones, steering you towards chronic pain relief that harmonizes seamlessly with your distinct aspirations.

Sustainable and Lasting Outcomes: Our mission extends beyond providing momentary relief. We are dedicated to empowering you with the necessary skills and strategies for lasting well-being.

If you are looking for a safe, effective, and compassionate approach to overcoming chronic pain, whether it is general chronic back pain, chronic low back pain, or other forms of centralized pain, look no further than our clinic. Contact us today to learn more about our Pain Reprocessing Therapy and how we can help you work towards a pain free life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pain Reprocessing Therapy?

Pain Reprocessing Therapy, or PRT, stands as a comprehensive and empirically grounded therapeutic method created to assist chronic pain patients in the management and relief of chronic pain. Central to its approach is the recalibration of the brain's reactions to chronic pain signals, with an emphasis on confronting and resolving the emotional and psychological dimensions inherent in the experience of pain.

What types of chronic pain conditions can PRT treat? 

PRT has shown effectiveness in managing a wide range of chronic pain conditions, including musculoskeletal pain, migraines, fibromyalgia, and more. However, a thorough evaluation by a medical professional is essential to determine its suitability for your specific condition.

How is PRT different from other forms of therapy? 

PRT is a unique form of therapy that combines elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, and relaxation training to help individuals overcome chronic pain and trauma. It is designed to be a safe, effective, and compassionate approach to therapy.

Can Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) be used as an alternative to medication or other treatments?

No, PRT is not intended to replace medication or other medical treatments when it comes to healing chronic pain. However, PRT can certainly complement them. It is important to understand that PRT often used in conjunction with other therapies to provide a comprehensive approach to chronic pain management.

What can I expect during a PRT session?

During a PRT session, you will work one-on-one with our trained therapist who will guide you through the process of identifying and changing negative patterns of thinking and behavior. You may be asked to participate in exposure therapy, relaxation training, or other techniques that are designed to help with healing chronic pain.

Are the effects of PRT long-lasting?

Many individuals who undergo PRT experience often find enduring relief from chronic pain. Yet, it remains crucial to consistently apply the acquired skills and strategies from therapy to uphold these benefits in the long term.

Take the first step towards a pain-free life today

Call us today to schedule an appointment and start your journey towards managing and overcoming chronic pain with Pain Reprocessing Therapy. Our dedicated team is here to support you every step of the way.

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