Meet Dr. Alissa Wolfe
PT, DPT, OMPT, OCS, TPS, CHCÂ
Specializing in Complex and Persistent Pain
My Story
When I graduated with my doctorate in physical therapy in 2014, I expected that if I followed best practices, my patients would improve...
But many didn’t.
I'll never forget sitting across from a woman who was on her fifth round of physical therapy in ten years.
Despite doing everything asked of her, she wasn’t better.
Looking into her eyes, it became clear that conventional physical therapy wasn't designed for people like her.
She didn't need more of the same stretches, exercises, and modalities from me...
That moment changed everything...
—I couldn't accept that "learn to live with it" was the best we could offer...
I couldn't stay in a system that blamed patients when treatments failed rather than questioning the treatments themselves.
I couldn't just accept that this was 'just the way things were.'
I couldn't continue to watch more people fall through the cracks and get passed around from doctor to doctor with no help.
So I started digging deeper, spending countless evenings with medical journals and textbooks, pursuing advanced specialty training.
What I discovered was eye-opening:Â
Much of traditional pain care was based on outdated assumptions that treated all pain the same, overlooking how pain systems adapt over time.
Most clinicians aren't trained to identify or address neurologic adaptations associated with complex and persistent pain... leaving smart, motivated women blamed for symptoms they were never given the tools to change.
That gap is what led me to develop the Chronic Pain Breakup Method — a comprehensive, structured approach designed to address the neurologic conditions that keep pain persistent.
My Mission:
I've dedicated my career to revolutionizing how we understand and treat persistent pain.
I’m committed to advancing how we understand and treat persistent pain — so more people can move forward with clarity, support, and an approach that actually reflects how pain systems work.
The Values That Guide My Work
Compassion
Your pain is real. You're not exaggerating, it's not "all in your head," and you don't need to "just push through it."
Evidence-Based Care
I only teach what has been proven to work through research and real-world results—no fads, quick fixes, or empty promises.
Transparency
You deserve transparency, not empty promises, vague advice, or conflicting information.
Empowerment
My goal is to help you take back control of your health and life, not create dependency on endless treatments.
My Background & Credentials
What started as a personal mission to better serve my patients has evolved into a journey that's helped hundreds of women reclaim their lives from stubborn pain.
Professional Journey
- 2014: Completed my Doctor of Physical Therapy degree, beginning my career with the traditional, orthopedic training that I would soon discover was insufficient for helping those with complex and persistent pain.
- 2015: Faced with the choice to discharge yet another patient without real progress, I decided to try a novel approach—applying strategies that helped her return to work and playing soccer after years of struggling with back pain. This success validated this emerging approach.
- 2016: Developed and led my first pain program for a U.S. Army hospital, working with service members who were struggling with complex pain conditions.
- 2018: Completed multiple advanced certifications in pain science, orthopedics, and specialized therapeutic approaches to deepen my understanding of complex pain conditions.
- 2021: Launched The Chronic Pain Breakup Method as a comprehensive, science-backed system to help women address the most overlooked factor contributing to their stubborn pain—overactive pain pathways.
Education & Certifications
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Certified Therapeutic Pain Specialist, International Spine & Pain Institute, 2019 (TPS)
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Doctor of Physical Therapy, Mount St. Mary's University, Los Angeles, CA, 2014 (DPT)
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Board Certified, Orthopedic Clinical Specialist, American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties, 2017 (OCS)
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Certified Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapist, Evidence in Motion Institute of Health Professions, 2016 (OMPT)
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Bachelor of Science, Biology & Physiology, California State University Long Beach, 2011 (BS)
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Certified Health Coach, ACE Health Coach, 2022 (CHC)
While my education provides a foundation in evidence-based practice, it's the relationships with the women I serve that have shaped my approach.
My role isn't to have all the answers, but to listen deeply and provide the support and practical steps you deserve to take the pressure off you having to figure it all out on your own.
The greatest teachers in my career haven't been textbooks or lectures, but the courageous individuals who've shared their stories and allowed me to learn alongside them.
Beyond My Professional Life
When I'm not deep in research or working with clients, you'll find me spending time with my family and embracing the messy, beautiful journey of motherhood.
I'm a mom to two amazing kids, Kooper and Kennedy, who keep me grounded and remind me daily of what truly matters.
I've lived in six different states throughout my life, which has given me an appreciation for diverse perspectives and the ability to connect with people from all walks of life.
Like many of my clients, I'm highly driven and value productivity and doing this well... but I've also learned the importance of balance and self-compassion along the way.
This combination of professional expertise and personal experience helps me truly understand the women I work with—not just their pain, but their busy lives, their responsibilities, and their desire to show up fully for the people they love.
Watch My Latest Workshop
Watch the replay of my latest live training where you'll discover the 4 neurologic adaptations that amplify pain—and the evidence-based techniques that address them.
Interested in Working Together?
If you’re exploring options for persistent pain and want a clearer understanding of what might help, I’d be glad to walk through your situation and discuss next steps.
