Evidence-based Pain Reprocessing Therapy addressing chronic neck pain through neuroplasticity principles, tension release techniques, and cognitive restructuring for sustainable, medication-free relief.
If you’ve been living with chronic neck pain, you know how it takes over your life. Simple things like looking over your shoulder, working at your computer, or even sleeping become painful challenges. You might feel frustrated because nothing seems to help long-term.
Here’s the good news: your brain has an amazing ability to change how it processes pain. Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT)Psychological therapy retraining brain to reduce chronic pain. helps retrain your nervous system so you can finally get lasting relief without relying on medications or invasive procedures.
I’m Dr. Meenu Vaid, and I’ve helped countless patients overcome chronic neck pain through PRT at my Morgan Hill practice, Savera. As a board-certified physician with specialized training in Pain Reprocessing Therapy, I combine cutting-edge neuroscience with compassionate care to help you move freely again.
Let me explain how PRT works and why it might be exactly what you need.
Most people think chronic neck pain means something is damaged or broken in their neck. But here’s what research shows: in many cases, chronic pain persists even after tissues have healed because the brain has learned to produce pain as a protective mechanism.
The Brain-Neck Pain Connection
Your brain is incredibly smart. When you first hurt your neck, pain signals warned you to protect the area while it healed. Makes sense, right?
But sometimes the brain keeps sending those pain signals long after healing is complete. It’s like a smoke alarm that won’t stop beeping even though there’s no fire. Your nervous system becomes oversensitive—a process called central sensitizationHeightened pain sensitivity from nervous system changes..
Common Causes That TriggerStimulus sparking cravings or relapse. This Process
Several things can set off this chronic pain pattern:
The fascinating part? Once your brain learns this pain pattern, it can maintain the pain even if the original problem is gone.
Your First Visit
When you come to Savera Wellness, we start with a thorough evaluation. I’ll ask about:
This usually takes 60-90 minutes because I want to truly understand your situation.
The Treatment Process
Phase 1: Education (Weeks 1-2)
Phase 2: Building Skills (Weeks 3-6)
Phase 3: Getting Active (Weeks 7-10)
Phase 4: Staying Better (Weeks 11-12+)
Most patients complete the main program in 8-12 weekly sessions, with each session lasting 45-60 minutes.
MindfulnessPractice of present-moment awareness to reduce stress in coaching. and Body Awareness
I’ll teach you simple mindfulness exercises that help you notice neck sensations without judgment. This might include:
These aren’t complicated—just practical tools you can use anytime, anywhere.
Cognitive Restructuring
We work together to identify unhelpful thoughts and replace them with more accurate ones.
| Fearful Thought | Restructured Thought |
|---|---|
| “My neck is damaged” | “My nervous system is sensitive, but my neck is structurally sound” |
| “This pain will never end” | “My brain can learn to produce less pain” |
| “I can’t turn my head without hurting it” | “Gentle movement is safe and helps my recovery” |
Progressive Exposure
Just like someone who’s afraid of water learns to swim gradually, we’ll slowly reintroduce movements you’ve been avoiding.
Example Progression:
Each step builds confidence and teaches your brain that movement is safe.
Tension Release Methods
Physical tension often accompanies chronic pain. I’ll teach you:
Ideal Candidates
PRT works especially well if you:
What If You Have Structural Issues?
Even if imaging shows some neck problems, PRT can still help. Why? Because the amount of structural change often doesn’t match pain levels. Many people have disc bulges or arthritis on imaging but no pain, while others have significant pain with normal scans.
I can coordinate with your other providers if needed, combining PRT with other treatments for the best results.
Sleep HygienePractices to improve sleep quality, a focus in wellness coaching.
Consistent bedtime, cool dark bedroom, no screens before bed, gentle stretching
Nutrition for Fibromyalgia
Anti-inflammatory foods (berries, fatty fish, leafy greens), avoid processed sugars, stay hydrated, magnesium-rich foods
Gentle Exercise
Walking 10-20 minutes daily, swimming, gentle yoga, stretching exercises
This treatment works best for people who:
✓ Are open to trying a brain-based approach
✓ Can commit to weekly sessions for 8-12 weeks
✓ Are willing to practice techniques between appointments
✓ Want to reduce medication dependence
✓ Are looking for long-term solutions
Getting Started at Savera Wellness
Your First Steps
Ready to address your neck pain? Here’s how to begin:
1. Schedule a Consultation Call (669) 270-2142 or contact us online to book your initial visit.
PRT specifically targets how your brain processes pain signals using neuroscience research, while regular therapy addresses mental health and emotions.
No. Keep taking prescribed medications while doing PRT. Many patients naturally reduce medication use as pain decreases.
PRT typically involves:
No. PRT is about retraining your brain, not pushing through pain. Movement exposure is gradual and always within your comfort zone.
Chronic pain management requires a combination of mindset shifts, pain education, and behavioral techniques. PRT empowers individuals to take control of their pain by changing how their brain perceives it. With the right approach, chronic pain doesn’t have to define or control one’s life.
The results of PRT can vary from person to person. Some patients report noticeable pain relief within a few weeks, while others may require consistent practice over several months to achieve lasting improvements. The key is consistency and commitment to the therapy techniques.
Absolutely. PRT leverages the brain’s neuroplasticity to retrain its response to pain signals. By reframing negative pain perceptions, practicing somatic tracking, and reducing fear-based responses, patients can rewire their brain to minimize or eliminate chronic pain.
We teach you skills for managing setbacks. Plus, you can always schedule booster sessions if needed.