Pain Pros - Pain Misunderstood

Adriaan Louw, PT, PhD

Pain Science Director, Founder of EIM Pain Science

“The more I learn about chronic pain, the more I realize that patients are desperate for help. Healthcare providers have so much to offer, but they don't even know it."

Adriaan earned his undergraduate, master’s degree, and PhD in physiotherapy from the University of Stellenbosch in Cape Town, South Africa. He is an adjunct faculty member at the University of Nevada Las Vegas. Adriaan has taught throughout the US and internationally for almost 30 years at manual therapy, pain science, and medical conferences and has authored and co-authored over 130 peer-reviewed articles and several books. Adriaan is senior faculty, pain science director, and Vice President for Evidence in Motion.

Current Roles:

Vice President of Faculty Experience, EIM
Pain Science Director, EIM
Senior Faculty, EIM
Co-founder, International Spine and Pain Institute (now EIM Pain Science)

Patient & Clinician Resources

EIM Pain Science Offerings

Research & Publications

Colleen Louw, PT, MEd, PT, PhD

Certified Spinal Manual Therapist, Therapeutic Pain Specialist, Fellow of Pain Science

"What makes me excited about teaching at the post-professional level is that the learners are like me - clinicians who continually strive for excellence and improved patient outcomes. Those learners wanting to take on pain demonstrate a passionate commitment not only to empower and improve their patients' lives but elevate the health care profession as a whole."

Colleen Louw is a Physical Therapist who has practiced for over 25 years. For the past 20 years, she has been a post-graduate educational instructor for the International Spine and Pain Institute in manual therapy, and is currently a pain science instructor for Evidence In Motion (EIM), as well as the Program Director for the Therapeutic Pain Specialist Certification for EIM. She is a Certified Spinal Manual Therapist, Therapeutic Pain Specialist, and Fellow of Pain Science. She has served in several different roles at the local, state, and national levels of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), and currently serves on the Media Corp of the APTA and on the Delegation for the Iowa Physical Therapy Association. She has practiced in various settings but mainly outpatient orthopedics and her focus has been in persistent pain, general orthopedics, and functional dry needling (FDN). She holds a Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy from Rockhurst University in Kansas City and a Master’s of Education Degree from the University of Houston.

Current Roles

Program Director, Therapeutic Pain Specialist Certification, EIM
Instructor, Pain Science, EIM
Business Development Team, EIM

Research & Publications

Stephen Clark, PT, DPT, OCS, ATC

Chief Clinical Officer, Confluent Health

Dr. Stephen Clark, PT, DPT, OCS, ATC, is Confluent Health’s first Chief Clinical Officer (CCO). Clark has been a vital part of Confluent Health for over a decade, most recently serving as Clinical Innovation Director. As CCO, Clark will lead clinical operations as part of a new operational dyad, partnering with Chief Operating Officer Mark Steiger and the Thrive Team. This parallel organizational structure ensures Confluent Health’s outpatient Partner Brands receive dedicated expertise and support across both clinical and business operations.

Stephen joined Texas Physical Therapy Specialist/Confluent Health in 2014, earned his Board Certification in Orthopedics in 2015, was awarded TexPTS Team Leader of the Year and Confluent Health’s Team Leader of the Year, 1st runner up, in 2020.

In the Fall of 2020, Stephen led the clinical operations of Confluent Health’s relationship with Walmart Health and transitioned to mōviHealth in 2022. He is eager to innovate in physical therapy to reduce administrative burden, improve patient outcomes and therapist clinical effectiveness, all while helping patients and healthcare recognize physical therapy’s value in the healthcare system.

See Stephen’s Recent Articles

Cheyne Kulessa, PT, DPT

Physical Therapist, BreakThrough Physical Therapy

Cheyne Kulessa earned his Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) from Misericordia University. Prior to that, Cheyne obtained his Bachelor of Science in Sports Management from Misericordia University.

Cheyne is most interested in treating acute/chronic pain.

In his free time, Cheyne enjoys Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (where he has received his Black Belt and has been training for 12+ years), photography/videography/drone flying, and hiking new places with his dog.

Dr. Danielle C. Aguilar, PT, DPT, CPT, EMR-Cert

Sports Performance Therapist

Dr. Danielle C. Aguilar is better known as Dr. D and she is a sports performance therapist. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) in San Antonio, TX, where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science with an emphasis in Biomechanics and furthered her education with her Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree from UIW. She advanced from a staff position to Clinic Director and contributed to the Sports Residency program at Texas Physical Therapy Specialists, where she furthered her education by completing the Evidence in Motion Sports Residency Program.

She remains a certified National Council of Strength and Fitness personal trainer (CPT) along with CPR/AED certified as an Emergency Medical Responder with Basic Life Support and Emergency oxygen. She has successfully completed Level 1,2 and advanced Functional Trigger point dry needling courses. She specializes in performing artist-athletes to include ballet, gymnastics and competitive cheer. She also works with athletes at all levels to include elite youth to the professional level.

Danielle is the proud owner and sport performance therapist at Reaction Rehab & Sports Performance where athlete specialization through a comprehensive approach is achieved for longevity at any level.