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, reality quickly shattered my expectations. Despite doing everything "by the book," many of my patients with persistent pain simply weren't getting better.
I'll never forget sitting across from a woman who was on her fifth round of physical therapy in ten years. Looking into her eyes, I realized conventional physical therapy wasn't designed for people like her. That moment changed everything—I couldn't accept that "learn to live with it" was the best we could offer, or 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.
I immersed myself in research, spending countless evenings with medical journals, textbooks, and doing advanced specialty training to find a better approach.
What I discovered was eye-opening: traditional approaches to chronic pain were 15-20 years behind the research. The medical system was treating all pain the same when it isn't, and this approach was actively making things worse for many people.
The deeper problem became clear—most doctors aren't taught about overactive pain pathways in medical school, and physical therapists (myself included) weren't given tools to address neurological adaptations associated with long-standing pain. This knowledge gap left smart, determined women blamed for their ongoing pain when they simply hadn't been given the right approach.
This realization—that the medical system treats all pain the same when it isn't—is what ultimately led me to develop the Chronic Pain Breakup Method. I knew we needed a comprehensive approach that addressed the multifaceted nature of persistent pain, especially the overlooked factor of overactive pain pathways.
My Mission:
I've dedicated my career to revolutionizing how we understand and treat persistent pain. I believe every woman deserves to live a full, active life without being sidelined by pain—and I'm committed to making that possible through education, support, and effective treatments that actually 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 chronic 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
-
Certified Therapeutic Pain Specialist, International Spine & Pain Institute, 2019 (TPS)
-
Doctor of Physical Therapy, Mount St. Mary's University, Los Angeles, CA, 2014 (DPT)
-
Board Certified, Orthopedic Clinical Specialist, American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties, 2017 (OCS)
-
Certified Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapist, Evidence in Motion Institute of Health Professions, 2016 (OMPT)
-
Bachelor of Science, Biology & Physiology, California State University Long Beach, 2011 (BS)
-
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, create a space where you feel truly heard, and walk beside you on this journey.
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. When conventional approaches haven't worked, it's this collaborative partnership—bringing together clinical knowledge with your lived experience—that often reveals the path forward.
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 a bit of a perfectionist (okay, maybe more than a bit). I value productivity and have always been driven to excel—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.
Ready to Learn How to Repair Overactive Pain Pathways?
Join my free workshop to discover the 5-step Pain Freedom Formula that has nothing to do with mindfulness, vagus nerve, meditation, exhausting exercises, or even mind-over-matter wishful thinking.
Let's Work Together
If you're tired of being dismissed, misunderstood, or told to "just live with" your pain, I'd love to help you discover what's possible when you have the right approach and proper support.
