Kathryn Richardson

MOT, OTR/L, TPS, FPS

Pain Science

Bio

Kathryn Richardson, OTR/L, TPS, FPS, is a nationally respected occupational therapist, educator, and clinical innovator with over two decades of experience treating complex pain conditions across the lifespan. With dual expertise in pediatric and adult care, she has become a leader in advancing pain sciences and occupational therapy through hands-on clinical work, research, and interdisciplinary education.

Kathryn earned her Master of Occupational Therapy from Louisiana State University in 2005. She began her career at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (now Shirley Ryan AbilityLab), where she specialized in outpatient pain management. During this time, she co-authored the clinical guidelines for the treatment of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), integrating modern treatment strategies such as graded motor imagery and mirror therapy to improve patient outcomes. Her passion for innovation has extended into clinical research, including work on upper extremity robotics, virtual reality, and applications of pain neuroscience.

Certified as a Therapeutic Pain Specialist (TPS) and Fellow of Pain Sciences (FPS) through the International Spine and Pain Institute in partnership with Evidence In Motion (EIM), Kathryn is a sought-after speaker and mentor. She has lectured nationally on pain neuroscience education, sensory modulation, and interprofessional strategies for managing chronic and complex pain.

At EIM, she serves as Faculty Experience Advisor, contributing to curriculum development and mentorship across multiple programs including Pain Sciences, Integrative Behavioral Health, Lifestyle Medicine, Pelvic Health, and Advanced Hand Therapy Certification. In addition, she plays a pivotal role in shaping inclusive content to support occupational therapy practitioners and other rehabilitation professionals.

Kathryn also holds a leadership role as Assistant Program Director for the Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program at Southern California University of Health Sciences. She recently co-authored a multi-site exploratory study on Pain Neuroscience Education for entry-level OTD students, further demonstrating her commitment to research-informed, occupation-based practice.

Currently based at a non-profit outpatient center in Alaska, Kathryn provides specialized care for individuals with CRPS while advocating for community access to advanced therapeutic interventions. Her work is grounded in compassion, evidence, and a steadfast commitment to empowering both patients and professionals through education, research, and clinical excellence.