I often feel that when it comes to chronic pain, PTs are passionate and informed, but often just talking amongst ourselves. The Align Conference held in Denver last week felt different. Multiple professions (PT, OT, MD, DO, PA, NP, and PATIENT) were present and passionate about making a difference. This was the first conference where a merger of Evidence In Motion, International Spine & Pain Institute, and KinetaCore conference came together to focus on the topic of nerve pain.

One of my favorite parts of the conference was the ability to practice the technical aspect of our care with colleagues and mentors providing real time feedback, encouragement, and insights required for mastery. Hearing from international experts who are passionate about research and challenging each of us to look deeper into what we are doing left me feeling invigorated.

Next year, we will build on integration with mindfulness, breathing, motivational interviewing, positive psychology, and more patient voices. We will have more speakers outside of our profession that complement and partner with us to make a positive difference. However, at the heart of it will be continuing to “align” our manual therapy skills, therapeutic pain education, dry needling techniques, exercise prescriptions, goal development, healthy lifestyles and beliefs into a better future, one of a vibrant society rid of chronic pain and suffering.