Meet Dr. Gillaspie
I have been practicing physical therapy for over 25 years. My highest degree earned is a post-doctorate fellowship in pain science through Evidence in Motion in Lexington, Kentucky. My initial studies were at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, where I earned a Bachelors of Science degree in Physical Therapy.
Although my highest degree is in pain science, I specialize in getting to the root cause of any problem and therefore am passionate about diet, nutrition, lifestyle, and use a comprehensive, biopsychosocial approach to pain management.
I feel that I am unique in that I teach people using metaphors, note cards, drawings, and simple sayings such as ‘hurt does not equal harm’ and ‘sore but safe’ to explain pain. I believe that understanding pain is the key to managing it. I also teach how eating for health can fight the inflammation that causes chronic pain.
I am a certified functional nutritionist, a personal trainer, a fitness instructor, and have worked in the orthopedic outpatient physical therapy setting for many years. I am an active member of the private practice, orthopedic, and pelvic health chapters of the American Physical Therapy Association and have other certifications that include dry needling and pelvic health for men and women.
The mission at my clinic, Utility Medical Pain Management & Wellness, is to provide cost effective, comprehensive, and customized rehabilitation, pain management, wellness, nutrition, and fitness services to improve overall physical and emotional well-being.
My approach is far from the traditional medical model. I would describe myself as rather unique; hence, I intentionally chose the word, “Utility” in the naming of my clinic because its meaning is, “having or made for a number of useful or practical purposes rather than a single, specialized one” (www.dictionary.com).
In my free time, I enjoy reading, trying new Mediterranean recipes, cooking gluten and sugar-free, and exercising for improving overall fitness and wellness.
