Physiopedia Plus Instructor Dr Nick Rainey has received the 2025 Outstanding Alumni Award from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, recognising his exceptional contributions to healthcare education and his embodiment of service, leadership, scholarship and innovation.
We are delighted to share that Physiopedia Plus (Plus) Instructor and Physical Therapist Dr Nick Rainey has received the 2025 Outstanding Alumni Award from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, USA. This prestigious recognition celebrates healthcare graduates who exemplify the university’s core values of service, leadership, scholarship and innovation in healthcare.
Nick Rainey brings exceptional expertise to Plus through his comprehensive approach to physical therapy education. As a physical therapist with a passion for teaching and mentoring and an evidence-based approach to patient management, he combines advanced clinical credentials with innovative educational methodologies. Board-certified in orthopaedic and temporomandibular therapy and a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic and Manual Physical Therapists, his 14 Plus courses have transformed the practice of over 13,000 healthcare professionals worldwide.
As the founder of Rainey Pain & Performance, Sierra Vista Headache and TMJ Specialists, and Access Therapy in Arizona, Nick has built his reputation on clinical excellence and professional mentorship. His unique vision to “progress the profession one provider at a time” drives his commitment to simplifying complex topics and developing expert clinicians earlier in their careers. His educational impact extends beyond his private practice through his role as adjunct faculty at Tufts University Phoenix. He is also the director of Accelerated Creation of Expert’s innovative 18-month orthopaedic residency programme that provides residents with transformative, hands-on, evidence-based learning opportunities. His clinics are recognised as among the most highly praised clinical sites in Rocky Mountain University of Health Profession’s DPT programme, reflecting his dedication to developing the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Nick’s 14 Plus courses span the breadth of modern physical therapy practice, from general examination techniques and pain mechanisms to motivational interviewing and manual therapy considerations. Participants consistently praise his practical, evidence-based approach to clinical decision-making. His expertise in lumbar spine assessment and treatment is particularly comprehensive, featuring eight specialised courses from basic clearing techniques to advanced radiculopathy management. Beyond spinal care, his courses on exercise prescription for musculoskeletal pain and practical decision-making demonstrate his holistic approach to rehabilitation.
This course is excellent and well-presented! It provides great examples of treatment techniques for lumbar radiculopathy – Elizaan Nel, Physiotherapist, Australia.
Nick Rainey’s courses emphasise clinical reasoning, diagnostic accuracy and effective patient communication. Through his work with the Rainey Pain & Performance Research Division, he integrates current research findings into practical educational content. His courses on pain mechanisms provide a foundational understanding of contemporary pain science, whilst his motivational interviewing techniques enhance therapeutic relationships. Participants consistently report improved confidence in diagnostic capabilities and treatment selection across all areas of practice.
This course helped me assess patients with lower back pain more precisely. I can more quickly and accurately assess a patient whilst paying attention to any possible red flags – La Ka Lok, Physiotherapist, Hong Kong.
Nick Rainey’s educational philosophy centres on providing tools that practitioners can implement immediately. His courses feature detailed examination techniques, manual therapy protocols and communication strategies designed for direct clinical application.
I really enjoyed this course! As a beginner physio, it gave me confidence and practical tips I can use with my patients immediately – Sami Abou Jeish, Physiotherapist.
Healthcare professionals consistently report enhanced clinical proficiency and improved patient outcomes from Nick’s courses. His commitment to advancing the profession through education continues to have a lasting influence on healthcare professionals worldwide, shaping patient care and clinical practice standards.
This course changed my practice and made me a better interviewer – Ogechi Grace Amaefule, Physiotherapist, Nigeria.
Dr. Rainey’s commitment to “progressing the profession one provider at a time” continues to shape clinical practice standards globally, with healthcare professionals consistently reporting enhanced proficiency and improved patient outcomes. His evidence-based courses offer practical tools that practitioners can implement immediately, making advanced orthopaedic expertise accessible to physiotherapists at every career stage.
This article was written by one of our course instructors...
Tarina van der Stockt
PT (BphysT), DPT
Education Director Physiopedia Plus