Chronic Pain
Helping kids reclaim comfort, confidence and joy
Why Mary Free Bed Kids?
As a CARF-Accredited Pediatric Inpatient Rehabilitation Program, we provide expert, family-centered care designed to support the best possible recovery outcomes. Rehabilitation is essential for kids living with chronic pain, and research consistently shows that beginning specialized care early can significantly improve a child’s progress.
Our accredited programs, seasoned clinical teams, and compassionate approach ensure that children and families receive the highest standard of support throughout their rehabilitation journey.
Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital holds a number of special accreditations from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities International (CARF). This voluntary but rigorous accreditation process is based on specific and comprehensive standards ensuring the highest-quality rehabilitation.
CARF is an independent organization dedicated to providing reliable information to help patients and families make informed health care decisions. Consumers and medical professionals collaborate to develop the leading-edge standards by which providers are measured.
We Know How to Help Kids Be Kids
When pain interferes with day-to-day activities, it can be tough. Mary Free Bed’s multidisciplinary team of pain rehabilitation specialists understands the complexities of chronic pain, including the physical and emotional toll it can take on kids. We’ll work to develop a personalized plan that incorporates a variety of innovative treatments to address the pain.
Understanding Chronic Pain
When pain lasts longer than expected or interferes with daily life, it’s considered chronic pain. Unlike acute pain—which happens suddenly due to an injury, illness or procedure— chronic pain often persists for weeks, months or even years. It can be difficult to pinpoint a single cause, and it may continue even after an injury has healed.
At Mary Free Bed Kids, we understand that chronic pain isn’t just physical—it also affects how a child feels, learns, and connects with others. Our multidisciplinary team uses evidence-based, compassionate care to help kids return to the activities that make them feel like themselves again.
Common causes and types of chronic pain in children include:
- Abdominal pain
- Headaches or migraines
- Musculoskeletal pain
- Pain following injury, illness or surgery
- Nerve-related pain (such as complex regional syndrome)
Changes in the brain and nervous system can contribute to persistent pain. Whatever the source, our goal is to address both the physical and emotional components of your child’s experience.
Who We Help
Mary Free Bed Kids treats children and adolescents up to grade 12 with a wide range of chronic pain and related conditions, including:
- Chronic pain and fatigue
- Chronic abdominal pain
- Chronic headaches or migraines
- Amplified Musculoskeletal Pain Syndrome (AMPS)
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) / Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD)
- Functional Neurologic Disorder (FND)
- Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)
- Hypermobility and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)
No matter the diagnosis, our focus remains the same: to help your child restore function, build resilience and rediscover the joy of being a kid.
How We Help
Our Pediatric Chronic Pain Rehabilitation Program blends medical care, psychology, physical and occupational therapy to help children return to school, play and everyday activities.
Our Goals:
- Teach you and your child about pain and how the brain and body communicate
- Provide evidence-based pain management strategies
- Support optimal function in home, school and social settings
- Encourage positive coping, independence and confidence
We work closely with families to ensure every child’s care plan is personalized, goal-oriented and flexible to their needs.
What to Expect
Your child’s journey begins with a comprehensive evaluation by a pediatric psychologist and a pediatric physiatrist—a physician specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation. Together, we’ll develop a structured plan of care designed to manage pain and improve daily function.
The program includes:
- A one-time initial evaluation with a detailed health history review and physical exam
- Monthly or twice-monthly medical visits to help monitor progress and adjust care
- Weekly psychology sessions focusing on pain education, emotional coping and stress management
- Twice-weekly physical and occupational therapy sessions to help build strength, endurance and functional skills, as well as support with pain neuroscience education and pacing education
This team-based approach ensures continuity and consistency across all aspects of care.
Why Choose Mary Free Bed Kids
We know how to help kids be kids. Our Pediatric Chronic Pain Program offers:
- A collaborative, family-centered approach to rehabilitation
- Individualized care focused on restoring normal routines and activities
- Access to experienced pediatric pain specialists and rehabilitation experts
- Emotional and educational support for the whole family
- A welcoming environment built just for kids—safe, supportive and full of encouragement
Our mission is to help your child not only manage pain but thrive—returning to school, play and the moments that matter most.
Pain Psychology
Because physical and emotional health are deeply connected, pain psychology is a key component of treatment. Pediatric psychologists help children understand the mind-body connection and use techniques like relaxation, mindfulness and cognitive behavioral strategies to reduce pain intensity and improve coping.
Physical Therapy
Movement plays a powerful role in pain recovery. Our physical therapists teach children how to safely build strength, flexibility and endurance while understanding the difference between hurt and harm. Sessions may include stretching, posture correction and gradual exposure to physical activity to reduce fear of movement.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy helps children regain independence and confidence in daily activities. Therapists teach proper body mechanics, posturing for school and play, and ways to manage fatigue. Structured activity plans encourage participation in hobbies, social events and family routines—all key components of long-term recovery.
Medical Education
Medical experts will assess and educate you and your child on the role your body and brain play in your pain. They’ll provide guidance on safe medication usage, including weaning off opioids.
Your Team
We understand the complexities of pain. Our interdisciplinary team of doctors specialize in the treatment of pediatric chronic pain.
Emily Gladstone, D.O.
Pediatric Physiatrist
Kyleigh Skedgell, Ph.D.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Philip Baty, M.D.
Family Medicine Physician
Douglas Henry, M.D.
Pediatric Physiatrist
Chronic Pain Rehabilitation Specialists
Our team of pain rehab experts work together to ensure you receive comprehensive care throughout your recovery. Your team may include:
Begin Your Child’s Journey
If your child is living with chronic pain, help and hope are within reach. At Mary Free Bed Kids, we’re here to help your child rediscover strength, confidence and happiness—one step at a time.
Ready to Get Started With Mary Free Bed?
Wherever your child is on their rehabilitation journey, we’re here to help every step of the way. Our pediatric specialists are ready to listen, support and guide your family through recovery. Whether your child is just beginning treatment or continuing progress from earlier care, our team is committed to encouraging their growth, celebrating milestones and supporting every goal—big and small.
Our Locations
Great Lakes Bay Region
Northern Michigan
Southwest Michigan
West Michigan
Mid-Michigan
Southeast Michigan
Indiana
Virginia
