Chronic Pain
Restoring Hope and Freedom
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.
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.
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.
Our Specialized Therapies
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.
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.
Your Team
We understand the complexities of pain. Our interdisciplinary team of doctors specialize in the treatment of pediatric chronic pain.
Philip Baty, M.D.
Family Medicine Physician
Dr. Baty is a family medicine physician with Mary Free Bed’s Pain Rehabilitation Program. He joined the Mary Free Bed family in 2021 after nearly 30 years in primary care…
Read bio
Medical School: Wayne State University School of Medicine
Residency: Grand Rapids Family Practice
Clinical Interests: Pain rehabilitation, motivational interviewing
Dr. Baty is a family medicine physician with Mary Free Bed’s Pain Rehabilitation Program. He joined the Mary Free Bed family in 2021 after nearly 30 years in primary care practice in the Grand Rapids area.
He’s a graduate of Wayne State University School of Medicine and completed his residency at Grand Rapids Family Practice Residency, where he served as chief resident.
Dr. Baty has served as medical director of the Michigan Center of Clinical Systems Improvement since 2018 and is a Brief Action Plan trainer for the Centre for Collaboration, Motivation & Innovation.
Sabrina Dieffenbach, M.D.
Pediatric Physiatrist
Dr. Dieffenbach joined the Mary Free Bed Kids team of physicians in 2026. She’s focused on outpatient care. She also serves as a pediatric physical medicine and rehabilitation consultant at…
Read bio
Medical School: Wayne State University School of Medicine
Residency: Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation (West Orange, NJ)
Fellowship: Children’s Specialized Hospital (New Brunswick, NJ)
Clinical Interests: Botox Injections, Alcohol/Phenol Chemo Neurolysis
Dr. Dieffenbach joined the Mary Free Bed Kids team of physicians in 2026. She’s focused on outpatient care. She also serves as a pediatric physical medicine and rehabilitation consultant at Corewell Health Helen Devos Children’s Hospital.
She earned her undergraduate degree from Central Michigan University in 2015 and completed her medical degree at Wayne State University School of Medicine in 2020. Dr. Dieffenbach completed a Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine Fellowship at Children’s Specialized Hospital in 2026. Dr. Dieffenbach has specialized training in multiple procedures including Botox injections and alcohol/phenol chemo neurolysis.
Emily Gladstone, D.O.
Pediatric Physiatrist
Dr. Gladstone is a Pediatric Physiatrist who cares for Mary Free Bed Kids patients at the outpatient clinics in Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo, Michigan. She joined Mary Free Bed in…
Read bio
Dr. Gladstone is a Pediatric Physiatrist who cares for Mary Free Bed Kids patients at the outpatient clinics in Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo, Michigan. She joined Mary Free Bed in 2024 specializes in the treatment of physical and cognitive issues, including cerebral palsy, spasticity management, traumatic injuries, stroke and muscle and nerve disorders.
She earned her medical degree at A.T. Still University Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed a residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the Metro-Health- Case Western Reserve University. She completed a fellowship in Pediatric Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare-University of Minnesota.
Douglas Henry, M.D.
Pediatric Physiatrist
Dr. Henry cares for Mary Free Bed Kids patients. He’s triple board certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation, pediatrics and pediatric rehabilitation medicine. Dr. Henry, who joined Mary Free Bed…
Read bio
Medical School: Wayne State University School of Medicine
Residency: Combined pediatrics & physical medicine & rehabilitation; Children’s Hospital of Michigan (Detroit, Michigan)
Subspecialty Certification: Pediatric Rehabilitation
Clinical Interests: Pediatric rehabilitation
Dr. Henry cares for Mary Free Bed Kids patients. He’s triple board certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation, pediatrics and pediatric rehabilitation medicine.
Dr. Henry, who joined Mary Free Bed in 2019 from the Cleveland Clinic, specializes in the treatment of physical and cognitive issues, including cerebral palsy, spasticity management, traumatic injuries, stroke and muscle and nerve disorders. He’s an expert in pediatric chronic pain conditions, including complex regional pain syndrome and fibromyalgia.
He earned his medical degree from Wayne State University and completed a combined residency in pediatrics and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Children’s Hospital of Michigan and the Detroit Medical Center Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan, respectively.
Kyleigh Skedgell, Ph.D.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Skedgell obtained her Ph.D. from the University of Nevada Las Vegas in 2019. She completed an internship and a post-doctoral fellowship in pediatric psychology at Baylor College of Medicine/Texas…
Read bio
Dr. Skedgell obtained her Ph.D. from the University of Nevada Las Vegas in 2019. She completed an internship and a post-doctoral fellowship in pediatric psychology at Baylor College of Medicine/Texas Children’s Hospital in 2020. Dr. Skedgell worked as a pediatric psychologist at St. Louis Children’s Hospital before joining Mary Free Bed in 2023.
Dr. Skedgell sees kids in inpatient and outpatient settings at the Grand Rapids campus.
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:
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
