Biography

Dr. Zafereo is a fellow in the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists, and a board certified clinical specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy. He practices clinically within an interdisciplinary pain program at the Eugene McDermott Center for Pain Management at UTSW. Additionally, he is an educator within the entry-level and post-professional physical therapy programs at UTSW. Dr. Zafereo serves as the Director of Research for the Department of Physical Therapy at UTSW. His has published numerous articles on the evaluation and management of low back pain, and is developing a new line of research utilizing quantitative sensory testing to improve the evaluation and management of chronic pain. 

Education

Undergraduate School
Baylor University (1999)
Graduate School
UT Southwestern Medical Center (2001)
Other Post Graduate Training
UT Southwestern Medical Center (2001)
Residency/Fellowship
The Manual Therapy Institute (2007), Physical Therapy
Other Post Graduate Training
Texas Woman's University (2015)
Graduate School
Texas Woman's University (2015), Physical Therapy

Research Interest

  • Chronic pain
  • Manual Therapy
  • Orthopedic Physical Therapy

Publications

Featured Publications LegendFeatured Publications

Impact of Faculty and Programmatic Resources on the Proportion of Academic Doctoral Degrees in Professional Physical Therapist Education Programs.
Dickson T, Deschenes B, Gleeson P, Zafereo J, Phys Ther 2021 Apr 101 4
Quantitative Sensory Testing Discriminates Central Sensitization Inventory Scores in Participants with Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain: An Exploratory Study.
Zafereo J, Wang-Price S, Kandil E, Pain Pract 2020 Dec
Short-term effects of two deep dry needling techniques on pressure pain thresholds and electromyographic amplitude of the lumbosacral multifidus in patients with low back pain - a randomized clinical trial.
Wang-Price S, Zafereo J, Couch Z, Brizzolara K, Heins T, Smith L, J Man Manip Ther 2020 12 28 5 254-265
Characteristics of Professional Physical Therapist Faculty and Doctor of Physical Therapy Programs, 2008-2017: Influences on Graduation Rates and First-Time National Physical Therapy Examination Pass Rates.
Dickson T, Taylor B, Zafereo J, Phys Ther 2020 Aug
Faculty and programmatic influences on the percentage of graduates of color from professional physical therapy programs in the United States.
Dickson T, Zafereo J, Adv Health Sci Educ Theory Pract 2020 Jun
Psychometric Properties of Pressure Pain Thresholds Measured in 2 Positions for Adults With and Without Neck-Shoulder Pain and Tenderness.
Wang-Price S, Zafereo J, Brizzolara K, Mackin B, Lawson L, Seeger D, Lawson S, J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2019 07 42 6 416-424
Assessment of Abdominal Muscle Thickness in Postpartum Women Who Have Undergone Cesarean Section as Compared to Vaginal Births: A Pilot Study
Brizzolara, K, Wang-Price, S, Zafereo, J. Journal of Women?s Health Physical Therapy 2019 1 43 22-27
The effects of dry needling and slump tensioners on idiopathic neuropathy: a case report
Nasr, A, Zafereo, J. Journal of Bodywork & Movement Therapies 2019 2 23 306-310
Effects of tactile feedback on lumbar multifidus muscle activity in asymptomatic healthy adults and patients with low back pain.
Wang-Price S, Zafereo J, Brizzolara K, Anderson E, J Bodyw Mov Ther 2018 Oct 22 4 956-962
Treatment of drug-resistant fibromyalgia symptoms using high-intensity laser therapy: a case-based review.
White PF, Zafereo J, Elvir-Lazo OL, Hernandez H Rheumatol. Int. 2018 Mar 38 3 517-523

Books

Featured Books Legend Featured Books

Honors & Awards

  • Southwestern Academy of Teachers
    Distinguished Teaching Professor (2021)
  • SSHP Outstanding Faculty Award, Department of Physical Therapy
    (2019)
  • SSHP Research Recognition Award
    (2017)
  • SSHP Outstanding Faculty Award, Department of Physical Therapy
    (2015)
  • SSHP Outstanding Faculty Award, Department of Physical Therapy
    (2014)
  • SSHP Distinguished Teacher Award for Excellence in Teaching
    (2008)

Professional Associations/Affiliations

  • American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists
  • American Physical Therapy Association
  • Texas Physical Therapy Association