Dr. Beebe joined the faculty at Simmons University in July 2013. He has been a physical therapist since 2000, and practiced primarily in orthopedic and sports physical therapy settings. Prior to coming to Simmons, he served as an assistant professor of physical therapy at the University of South Dakota for nearly five years. He is an active member of the American Physical Therapy Association where he has served as Chair of the Abstract Review Committee for the Academy of Physical Therapy Research, served as a member of the Academy of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Research Committee, and an abstract reviewer for these academies. He is an active researcher and manuscript reviewer. Dr. Beebe currently serves as the Program Director for the DPT program.
Education
- Ph.D. Movement Science, Washington University in St. Louis
- M.S. Physical Therapy, University of Indianapolis
- B.S. Psychology, University of Indianapolis
License/Certifications
- Massachusetts Licensed Physical Therapist
What I Teach
- DPT 672 Frameworks for PT: Musculoskeletal System 1
- DPT 673 Frameworks for PT: Musculoskeletal System 2
- DPT 753 Research Seminar: Systematic Review 1
- DPT 754 Research Seminar: Systematic Review 2
- DPT 763 Research Seminar: Faculty Directed Research 1
- DPT 764 Research Seminar: Faculty Directed Research 2
Research/Special Projects
The direction of my scholarship in recent years has increasingly moved toward psychologically informed treatment, the value of integrating the mind in physical therapy treatment, and motor learning. I have come to call this direction the Therapeutic Experience. Some of my recent work with children with chronic pain and fear of movement (GET Living) used exposure therapy to improve both psychological and physical outcomes. Further studies in fibromyalgia engaged cognitive behavioral therapy to also improve both psychological and physical outcomes. And recent work with DPT students has investigated the literature to evaluate the impact of the "flow state" on physical performance, and exercise induced cortical hypofrontality. These studies have prompted the questions like, how do we as physical therapists go beyond touch to facilitate healing? Is there an art of perception we can develop to better connect with our patients to facilitate the Therapeutic Experience?
As physical therapists we clearly engage the physical, but less overtly recognize the dependence we have on the psychological, mental – the mind – to facilitate patient healing. This new direction offers a unique way to consider how, and on what levels we engage with our patients. How can we extend psychologically informed treatment? Can we improve our facilitation of healing by utilizing alternative pathways such as breathwork, or music? What happens to patient outcomes if we manipulate the physical clinical setting? Can we integrate physical therapy and biofield sciences to enhance the Therapeutic Experience and improve patient outcomes? This new direction is in its infancy, but I am excited to pursue this evolving line of research.
Recent Publications/ Presentations
Publications
- Yom J, Owens T, Arnett S, Beebe J, Son V. The effects of an unanticipated side-cut on lower extremity kinematics and ground reaction forces during a drop landing. Sports Biomech. 2018:1-12. doi: 10.1080/14763141.2017.1409795
- Simons L, Vlaeyen JWS, Declercq L, Smith A, Beebe JA, Hogan M, Li E, Kronman K, Mahmud F, Corey J, Sieberg C, Ploski C. Avoid or engage? Outcomes of graded exposure in youth with chronic pain using a sequential replicated single-case randomized design. J Pain. 2020;161(3):520-531. doi: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001735.
- Beebe JA, Kronman C, Mahmud F, Basch M, Hogan M, Li E, Ploski C, Simons LE. Gait variability and relationships with fear, avoidance and pain in adolescents with chronic pain. Phys Ther. 2021;101(4):1-8. doi: 10.1093/ptj/pzab012.
Presentations
- Bragdon K, Fleming E, Kay A, Stetson R, Beebe JA. (2021) Evaluating the Current Criteria for Determining Ankle Plantarflexion Strength and Interrater Reliability through Telerehabilitation. Combined Sections Meeting, Orlando, FL (virtual)
- Bloom A, Forde C, Gallagher S, Lee C, Nelson N, Beebe JA. (2021) Verbal Cuing Preferences Among Collegiate Soccer Coaches. Combined Sections Meeting, Orlando, FL (virtual)
- Pichette K, Grezzi G, LeBrun T, Madeiros A, Trombley A, Beebe JA. (2022) The Impact of Kinesiophobia on Patients with Cancer-Related Chronic Pain: A Systematic Review. Combined Sections Meeting, San Antonio, TX.
- English S, Dike H, Goins J, Cullington R, Suraci N, Beebe JA. (2022) Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapies and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction for Fibromyalgia: A Systematic Review. Combined Sections Meeting, San Antonio, TX.
Professional Affiliations & Memberships
- American Physical Therapy Association
- Academy of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy
- Academy of Physical Therapy Research
- American Academy of Sports Physical Therapy