Assistant Professor

Dana Dailey, PhD, PT

Dr. Dailey is an experienced physical therapist specializing in the treatment of patients with acute and chronic pain for more than 25 years. They are currently serving as an Associate Professor at St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa, and Adjunct Faculty at the University of Iowa. Dr. Dailey earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science from the University of Iowa in May 2013. Prior to this, Dr. Dr. Dailey completed a Master of Science in Healthcare Administration from the University of St. Francis in Joliet, Illinois, in May 1993, and holds dual Bachelor degrees in Physical Therapy (May 1986) and Psychology (May 1984) from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinois.

Dr. Dailey is licensed to practice in both Illinois and Iowa and has acquired certifications throughout their career, including Empowered Relief™ Certified Instructor (2021), Graston Technique Certification (2015), APTA Advanced Clinical Instructor Certification (2011), APTA Clinical Instructor Certification (2009), American Back School Ergonomic Certification (2008), and Lymphedema Certification, Leduc Method (1997).

Professionally, Dr. Dailey has contributed to research as an Assistant Research Scientist at the University of Iowa, working on grants such as FM-TIPS, A2CPS, and FAST since 2013. They also served as the Lead Case Developer for the University of Iowa Consortium of Excellence in Pain Education since 2015. Dr. Dailey has extensive experience in clinical practice, having worked as a Physical Therapist at Genesis Outpatient Rehabilitation in various capacities from 1992 to 2022, and held supervisory roles from 1994 to 2012. Earlier in their career, Dr. Dailey was the Assistant Director of Rehabilitation Services at St. Luke’s Hospital in Davenport, Iowa (1988-1992), and a Physical Therapist at St. Mary’s Hospital in Streator, Illinois (1986-1988). Dr. Dailey is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) in the Academies of Orthopaedics, Education and Research. She has served as a President of the Academy of Orthopaedics Pain Special Interest Group (2014-2018). They also hold professional memberships in the International Association for the Study of Pain, United States Association for the Study of Pain, and APTA Iowa.

Contact Us

Center for Health Sciences Education 260

563-333-6404

DaileyDanaL@sau.edu

Education and Training

PhD, University of Iowa, PT and Rehabilitation Sciences
MS, University of St. Francis, Healthcare Administration
BS, Northern Illinois University, Physical Therapy
BA, Northern Illinois University, Psychology
State of Iowa License 01487; State of Illinois License 070.004977

Certificates and Licensure

Empowered Relief™ Certified Instructor, 2021
Graston Technique Certification, 2015
APTA Advanced Clinical Instructor Certification, 2011
APTA Clinical Instructor Certification, 2009
American Back School Ergonomic Certification, 2008
Lymphedema Certification, Leduc Method, 1997

Recent Publications

Dailey, et al. A Randomized Controlled Trial of TENS for Movement-Evoked Pain in Women with Fibromyalgia. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2019 Nov 18. doi: 10.1002/art.41170. [Epub ahead of print]
Dailey DL, Williams J, Rakel B, Vance CG, Chimenti R, Golchha M, Geasland K, Zimmerman M, Sluka K, Crofford L. Characteristics of Women with Fibromyalgia Receiving Opioid Analgesics Are Different from Those Not Receiving Opioids. APTA CSM 2020 [Abstract, Poster]
Dailey DL, Vance CG, Rakel B, Zimmerman M, Embree J, Merriwether EN, Geasland K, Chimenti R, Williams J, Golchha M, Crofford L Sluka K. A Randomized Controlled Trial of Tens for Movement-Evoked Pain in Women with Fibromyalgia. APTA CSM 2020 [Abstract, Poster]
Lesnak J, Dailey DL, Vance CG, Frey Law L, Sluka K. Six-minute lower extremity fatiguing task did not alter pain and fatigue in chronic pain populations APTA CSM 2020 [Abstract, Poster]
Vance CG, Dailey DL, Rakel B, Zimmerman M, Chimenti R, Geasland K, Embree J, Merriwether EN, Williams J, Crofford L, Sluka K. Predictors of success with Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation for women with fibromyalgia. [Abstract, Platform]
Vance CG, Dailey DL, Embree J. Gilbertsen-White S, Herr K, Abernathy G, Butler N, Katz D, Hightower M, Rakel B, Sluka K. Implementation of a Bundle for Exercise and Tens for Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain: The Best Project APTA CSM 2020 [Abstract, Platform]
Vance CG, Chimenti RL, Dailey DL, Hadlandsmyth K, Zimmerman MB, Geasland KM, Williams JM, Merriwether EN, Munters LA, Rakel BA, Crofford LJ, Sluka KA. Development of a method to maximize the transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation intensity in women with fibromyalgia. J Pain Res. 2018; (11):2269-2278.
Merriwether EN, Frey-Law LA, Rakel BA, Zimmerman MB, Dailey DL, Vance CGT, Golchha M, Geasland KM, Chimenti R, Crofford LJ, Sluka KA. Physical activity is related to function and fatigue but not pain in women with fibromyalgia: baseline analyses from the Fibromyalgia Activity Study with TENS (FAST). Arthritis Res Ther. 2018; (20):199.
Resende L, Merriwether E, Rampazo EP, Dailey D, Embree J, Deberg J, Liebano RE, Sluka KA. Meta-analysis of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for relief of spinal pain. European Journal of Pain. 2018; (22):663-678.
Dailey DL, Williams J, Rakel B, Vance CG, Chimenti R, Golchha M, Geasland K, Zimmerman M, Sluka K, Crofford L. Differences in Pain, Fatigue, Sleep Disturbance, and Activity in Women with Fibromyalgia Receiving Opioids and Non-opioids for Pain Control. International Association for the Study of Pain, September 2018, Boston MA. [Abstract, Poster].

Presentations

OACES: Older Adult and Caregiver Empathy Simulation
The Impact of an Older Adult and Caregiver Empathy Simulation on Second-Year Doctor of Physical Therapy Students
BEsT: Development of an Electronic Prescription Bundle of Non-Pharmacological Strategies for Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain. Our purpose is to develop, implement, evaluate and disseminate an electronic prescription bundle for two non-pharmacological pain treatments, exercise (EX) and Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) for use by primary care providers for treating chronic musculoskeletal pain.
A2CPS: The goal of the Acute to Chronic Pain Signatures (A2CPS) program is to develop a set of objective biomarkers that provide "signatures" to predict if chronic pain is likely to develop after acute pain.
FM TIPS: Fibromyalgia TENS in Physical Therapy Study. This is a pragmatic clinical research trial with the goal to demonstrate the feasibility of adding TENS to treatment of patients with FM in a real-world PT practice setting and to determine if addition of TENS to PT reduces pain, increases adherence to PT and allows patients with FM to reach their specific functional goals with less drug use.
CoEPE Interactive Learning Modules: Development of Interprofessional Interactive Learning Modules for the Consortium of Excellence in Pain Education focused on Older Adults and Pain Education.

Courses Taught

Introduction to Physical Therapy

Introduction to physical therapy as a health profession, including its history, current issues, and projections for the future. The importance of professional socialization and development will be introduced. Ethical standards for professional conduct, medical-legal aspects, regulation, legislation, and the scope of professional practice will be highlighted. Effective documentation, learning strategies, teaching strategies, and professional relations will be emphasized. Examine select professional issues and societal needs for their impact upon physical therapy and society.

Professional Practice in PT

Last in a series of courses about contemporary issues in health care. The course focuses on the development, administration and management of physical therapy services within current and emerging health care systems. Approaches to optimize the professional effectiveness of practitioners will be emphasized.

Evidence Based Practice III

This is the third of a four-part course series designed to progress students' abilities to use evidence-based practice (EBP) for use throughout their careers as physical therapists. Students will apply the knowledge and skills learned from DPT 650, DPT 700 and the movement system, with other sources of evidence, patient preferences/circumstances, and clinical expertise. This course will focus on developing students' skills in the application of various forms of evidence to clinical questions and situations. Specific topics include appraisal, interpretation and application of research evidence regarding diagnosis, prognosis, outcome measures, intervention, qualitative, and cost effectiveness. Students will also develop their skills for synthesizing and communicating research evidence to patients, caregivers, and others through written and verbal communication. An evidence-based practice written assignment will be completed for a real-world patient case.

Management of the Medically Complex Patient

This course is designed to help students develop their clinical reasoning, perform thorough physical therapy examinations and develop effective care plans for medically complex patients. Building upon an understanding of the relevant pathophysiology, the learner will be challenged to integrate the findings of laboratory tests, diagnostic testing, medical treatment and procedures, as well as information gained from the patient, their families, other members of the health care team, and current evidence into the decision making process. A case study format, examination/treatment of mock patients, and group work with faculty mentorship will be used to address multiple system impairments across the lifespan and continuum of care.

Portfolio Project

The purpose of the Portfolio Project is for students to capture and reflect upon their growth into highly competent physical therapists ready for contemporary practice. The Portfolio Project will provide a mechanism for students to collect artifacts that demonstrate their growth, self-reflect and discuss their development, and use the peer review process to mentor others in their growth. The project will focus on the Department of Physical Therapy Core Values: (1) Clinical Practice and Patient Management (2) Interpersonal Skills (3) Professionalism, Professional Development and Leadership (4) Scholarship and (5) Service. Service learning is a learning experience that combines community service with preparation and reflection. Students will complete formative reflection activities throughout the curriculum. Students will share their portfolio for feedback at multiple time points beginning at the end of year 1. At the completion of the students will share their final product with faculty and create a summative digital presentation of their portfolio.

Professional Service

Physical Therapy Supervisor, St. Ambrose University Interprofessional Health Clinic, 2017 - Current

APTA Section on Women's Health Member, 2008 - Current

APTA Section on Research Member, 2017 - Current

APTA Academy of Physical Therapy Education Education Member, 2017 - Current

APTA Academy of Orthopedic Physical Therapy Member, 1984 - Current

APTA Academy of Orthopedic Physical Therapy, Research Committee Survey Work Group, February 2025 - 2027