Doctors

Samuel J. Alianell, M.D.

Dr. Alianell is one of a growing number of physicians practicing the medical specialty called Physiatry. Physiatrists are doctors specializing in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. The focus of the specialty is restoring function and quality of life with people suffering from injuries that cause pain or limit their physical capabilities. Dr. Alianell graduated Summa Cum Laude at the State University of New York at Buffalo, and completed his medical degree at the State University of New York Health Science Center at Syracuse. He completed his Internal Medicine Internship and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation residency programs at Loma Linda University Medical Center in Loma Linda, California. He has been in private practice in Houston/The Woodlands, Texas since 1993. He is board certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation with additional subspecialty board certifications in Pain Medicine and Electrodiagnostic Medicine (EMG). “As a Physiatrist, I am able to treat more of the whole person as opposed to just treating a fracture or injury,” Dr. Alianell says. “The advantage is that you get to know the person you are treating, and begin to understand that their injury affects the whole person, as well as their family and their work.” Dr. Alianell lives in The Woodlands with his wife and three boys. He enjoys spending quiet evenings with friends, going out to dinner, watching movies and sports activities. “Occasionally I like a good round of golf to get out, relax and unwind.”

Glenn J. Bricken, Psy.D. 

Dr. Bricken is a clinical psychologist with 35 years experience and expertise in medical and health psychology. This includes the treatment of anxiety disorders and chronic pain conditions utilizing hypnosis and biofeedback as well as providing patients with emotional support for the psychological trauma associated with a catastrophic illness or injury and resulting chronic pain (such as a work related injury, or a major surgery). Often patients’ physical symptoms lessen as they learn pain management strategies and feel that they are truly believed concerning their pain. Most patients are able to reduce their need for Opioid medication when provided with coping skills such as relaxation training and cognitive retraining. Dr. Bricken is also the director of a more intensive, daily, multi-disciplinary pain management program at the Chronic Pain Recovery Center of The Woodlands. This program includes both psycho-education and physical conditioning. We have a therapy pool, state of the art biofeedback equipment, and a physical therapy and psychotherapy treatment team with expertise in chronic pain. In addition to health psychology, Dr. Bricken also provides treatment for marital and family problems, sexual dysfunctions, and individual therapy for panic attacks, trauma recovery, stress management, and anger control. You will find Dr. Bricken easy to talk to with a good sense of humor. He is non-judgmental, honest, and direct and you will not leave feeling “psychoanalyzed.” Dr. Bricken and his staff look forward to helping you feel better and improve your quality of life.

 “Accepting help is its own kind of strength.”