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Evelien Hoevenaars — Psychologist & Researcher at RealHealth

Evelien Hoevenaars is a clinical psychologist and research scientist at RealHealth Sint Maartenskliniek. As a psychologist, she is part of the treatment team and is conducting PhD research into non-surgical treatment for spinal disorders.

About Evelien Hoevenaars

Evelien Hoevenaars has been working as a clinical psychologist at RealHealth Sint Maartenskliniek since 2016, where she is part of the multidisciplinary treatment team for patients with persistent spine-related pain. Her work includes cognitive behavioural therapy group sessions, intakes and scientific research.

Her interest in the scientific basis of the RealHealth programme led to the start of her PhD research in 2024 at the Sint Maartenskliniek and Radboud UMC Nijmegen, under the supervision of Prof. M. de Kleuver and Dr M. van Hooff. The research focuses on non-invasive treatment for adults with spinal deformity (Adult Spinal Deformity), in collaboration with the European Spine Study Group.

Previously, Evelien gained clinical experience as a psychologist in disability care and youth care. She studied Educational Sciences at Radboud University Nijmegen and subsequently obtained her BIG registration as a clinical psychologist.

Specialisms

  • Cognitive behavioural therapy for chronic pain

  • ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy)

  • Non-surgical treatment for spinal disorders

  • Scientific research into treatment outcomes

Publications

  • Hoevenaars EHW, Smolders JMH, Veenstra K, O'Dowd J, Heesterbeek PJC. Improvement in functional outcome 1 year after non-surgical multidisciplinary treatment for chronic pain following total knee arthroplasty: A prospective cohort study. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2024;32(2):461–472.

  • Hoevenaars EHW, Beekhuizen M, O'Dowd J, Spruit M, van Hooff ML. Non-surgical treatment for adult spinal deformity: results of an intensive combined physical and psychological programme for patients with adult spinal deformity and chronic low back pain. Eur Spine J. 2022;31(5):1189–1196.

Presentations (selection)

  • Global Spine Congress, Istanbul (2026)

  • BSS/NSDS, London (2025)

  • Global Spine Congress, Paris (2021)

  • Nordic Spinal Deformities Society (2021)

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