My Path Thus Far

Final Edited Photo

I initially developed my interest in Physical Therapy growing up as a competitive gymnast. Through my intensive training and subsequent injuries I often found myself in Physical Therapy. The treatment I received to overcome my injuries was instrumental in allowing me to successfully train and compete at a high level for over 10 years. This positive early exposure combined with my love of science and medicine paved the way for me to become a Physical Therapist.

I attended Boston University where I received a Bachelor of Science in Health Studies in 2000 and a Master of Science in Physical Therapy in 2002. I developed a fondness for the Washington DC area while living here during my last clinical affiliation and became a permanent resident when I accepted a position in the outpatient rehabilitation department at National Rehabilitation Hospital in 2002.  After practicing for a few years I desired to further my education and clinical skills by receiving my Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2008 from the University of St. Augustine.

In 2007, I earned a Certification in Manual Therapy (MTC) from the University of St. Augustine. In 2008, I became Board Certified as an Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist (OCS).   Between 2008-2013 I took 7 of the 9 courses required to sit for certification through the Institute of Physical Art and found the skills acquired during this training to be invaluable for successful patient outcomes. I also developed advanced training in trigger point dry needling, myofascial cupping, and the use of musculoskeletal diagnostic ultrasound for neuromuscular re-education.

In 2011, I decided to open up my own practice due to frustrations from working in traditional outpatient Physical Therapy clinics. I found the productivity pressures in these settings did not allow me to give optimal care for my patients. I believe that providing adequate time for my patient’s needs delivered in a personalized 1:1 setting is essential for individuals to reach their therapy goals. The name of my practice, “One to One Physical Therapy,” is highly indicative of the nature of the services provided. I handle the majority of my scheduling, am easily accessible to my patients via phone or email, maintain strong communication between other health care providers that may be involved in a case, and am the only person the patient will have therapy with. This formula creates excellent continuity of care, customer service, and successful outcomes.

In October, 2013 I took my first course, Postural Respiration through the Postural Restoration Institute (PRI).  My professional life has never and will never be the same.  As of December 2015, I have taken 14 PRI courses and became Postural Restoration Certified (PRC) through the Institute. I believe that PRI has given me the foundation I have been searching for over the past 13 years as a Physical Therapist.  I have always been a huge believer in learning and continuing to advance my knowledge and skills in my profession resulting in the development of a successful eclectic intuitive approach. However, PRI has provided me a strong comprehensive method and theoretical framework that has enabled me to integrate all of my prior training and skills together. It is also a huge inspiration behind this website.

In 2015, I completed a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner certification program through the Nutritional Therapy Association (NTA) fueled by my strong belief in the importance of proper nutrition to holistically address the orthopaedic and neurological problems seen in my patients. The approach of this program uses principles of balanced whole food nutrition while respecting bio-individuality. The works of Weston A. Price, DDS, Francis Pottenger, MD, Melvin Page, DDS, and Royal Lee, DDS are a foundation of the NTA’s philosophy. Over the course of 2015, I have written articles focusing on nutritional related topics. These articles may be accessed at http://heathercarrdpt.com/articles/

 

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