The Art of Medicine
As traditional medical science continues to advance, we have become increasingly reliant on its findings and use. When we feel pain or discomfort, we want a test or a scan to definitively diagnose what is wrong. We then tend to expect a combination of medication, surgery and/or stock exercises to fully relieve what ails us. Unfortunately though, people don't always get better and heal when care is based on science alone.
To me, of equal and perhaps even greater importance than the science of medicine, is the art of medicine. I believe there is nothing more crucial in my role as therapist than the act of listening to the patient and hearing their story. Rather than simply looking at and assessing the painful parts of the body, I prefer to “interview” the whole body, and to blend what I hear in a patient’s story with what I see showing up in their movement, posture, restrictions and limitations. My practice is based on the art of touch and on the ability to employ common sense and intuition with objectivity.
With two degrees in the sciences and dozens of highly specialized post-graduate courses under my belt, I've learned that research can be flawed: Things that I once learned were true, have later been proven false, and trends in medicine and in physical therapy come and go. For these reasons , my practice is always artful and evolving, and my path is one that follows my patients’ narratives. Healing and regaining function rests in the story. I am here to listen and respond thoughtfully.
Anatomy in Motion
In every step we take, 360 joints operate and cooperate in brilliant concert. Each joint, from the big toe to the skull, has a specific role, across 3 planes, during each phase of gait. Anatomy in Motion™ is the model and method I study and employ to observe and assess the body. By performing a full body 3D movement screen and listening to the patient tell the story of his or her body, I begin to determine where the body lives, where it cannot go, and what it needs to restore balance and fuller function.
Learnings
Continuing Education
- January 2022 Mind, Brain & Body in the Transformation of Trauma
- April 2019 Subtle Hands-On Skills
- May 2018 CranioSacral Therapy
- March 2017 Anatomy In Motion
- June 2016 Integrated Cranial
- October 2015 Anatomy in Motion
- September 2015 Proprioceptive Deep Tendon Reflex (2)
- August 2015 Proprioceptive Deep Tendon Reflex (1)
- May 2015 Neurokinetic Therapy (Level 3)
- June 2014 Neurokinetic Therapy (Level 2)
- October 2013 Neurokinetic Therapy (Level 1)
- July 2012 Functional Mobilization Lower Quadrant (Institute Physical Art)
- January 2012 Diagnosis and Treatment of Movement Impairment Sydromes (Sahrman)
- May 2011 Management of Neuromuscular Dysfunction/Trigger Point Dry Needling (Lvl II)
- January 2011 Management of Neuromuscular Dysfunction/Trigger Point Dry Needling (Lvl I)
- Sept/October 2010 HVLA Manipulation of the Cervical Spine (Emerson)
- April 2010 Examination/Manual Therapy of Acute Lumbar and Sacroiliac Joint Conditions (IAOM)
- March 2010 Examination/Manual Therapy of the Thoracic Outlet/Cervicothoracic joint (IAOM)
- September 2009 Vail Valley Medical Center Shoulder Symposium
- May 2009 MET’s of the Thoracic Spine and Ribs (Emerson)
- March 2009 MET’s of the Lumbar Spine, Pelvis and Sacrum (Emerson)
- February 2009 Differential Diagnosis and Manual Therapy of the Lower Cervical Spine (IAOM)
- January 2009 Mulligan Concept- Upper Quadrant, Mobilizations with Movement (Folk)
- July 2008 The Scapula and the Overhead Athlete (Shoulder Center of Kentucky)
- April 2008 Diagnosis and Treatment of Upper and Lower Quadrant (Mulligan/Wilk)
- March 2008 Connecting the Hip to the Foot (Donatelli)
- November 2007 Assessment and Treatment of the Craniomandibular Complex
- September 2007 Back Education Training (Institute Physical Art)
- March 2007 Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (Institute Physical Art)
- March 2006 Functional Orthopedics (Institute Physical Art)
- November 2006 Level II Upper Quadrant (NAIOMT)
- October 2005 Pilates Mat (Professional Health and Fitness)
Education
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas Dallas, TX
May, 2005
Master of Physical Therapy
Vanderbilt University Nashville, TN May, 1996
Bachelor of Science, Human and Organizational Development