|
Cristy O'Connor, DPT, CEAS |
 |
 |
 |
Treatment Philosophy
 Cristy works to dispel some common myths about physical therapy. "No pain, no gain," "physical therapy causes more pain" and "it never gets better before it gets worse" are notions that Cristy asks her patients to leave at the doorstep. "Physical therapy is an opportunity to relearn correct movement patterns that were taken away by pain. We would never train the body to move with pain. Instead we find ways around the pain to gain strength and movement."
"I believe physical therapy is crucial in assisting a patient to live a pain-free lifestyle. Pain, especially chronic pain, transforms the bio-mechanics of muscles and joints from being efficient, smooth-moving mechanisms to tight, tired, stressed mechanisms that cause pain. I always tell my patients that pain is a way of telling you that something is not quite right. We should listen to our bodies and learn ways to fix the problem before pain continues to alter the movement patterns that our bodies enjoy."
Special Interests
Cristy is proficient in treating all areas of the body; however, she has a particular interest in the evaluation and treatment of the spine. Cristy specializes in joint mobilization and manipulations that restore mobility and range of motion, and then instructs in stabilization techniques to protect and secure the newly achieved flexibility.
Professional Journey
"I initially wanted to become a physical therapist at a young age when I watched the Harrison Ford movie, 'Regarding Henry,' in which he suffers a traumatic head injury and regains his independence with the help of his physical therapist and family. I wanted to become a PT because I wanted to help others and make an impact, no matter how small.
Cristy's journey started at Simmons College in Boston, Massachusetts where she received a bachelor's degree from Simmons in 2002 and continued on to graduate with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Cristy spent a year at Newton-Wellesley Hospital in Newton Massachusetts, under the direction of "several brilliant mentors," where she learned and studied the majority of her manual technique. Following her internship, Cristy worked in the occupational health clinic at Goodall Hospital, Sanford, Maine, before coming to Pinewood Physical Therapy.
Professional Certifications & Associations
- Member of the American Physical Therapy Association, Orthopedic Section
- Certified Ergonomic Assessment Specialist
Education:
- B.S. in Health Studies, Minor in Biology from Simmons College
- Doctorate in Physical Therapy, concentration in health promotion, Simmons College, Graduate School for Health Studies
When I'm not treating my patients, I enjoy...
spending time with my future husband and two dogs, "Blarney" and "Cork," yoga, pilates, and watching the Red Sox.
Cristy O'Connor, DPT, CEAS is accepting new patients.
To make an appointment, please call Pinewood Physical Therapy at 603-692-1816.
|
|
Last Updated on Thursday, 02 September 2010 19:52 |
