Talia’s bio

            Hello everyone!  As you know, I am a physical therapist and athletic trainer at OIP Physical therapy as managed by Drayer Physical Therapy Institute.  But I wanted to give you a little more information about my background.

Education:

            I received by Bachelors Degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Hartford in 1999.  I followed this with specialized training in sports medicine at the famed Steadman Hawkins Clinic in Vail, CO where I did a sports medicine fellowship.  I worked closely with physicians there, covered various sporting events as a physical therapist and athletic trainer, and also worked with several Olympic and Professional athletes as a physical therapist in the clinic.  I then continued my training in Birmingham, AL with Dr. Andrews, Kevin Wilk, PT and their colleagues with a Sports Physical Therapy Residency.  I then received my Doctorate of Physical Therapy at Boston University in 2005.  Lastly, I recently passed the American Physical Therapy Board’s Sports Specialist Certification Examination.

            In addition, as you know, I am also a certified athletic trainer and strength and conditioning specialist.   My athletic training background not only makes me skilled with tape J, but more importantly, I have the training necessary to provide first responder care to any athlete who is critically injured.  My strength and conditioning background gives me more in depth knowledge of the body, including nutrition and exercise physiology, beyond my rehabilitation background.

Background:

            Why specialize in gymnastics injuries in rehabilitation?  Because I’ve been there.  I was a gymnast for 10 years.   I was a level 10 gymnast with Gym Dandy’s in Washington, PA (outside of Pittsburgh).  I decided to end my gymnastics career in college to pursue my dream of becoming a physical therapist. I had already sustained various injuries common to the sport, so I have been a patient.  I understand the frustration that comes with sustaining an injury and not being able to get care from people who are familiar with the sport.  I understand the demands of the sport, physically, mentally, and emotionally.  I understand the requirements. I understand the lingo.  And, I understand what it takes to return, safely, to gymnastics.

Miscellaneous:

            I have published, several articles in physical therapy, peer reviewed journals.  My area of interest has been the hip.  This part of the body has only recently been understood to be a common site of injury, especially in the gymnast.

            I have also spoken at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center’s 1^st Annual Gymnastics Symposium.  Topics included upper and lower extremity stress injuries, recognition and treatment.

            In addition, I am also a member of the American Physical Therapy Association’s Sports and Orthopedic sections as well as a member of the Performing Arts Special Interest Group.  Other memberships include USA Gymnastics, National Athletic Trainers Assocation, and National Strength and Conditioning Association.