Our Team
Our therapists will create an evidence-based treatment program specifically for you that is proven to work.
Our Certifications
They are qualified to make independent judgments concerning diagnosis of patient impairments, as well as, advise and facilitate the most appropriate way of healing of these impairments, to promote maximum health and quality of life. These licensed physical therapists have completed a three to four-year post-baccalaureate degree program to advance their knowledge and skills to the clinical doctorate level. Their educational journey included coursework in pharmacology, differential diagnosis, and becoming direct-access care providers. At Capstone, we honor these individuals’ dedication to the pursuit of knowledge and clinical excellence by referring to them as “doctor.”
Occupational Therapists or OTs help people of all ages to participate in the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities or occupations (including leisure activities, job tasks, self care tasks, or care-giving tasks). OTs help the injured, elderly, and disabled rehabilitate and adapt to physical and cognitive impairments. Your occupational therapist is an educated medical professional that has completed advanced levels of education, has passed a national board certification exam, and is licensed to practice occupational therapy in Washington state.
A Physical Therapist Assistants (PTA) is licensed medical professionals that has completed the required educational training to work as a PTA. They have also completed state licensure and continued education competencies to be able to practice in the State of Washington. PTAs work under the direction and supervision of a Physical Therapist (PT). The PTA may provide care after the initial evaluation is completed by the PT. Many PTAs at Capstone also have obtained a Bachelors degree prior to their PTA education.
An Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) has received formal recognition from the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialists, a division of the American Physical Therapy Association, as a physical therapist that has advanced clinical knowledge, experience, and skills in orthopaedics. Orthopaedics focuses on the musculoskeletal system, which includes your bones, joints, tendons, muscles, ligaments, and nerves, and how disease and injuries impact the ability to move.
One of the requirements to be a certified specialist is spending at least 2000 clinic hours of direct patient care in this specialty area. At Capstone, we encourage our therapists to continue to grow and develop advanced skill sets. Our physical therapists who have OCS after their names are committed and passionate about providing superior patient care.
A geriatric certified specialist (GCS) is a board-certified physical therapist that had demonstrated advanced knowledge in the area of working with the geriatric population. This means they have met the application requirements, continued their education, and passed a written test to demonstrate their advanced knowledge and clinical skills. Our GCS therapists are trained specifically to help seniors prevent and recover from injuries.
A physical therapist that is also a GCS has a deeper understanding of how to treat the following conditions in seniors:
- Balance & falls
- Fractures
- Total Joint Replacements
- Osteoarthritis
- Sprains, strains, and other soft tissue damage
- Osteoporosis
- Spine problems
- Stroke rehab
- Parkinson’s disease
- Peripheral vascular and wounds
At Capstone Physical Therapy, we are proud to offer innovative therapy technologies suitable for seniors like the AlterG Anti Gravity Treadmill. Visit our Lynden or Bakerview clinic to try walking and even running in a gentle, fall-safe environment.
An athletic trainer certified (ATC) physical therapist or physical therapy assistant has continued their education in the field of sports medicine. To become an athletic trainer one must have a degree from an accredited professional level education program and then sit for and pass the Board of Certification (BOC) examination. The ATC care provider works in cooperation with physicians other allied health personnel. Someone with an ATC is also certified in CPR and has additional experience and knowledge in emergency care standards. They are qualified to help you prevent and recover from sports injuries.
FAAOMPT refers to a membership classification and a professional credential. The “Fellow” is a physical therapist who has completed a post-professional fellowship program and has previously completed either a clinical residency program in orthopaedic manual therapy (COMT) or is a post-orthopaedic board-certified specialist (OCS). Fellowship training is a one- or two-year-long process that includes a minimum of 1000 hours of structured study and clinical supervision in addition to the years of study already required to become a physical therapist with advanced certification. The Fellow has demonstrated advanced clinical, analytical, and hands-on skills in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal orthopedic disorders and is internationally recognized for their competence and expertise in the practice of manual physical therapy.
The AAOMPT is a professional organization of physical therapists whose mission is to serve its members by promoting excellence in orthopaedic manual physical therapy practice, education, research, and to collaborate with national and international associations
Orthopaedic Manual Therapy is any “hands-on” treatment such as moving a joint in a specific direction and at different speeds to regain movement (joint mobilization and manipulation), muscle stretching, passive movements of the affected body part, and selected soft tissue techniques used to improve the mobility and function of tissue and muscles. Orthopaedic manual physical therapists treat conditions related to the head, neck, back, arms, and legs. Advanced examination, communication, and decision-making skills that are built on the foundations of professional and scientific education facilitate the provision of effective and efficient care.
Certified Hand Therapy (CHT) is a specialty that treats injuries and conditions of the hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder. Hand therapists work in close conjunction with physicians and surgeons to improve function and patient success. Services are provided by Certified Hand Therapists who have extensive training and experience in the field of hand therapy. CHT’s are Occupational Therapists or Physical Therapists who have successfully achieved Hand Therapy Certification.
A licensed massage practitioner or LMP is an individual who has completed their education and obtained a state-regulated license to practice massage therapy in a clinical setting. Massage therapists mobilize soft tissues to help patients rehabilitate from injury using evidence-based techniques. Licensed massage practitioners have earned their degree at an accredited school and logged over 500 hours of training before they are eligible for a license.
Clinical massage therapists practice massage differently from recreational masseurs at a spa or resort. While treatments can be relaxing, clinical massage therapists focus on specific problem areas and the functional outcomes of the treatment. The prescribed treatments are based on evidence from medical studies. Clinical massage therapists work closely with a patient’s healthcare team to facilitate healing and rehabilitation.
