By: Dr. Brian P. Kinmartin, PT, DPT, MTC, OCS, STC, CWcHP, Cert. DN
Professional Rehabilitation Services is a Private Practice Outpatient Physical Therapy Facility in Pawleys Island; SC. Established in January 2004 by Brian P. Kinmartin PT, DPT, MTC, OCS, STC, CWcHP, Cert. DN, the primary goal was to assist our patient’s rehabilitation needs by specializing in the field, thus raising the standard of care in the region.
Brian initially received his BS in Physical therapy in 1998 from Daemen College in New York, followed by a Doctorate Degree in Physical Therapy in 2004 from the University of St. Augustine. Brian has achieved a specialty certificate in manual therapy, including manipulation of the spine and extremity from the University of St. Augustine. He has also completed the Master’s sequence in High Velocity Low Amplitude thrust manipulation techniques for the spine from the University of Tulsa, and just recently became a board Certified Orthopedic Specialist by the accrediting body of his field, The American Physical Therapy Association. Brian has been practicing in the Horry/Georgetown County for almost 10 years now.
Richard A. Owens, PT, MS, OCS, Cert. SHT, CWcHP, Cert DN, a native to the area, received his BS in Health Sciences from Clemson University in 1999, and his Master’s of Rehabilitation Sciences in Physical Therapy from the Medical University of South Carolina in 2003. Ricky is also a Board Certified Orthopaedic Specialist and has been practicing in the Horry/Georgetown County since 2003.
To date, there are three board Certified Orthopaedic Specialists in Horry/Georgetown County, two of which are practicing at Professional Rehab. This is something we take pride in, knowing that our patient’s are receiving a higher, more specialized standard of care. At Professional Rehab emphasis is placed on one on one patient care, no Physical Therapist Assistants or technicians, every session you will see a board certified specialist.
The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), a national professional organization representing more than 66,000 members throughout the United States, established the specialist certification program in 1978. Specialization is the process by which a physical therapist builds on a broad base of professional education and practice to develop a greater depth of knowledge and skills related to a particular area of practice. Clinical specialization in physical therapy responds to a specific area of patient need and requires knowledge, skill, and experience exceeding that of the physical therapist at entry to the profession and unique to the specialized area of practice. The specialist certification program was established to provide formal recognition for physical therapists with advanced clinical knowledge, experience, and skills in a special area of practice and to assist consumers and the health care community in identifying these physical therapists.
To date there are several types of specializations available for Physical Therapist’s to further their education and enhance the type of service they provide for their patients. Specialty certifications are supported by the APTA and other private institutions. To obtain Board certification, candidates must submit evidence of required clinical practice in a specialty area. In addition, candidates must successfully complete a rigorous written examination, demonstrating specialized knowledge and advanced clinical proficiency in a specialty area of physical therapy practice. Most of these specialty areas within Physical Therapy can be found by logging onto to the APTA web site, or by inquiring to the institution that credentialed the specialty.
As individuals continue to push their lifespan, maintaining their quality of life is essential, and there will continue to be a growing need for Orthopaedic Physical therapy. Physical Therapy is a physician referred service and legally patients have the right to choose their provider. Professional Rehab offers many types of therapy; including all orthopaedic based rehab, pre and post operative joint replacement programs, gait and balance training, neurologic disorders, and vestibular therapy. So the next time you’re in need for a physical therapist, especially Orthopaedic based, why not have a Certified Orthopaedic Specialist.
