Cara Atwell PT, DPT, OCS, COMT, CMTPT, PCES, FAAOMPT
What do all those letters behind my name mean?
PT - Physical Therapist
DPT - Doctor of Physical Therapy
OCS - Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist
COMT - Certified Orthopaedic Manipulative Therapist
CMTPT - Certified Manual Trigger Point Therapist (Dry Needling Certified)
PCES - Pregnancy and Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist
FAAOMPT - Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists
A little bit about my background
Hi, I’m Cara! I believe physical therapy has the power to change people’s lives and I’ve seen it happen countless times with my patients. My treatment approach is multi-faceted combining a variety of manual therapy techniques with targeted exercises to retrain the body. Manual therapy has the capability to set the stage for appropriate movement patterns and exercise following it helps make the long-lasting changes within someone’s body. Exercise has the ability to empower people to do what they love, live a satisfying and more fulfilling life, increase confidence, increase energy, improve mood, and so much more.
Why did I become a physical therapist?
How did I get here? I started my career path at the University of Virginia (Go Hoos!) where I obtained my Bachelor of Science degree in kinesiology and minored in dance. I then moved on to obtain my Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB). I always enjoyed being active and wanted to share that love with other people.
I like to engross myself in my passions and I love learning which has led me to excel at what I do. While at UVA, I was a member of the Raven Society which selects students based upon scholarly excellence and superior extra-curricular achievement. Similarly at UMB I was recognized by Phi Kappa Phi honors society for academic excellence, graduating at the top 10% of my physical therapy class.
What have I done with my time as a physical therapist?
My passion for learning has continued into my physical therapy career and has helped me serve my patients in the Annapolis community as best possible. I am a Certified Manual Physical Therapist (CMPT) through the North American Institute of Orthopedic Manual Therapy, and a certified Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapist (OMPT) through a manual therapy certification program, instructed by internationally renowned physical therapist Jim Meadows. I have obtained a certification as a Certified Myofascial Trigger Point Therapist (CMTPT) in dry needling through the internationally recognized Myopain Seminars. I am also a board certified clinical specialist in Orthopedics (OCS) through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. I also completed a rigorous fellowship program through the North American Institute of Orthopedic Manual Therapy and am now a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy. Few physical therapists achieve this accomplishment.
WHat else do I do besides physical therapy?
Being a mom of 2 sweet, energetic, and beautiful boys has made me passionate about treating women throughout the lifespan. I completed a Pregnancy and Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist (PCES) certification so that I can further help women live their best lives and do all of the things they enjoy at every point in their lives.
I most enjoy spending time with family and friends, being outside, and being active. You can oftentimes find our family at the beach or by the water in some capacity. I love surfing, stand-up paddle boarding, cycling, practicing yoga, and strength training. Dance has been a huge part of my life since I was 5 years old and I plan to return to it in some capacity soon. Stay tuned!
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