Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Timeline
Generic

Cathy Ellingwood

Waynetown,IN

Summary

Dedicated Physical Therapist Assistant with expertise in post-surgical rehabilitation and patient education. Known for developing tailored exercise programs and fostering strong patient rapport to enhance recovery outcomes.

Overview

38
38
years of professional experience

Work History

Physical Therapist Assistant

Franciscan Alliance
09.1997 - Current
  • Assisted physical therapists in implementing treatment plans for diverse patient populations.
  • Educated patients on rehabilitation exercises and techniques to promote recovery.
  • Monitored patient progress, documenting changes and responding to needs effectively.
  • Utilized therapeutic modalities and equipment to enhance patient care outcomes.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to optimize treatment strategies and patient support.
  • Trained new staff on best practices for patient interaction and therapy protocols.
  • Developed individualized exercise programs tailored to specific patient requirements.
  • Collaborated with physical therapists to develop comprehensive treatment plans addressing individual patient needs and goals.
  • Followed all HIPAA rules and regulations regarding patient confidentiality.
  • Educated patients on proper body mechanics, posture correction, and home exercise routines to prevent future injuries.
  • Developed effective communication skills while working with diverse populations of patients presenting various conditions such as neurological disorders or orthopedic issues.
  • Implemented fall prevention strategies for elderly clients at increased risk of injury due to balance impairments.
  • Adapted exercises to suit varied ages and abilities for personalized patient care.
  • Ensured accurate documentation of all patient interventions, progress notes, and billing information in electronic medical records.
  • Developed strong patient rapport and trust through empathetic listening and consistent encouragement during the rehabilitation process.
  • Communicated with physicians to provide updates on patient care.
  • Implemented patient safety protocols and infection control practices for hygienic, compliant care.
  • Provided patient education on post-therapy care, leading to decreased instances of re-injury.
  • Implemented kinesiology taping to improve joint range of motion and reduce inflammation.

Physical Therapist Assistant

Healthcare Therapy Services
01.1995 - 09.1997

Same job skills, but in a SNF setting

Physical Therapist Assistant

Healthmark
09.1988 - 12.1994

PTA in several settings including SNF, outpatient, acute care, school system; occasional HHC when therapist on vacation. This was a contract company with numerous contracts throughout West Central Indiana.

Education

Associate of Science - Physical Therapy

Vincennes University
Vincennes
05-1988

Skills

  • Post-surgical rehabilitation
  • Geriatric physical therapy
  • Orthopedic rehabilitation
  • Functional mobility training
  • Patient education
  • HIPAA requirements
  • Medical terminology
  • Balance assessment
  • Neuromuscular Re-education
  • Adaptive equipment training
  • Body mechanics instruction
  • Wheelchair mobility training
  • Prosthetic training
  • Caregiver training
  • Gait analysis
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Certified in CPR/AED
  • Rehabilitation services
  • Problem-solving
  • Team leadership

Accomplishments

Received a Hero Award from a patient following their Acute Inpatient Rehab stay; 2026.

Timeline

Physical Therapist Assistant

Franciscan Alliance
09.1997 - Current

Physical Therapist Assistant

Healthcare Therapy Services
01.1995 - 09.1997

Physical Therapist Assistant

Healthmark
09.1988 - 12.1994

Associate of Science - Physical Therapy

Vincennes University
Cathy Ellingwood