Christina Espinoza
Sterling Heights,USA
Summary
Experienced physical therapist with background in diverse clinical settings, including adult/pediatric orthopedic and neurological rehabilitation, as well as extensive experience in schools and home health. Proven expertise in developing comprehensive treatment plans, implementing evidence-based interventions, and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to optimize patient care. Skilled in supervising clinical staff and enhancing patient mobility through tailored therapeutic exercises. Committed to fostering patient independence and improving overall quality of life through innovative therapy solutions.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Physical Therapist/Developmental Interventionist
Staff Connections: Birmingham School District
Birmingham, MI
08.2025 - Current
- Developed comprehensive treatment plans based on thorough evaluations, patient goals, and medical history
- Implemented evidence-based therapeutic exercises and modalities to improve strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination
- Assisted patients in the use of assistive devices such as crutches or walkers for safe mobility during recovery process
- Provided education on adaptive equipment options for individuals with disabilities or limitations in daily activities
- Participated in regular staff meetings to discuss patient cases, share knowledge/experiences with colleagues, and stay updated on latest research findings in the field of physical therapy
- Provided individualized physical therapy services to pediatric patients, ages ranging from infants to adolescents
- Implemented evidence-based therapeutic interventions and techniques to improve motor skills, balance, coordination, strength, and range of motion in pediatric patients
Physical Therapist
Imperial Home Health
Victorville, CA
09.2024 - 03.2025
- Conducted comprehensive patient assessments to establish functional, measurable goals tailored to individual patient needs.
- Provided education to families, caregivers, staff and other healthcare professionals regarding physical therapy treatments, safety procedures.
- Developed home programs for patients to continue their rehabilitation at home.
- Implemented therapeutic exercises and activities designed to improve mobility, strength, and coordination.
- Communicated treatment plans and medical information to family and friends of patients.
- Identified and properly documented patient goals, evaluated progress and planned reevaluation.
- Instructed patients in proper use of equipment and therapeutic exercises.
- Developed strong relationships with patients, establishing trust and rapport to facilitate successful therapy outcomes.
- Evaluated assistive devices such as braces or prosthetics to provide recommendations for improved function and comfort.
Physical Therapist
Arroyo Physical Therapy
Victorville, CA
07.2023 - 09.2024
- Supervised certified and licensed assistants, technicians, and volunteers.
- Conducted clinical assessment and evaluation to determine patient needs.
- Designed customized home exercise programs tailored to individual patient needs for continued progress outside of clinic visits.
- Implemented evidence-based practices in treatment approaches, staying current with industry research and best practices.
- Managed acute and chronic conditions with full understanding regarding complex therapy needs.
- Taught patients how to use braces, crutches, and prosthetic devices to reduce pain.
- Improved patient mobility by developing personalized treatment plans and monitoring progress.
- Recorded patient prognosis, treatment and responses into reports and patient charts.
Physical Therapist: Independent Contractor
Various Employers And Settings
Hemet, CA
01.2004 - 08.2024
- Evaluated and treated patients in various settings: Home Health, Skilled Nursing Facilities, Hospitals, Out Patient Clinics, and School settings.
- Taught patients uses of wheelchairs, braces, canes, crutches and prosthetic devices.
- Supported patients' ability to maintain progress and physical health by prescribing and demonstrating at-home exercises.
- Constructed physiotherapy treatment plans to increase functionality and strength.
- Provided therapy session adaptations according to progress and limitations.
- Managed acute and chronic conditions with full understanding regarding complex therapy needs.
- Planned individually-designed treatment programs to restore, maintain and improve physical functioning, alleviate pain and prevent disability.
- Planned and administered range of treatments and therapeutic exercise programs involving active and passive ranges of motion and muscle reeducation.
- Provided individualized physical therapy treatments to patients with various musculoskeletal and neurological conditions
- Developed comprehensive treatment plans based on thorough evaluations, patient goals, and medical history.
- Developed and implemented IEP/504 plans in educational settings.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary healthcare team members including physicians, nurses, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists to optimize patient care.
- Instructed patients/families/caregivers on proper use/maintenance/storage of orthotic/prosthetic devices.
- Provided guidance/support to physical therapy assistants, aides, or students during treatment sessions.
- Provided hands-on therapy techniques such as manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, and functional training to help patients regain optimal physical function.
Physical Therapist
Cariant Health Partners
Omaha, NE
07.2021 - 04.2022
- Constructed physiotherapy treatment plans to increase functionality and strength.
- Supported patients' progress and physical health by prescribing and demonstrating at-home exercises.
- Taught patients uses of wheelchairs, braces, canes, crutches and prosthetic devices.
- Planned and administered range of treatments and therapeutic exercise programs involving active and passive ranges of motion and muscle reeducation.
- Conducted clinical assessment and evaluation to determine patient needs.
- Recorded detailed prognosis, treatment, responses and progress notes in patient charts.
- Researched and stayed abreast of current treatment modalities by attending professional development opportunities.
- Observed patient safety, risk management and infection control policies and procedures.
- Educated patients and family members regarding diagnosis, injury prevention and therapeutic treatments.
- Planned individually-designed treatment programs to restore, maintain and improve physical functioning, alleviate pain and prevent disability.
Senior Physical Therapist
Providence St. Joseph Medical Center
Apple Valley, CA
01.2019 - 01.2021
- Taught patients uses of wheelchairs, braces, canes, crutches and prosthetic devices.
- Constructed physiotherapy treatment plans to increase functionality and strength.
- Planned individually-designed treatment programs to restore, maintain and improve physical functioning, alleviate pain and prevent disability.
- Managed acute and chronic conditions with full understanding regarding complex therapy needs.
- Planned and administered range of treatments and therapeutic exercise programs involving active and passive ranges of motion and muscle reeducation.
- Provided individualized physical therapy services to pediatric patients, ages ranging from infants to adolescents.
- Conducted comprehensive evaluations and assessments to determine each patient's specific needs and develop appropriate treatment plans.
- Implemented evidence-based therapeutic interventions and techniques to improve motor skills, balance, coordination, and range of motion in pediatric patients.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams including physicians, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and educators to ensure holistic care for patients.
- Designed and implemented customized home exercise programs for parents/caregivers to facilitate carryover of therapy goals outside of the clinic setting.
- Educated parents/caregivers on strategies for promoting optimal development and facilitating independence in daily activities at home.
- Assisted children with developmental delays or disabilities in achieving age-appropriate milestones through targeted interventions.
- Maintained accurate documentation of evaluations, treatments provided, progress notes, billing information following regulatory guidelines (e.g., HIPAA).
- Collaborated with orthotists/prosthetists to ensure proper fit and function of assistive devices (e.g., braces, splints) for children with physical impairments.
- Provided support and guidance to parents/caregivers on navigating insurance coverage, obtaining necessary equipment/supplies, and accessing community resources.
School Physical Therapist
Ontario Montclair School District
Ontario, CA
08.2017 - 01.2019
- Taught patients uses of wheelchairs, braces, canes, crutches and prosthetic devices.
- Supported patients' ability to maintain progress and physical health by prescribing and demonstrating at-home exercises.
- Constructed physiotherapy treatment plans to increase functionality and strength.
- Planned and administered range of treatments and therapeutic exercise programs involving active and passive ranges of motion and muscle reeducation.
- Trained and oriented new physical therapists and physical therapy assistants.
- Planned individually-designed treatment programs to restore, maintain and improve physical functioning, alleviate pain and prevent disability.
- Managed acute and chronic conditions with full understanding regarding complex therapy needs.
- Provided therapy session adaptations according to progress and limitations.
- Educated patients and family members regarding diagnosis, injury prevention and therapeutic treatments.
Director of Rehabilitation Services
All Star Physical Therapy
Apple Valley, CA
07.2014 - 07.2016
- Liaised with patients, families and support departments to adequately plan for patient rehabilitation needs.
- Supervised, oriented, trained and counseled department employees to improve job performance and maintain high standards of patient care.
- Performed or oversaw initial patient assessments and evaluated response to treatment interventions.
- Taught patients uses of wheelchairs, braces, canes, crutches and prosthetic devices.
- Constructed physiotherapy treatment plans to increase functionality and strength.
- Supported patients' ability to maintain progress and physical health by prescribing and demonstrating at-home exercises.
- Educated patients and family members regarding diagnosis, injury prevention and therapeutic treatments.
- Inspected physician referrals and determined appropriate evaluation procedures.
- Managed acute and chronic conditions with full understanding regarding complex therapy needs.
- Recorded detailed prognosis, treatment, responses and progress notes in patient charts.
- Facilitated outpatient therapy for patients with knee and hip replacements, chronic pain and balance disorders.
- Conducted clinical assessment and evaluation to determine patient needs.
- Observed and recorded patients' responses to therapies and exercises to report to practitioners and recommend adjustments to treatment plans.
- Planned and administered range of treatments and therapeutic exercise programs involving active and passive ranges of motion and muscle reeducation.
Director of Rehabilitation Services
Totally Kids Specialty HealthCare
Loma Linda, CA
09.2008 - 09.2011
- Liaised with patients, families and support departments to adequately plan for patient rehabilitation needs.
- Supervised, oriented, trained and counseled department employees to improve job performance and maintain high standards of patient care.
- Performed or oversaw initial patient assessments and evaluated response to treatment interventions.
- Developed programs appropriate to needs of residents in facility to achieve highest feasible level of functioning.
- Spearheaded and implemented new projects to expand scope of engagement.
- Fostered excellence by example by "setting pace" and being hands on mentor to clinical staff.
Physical Therapist
Loma Linda Medical Center
Loma Linda, CA
08.2001 - 12.2003
- Taught patients uses of wheelchairs, braces, canes, crutches and prosthetic devices.
- Constructed physiotherapy treatment plans to increase functionality and strength.
- Supported patients' ability to maintain progress and physical health by prescribing and demonstrating at-home exercises.
- Educated patients and family members regarding diagnosis, injury prevention and therapeutic treatments.
- Conducted clinical assessment and evaluation to determine patient needs.
- Provided therapy session adaptations according to progress and limitations.
- Inspected physician referrals and determined appropriate evaluation procedures.
- Planned and administered range of treatments and therapeutic exercise programs involving active and passive ranges of motion and muscle reeducation.
- Managed acute and chronic conditions with full understanding regarding complex therapy needs.
- Planned individually-designed treatment programs to restore, maintain and improve physical functioning, alleviate pain and prevent disability.
Physical Therapist
Jerry L. Pettis Memorial V.A.
Loma Linda, CA
08.1999 - 08.2001
- Taught patients uses of wheelchairs, braces, canes, crutches and prosthetic devices.
- Constructed physiotherapy treatment plans to increase functionality and strength.
- Supported patients' ability to maintain progress and physical health by prescribing and demonstrating at-home exercises.
- Educated patients and family members regarding diagnosis, injury prevention and therapeutic treatments.
- Inspected physician referrals and determined appropriate evaluation procedures.
- Managed acute and chronic conditions with full understanding regarding complex therapy needs.
- Conducted clinical assessment and evaluation to determine patient needs.
- Observed and recorded patients' responses to therapies and exercises to report to practitioners and recommend adjustments to treatment plans.
- Planned and administered range of treatments and therapeutic exercise programs involving active and passive ranges of motion and muscle reeducation.
- Observed patient safety, risk management and infection control policies and procedures at all times.
- Planned individually-designed treatment programs to restore, maintain and improve physical functioning, alleviate pain and prevent disability.
- Provided therapy session adaptations according to progress and limitations.
Education
Master of Science - Physical Therapy
Grand Valley State University
Allendale, MI04-1999
Bachelor of Science - Health Sciences
Grand Valley State University
Allendale, MI12-1995
Skills
- Home exercise programs
- Balance training
- Functional mobility
- Treatment Planning
- Focused on consistent, quality care
- Patient assessment
- Home health care expertise
Certification
- Physical Therapy License
- BLS Certification
Languages
English
Additional Information
Authorized to work in the US for any employer
Timeline
Physical Therapist/Developmental Interventionist
Staff Connections: Birmingham School District
08.2025 - Current
Physical Therapist
Imperial Home Health
09.2024 - 03.2025
Physical Therapist
Arroyo Physical Therapy
07.2023 - 09.2024
Physical Therapist
Cariant Health Partners
07.2021 - 04.2022
Senior Physical Therapist
Providence St. Joseph Medical Center
01.2019 - 01.2021
School Physical Therapist
Ontario Montclair School District
08.2017 - 01.2019
Director of Rehabilitation Services
All Star Physical Therapy
07.2014 - 07.2016
Director of Rehabilitation Services
Totally Kids Specialty HealthCare
09.2008 - 09.2011
Physical Therapist: Independent Contractor
Various Employers And Settings
01.2004 - 08.2024
Physical Therapist
Loma Linda Medical Center
08.2001 - 12.2003
Physical Therapist
Jerry L. Pettis Memorial V.A.
08.1999 - 08.2001
Master of Science - Physical Therapy
Grand Valley State University
Bachelor of Science - Health Sciences
Grand Valley State University