Karina Contreras

Dedicated Physical Therapist Assistant focused on cultivating positive patient relationships. Knowledgeable in rehabilitation and caseload management. Successful career history comprising more than 3 years, including clinical experience in a variety of patient-centered environments. Experience with a wide variety of populations and conditions. Extensive training working with geriatric population.

• CNA - Certified Nurse Assistant – Training Direct in Bridgeport, CT
• American Heart Association - First Aid/CPR Certified
• APTA member since 2019
• Certification in Health Careers Pathways - Housatonic Community College

Physical Therapy Associates – August to December 2021

• Utilizing therapeutic modalities, such as ultrasound, e-stim, and manual techniques, such as kinesiotaping for cost effective pain management.
• Maintained 90% productivity while establishing creative and effective treatments with difficult cases.
• Documented patient care services by charting in patient/department records.
• Delivered interventions to a variety of patients recovering from THA, TKA, ankle sprains, rotator cuff injuries, frozen shoulder, as well as those with orthopedic injuries.
• Implemented the use of heat and cold modalities before and after treatment.

Lord Chamberlain Nursing & Rehabilitation Center - January to March 2022

• Instructed, encouraged, and/or assisted patients in performing physical activities, such as therapeutic exercises, ambulatory functional activities, proper bed mobility and safe transfers with or without assistive devices.
• Provided skilled gait and balance training to ensure proper use of assistive devices and patient safety.
• Participated in resident care conferences and weekly rehabilitation meetings.
• Provided resident, family, and staff education for safety and wellness of resident.
• Completed electronic documentation to communicate patient progress in timely fashion.

Total Body Physical Therapy – March to May 2022

• Provided PNF techniques to facilitate mobility/strength, and smooth initiation of movement.
• Provided manual myofascial release techniques to increase mobility and blood flow to the underlying tissues causing pain.
• Provided muscle energy techniques to correct pelvic alignment.
• Instructed patients on how to properly perform exercises using a variety of teaching strategies, including demonstration, tactile/verbal cues, and visualization techniques.
• Documented interventions delivered, rationale, patient response, and progress towards goals.