About
Michelle Finnegan, PT, DPT, OCS, MTC, FAAOMPT
Michelle Finnegan, PT, DPT, OCS, MTC, FAAOMPT, received her Master of Physical Therapy from Quinnipiac University in 2001. She initially began working in an acute care and adult neurological rehab setting, treating patients with traumatic brain injuries, strokes, lower extremity amputees, pulmonary conditions, and post-surgical conditions.
One year later Dr. Finnegan began to work in an outpatient orthopedic setting, where her primary patient focus was on treating patients with spine-related problems. During this time she began to pursue advanced training in the spine and extremities by taking courses with several renowned physical therapists, including Dr. Mariano Rocabado, Brian Mulligan, Dr. Shirley Sahrmann, and Dr. Stanly Paris. In 2005, Michelle received her Manual Therapy Certification (MTC) through the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. Shortly after this she went on to complete advanced training in manual therapy by completing a fellowship program through the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists (AAOMPT).
As a former ballet dancer, Dr. Finnegan had the opportunity to work with ballet dancers and she pursued additional education in dance physical therapy through the Harkness Center in New York City. In 2007, she became a distinguished Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists (FAAOMPT) and completed her Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences.
In 2007, Michelle became a Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopedics (OCS) through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. A year later she was accepted to a 2-year appointment to write items for the examination process. Dr. Finnegan has completed the course program of Myopain Seminars and in 2009, she became certified in Trigger Point Dry Needling.
Haven taken a multitude of courses in many different styles of physical therapy, Dr. Finnegan develops individualized treatments to meet each patient’s needs and return patients to their highest level of function. She enjoys working on putting “all the pieces of the puzzle together” since no two patients are the same. Although she has treated all areas of the body, Michelle has a particular interest in the treatment of the so-called upper quarter, which includes the head, neck, face, temporomandibular joint (TMJ), cervical spine, and shoulder girdle. She enjoys working with dancers as one of her sub-specialties. Dr. Finnegan continues her studies in orofacial pain, orthopedic physical therapy and performing arts physical therapy, especially dance.
Dr. Finnegan is a member of several professional organizations, including the International Myopain Society (IMS), the International Academy of Orthopedic Medicine (IAOM-US), and the National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA). She is a member of the Orthopedic, Sports, Home Health, and Performing Arts Special Interest Group of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). Dr. Finnegan serves on the membership committee of both the Orthopedic Section of the APTA and the AAOMPT and is a book reviewer for the Orthopedic Section of the APTA. Michelle is also an APTA credentialed advanced clinical instructor.
Additionally, she is actively involved with the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT), where she has helped to develop and write items for the Orthopedic Practice Review Tool and is an advanced item writer for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE).
Michelle maintains licensure in all states she has previously worked in, including Maryland, the District of Columbia, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Georgia.
And for fun Michelle enjoys spending time with her two dogs, an English Mastiff and Bullmastiff
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Michelle Finnegan, PT, DPT, OCS, MTC, FAAOMPT
