ABOUT
Dr. Alicia Shugart, PT, DPT, FAAOMPT
"I've always been fascinated with anatomy and physiology. I discovered the meaning of physical therapy in high school and knew I had found my passion. I began volunteering at hospitals, clinics, and anyone who would have me. I've spent over 10+ years of my life in school and can honestly say I love what I do. The human body is an intricate system that moves unlike anything else in the world and I have the knowledge to alter its function and equip people with the tools to recover or prevent an injury and/or surgery, and to decrease pain without the use of medication. In the constantly changing field of healthcare, I will forever be learning and continuously advancing with the latest research and treatment techniques. I strive for a higher quality of care and am fulfilled at the end of my day knowing I've done an outstanding job, giving my patients exceptional care."
Alicia graduated from Texas State University with her bachelors in exercise and sports science with an emphasis in Physical Therapy in 2010. She received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Texas State University in 2013. Alicia continued her training, past the doctorate level, and became a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists.
Dr. Anne-Marie Garza, PT, DPT, FAAOMPT
I received my Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of North Texas in 2006. I earned my Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Texas State University in 2011. After completing advanced training at the Manual Therapy Institute, I became a Fellow so the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Therapist in 2016.
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Physical therapist are movement specialist. Fellows are expert movement specialist. We are able to watch and feel movement and correct impairments large or small to help pour clients use their bodies the way they were made to be used. In doing so, we help people decrease pain, improve function, and reach their highest of goals.
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I love being able to help people get back to what they love doing. Being a lifelong learner and committing to change and updating as the health professions move froward helps me be the best physical therapist I can be, so I can help my clients be their best!
THE APEX APPROACH
WHAT WE DO
At Apex, we take a different approach to orthopedic physical therapy. We do not pass our patients off to assistants, treat more than one patient at a time, nor waste time with treatments you can perform at home (i.e. heat, ice, etc.). Whether you've been living with pain for several years, have recently injured yourself, and/or trying to avoid surgery or the use of pain medication, we can help. Our highly-educated therapists design an individualized treatment plan to assure the fastest recovery.
WHY IT WORKS
One-hour treatment sessions, one-on-one with a doctor of physical therapy, produce good results. To achieve excellence, Apex employs therapists with the highest level of education, known as Fellows of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy. Our advanced therapists are at the forefront of the latest evidence and research, coupled with the most extensive hands-on training. We accurately diagnose and treat the source of the pain, fix it correctly the first time, and equip you with the tools needed to prevent recurring pain. Patients at Apex recover faster, in fewer visits, and spend less money on co-pays and deductibles.
ONE-ON-ONE
1 HOUR
VISIT
FASTER
RECOVERY
5 STAR
PATIENT RATING
WHO'S REALLY TREATING ME?
"Manual therapists are not created equal"
What is a fellowship trained orthopedic manual physical therapist (FAAOMPT)?
Fellows of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy, FAAOMPT, have completed the highest level of orthopedic manual physical therapy training. This educational achievement is the gold standard level of care for musculoskeletal conditions. To date, there are about 1800 fellows in America.
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FAAOMPT credentialed therapists at Apex Manual Therapy have completed over 1,000 hours of orthopedic education, over 500 hours of classroom training and nearly 500 hours of on-site live patient instruction, one-on-one with a mentor.
A manual therapist and a FAAOMPT credentialed therapist are NOT the same. A manual therapist is any therapist who chooses to use manual techniques. A manual therapist does not require any additional training beyond a physical therapy license. FAAOMPT credentialed therapists have been trained beyond the physical therapy license requirements to solve advanced problems with clinical reasoning. This ensures an accurate diagnosis and treatment for orthopedic conditions.
Manual techniques are only one component of fellowship training. Manual fellows are first and foremost physical therapists; movement specialists. There are several reasons the body alters from optimal movement: sustained posture, poor movement patterns, repetitive motions, falls, injuries, etc. Manual manipulation is NOT always required to achieve optimal results. The cause of pain could be related to poor nerve signals to the muscles, muscle strength imbalances, overactive muscles, short or lengthened muscles, and more. A fellow determines whether hands-on therapy is required in addition to treating the movement dysfunction. This is what sets apart a FAAOMPT credentialed therapist.
440 CLINICAL HOURS
1000+ HOURS
OF TRAINING
What is a certified manual therapist (CMT)?
To become a certified manual therapist, one must complete roughly 100-200 classroom hours, a practical exam, and a written exam. This helps to develop manual techniques at a basic level, which is great for a physical therapist who wants to advance their knowledge in hands-on care but does not teach advanced problem solving and lacks the essential components to master the art of manual therapy and the full scope of orthopedic care.
What's the point?
Patient outcome is directly correlated to the provider's ability to properly diagnose and treat the cause of pain. Do your research prior to making a decision, as providers vary in their scope of education. Read and understand what's behind their credentials. Pain relief can be achieved through various therapies, but fellowship-trained manual physical therapists can provide quicker and long-lasting effects by treating pain at the source. Prior to Apex, many of our patients explored other forms of care with limited or no success. Read what they have to say about their experience at Apex.