Our Team
“Lack of activity destroys the good condition of every human being, while movement and methodical physical exercise save it and preserve it.” -Plato
Clinicians who are graduating from current physical therapy programs are receiving a DPT (Doctor of Physical Therapy) degree. The shift from a Master’s degree to a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree has significantly elevated the standard of care and expertise in the field.
Here’s why:
Enhanced Education and Skillset
– Comprehensive Curriculum: DPT programs offer a more in-depth and rigorous curriculum, covering topics such as evidence-based practice, research methodology, and advanced clinical reasoning.
– Specialized Knowledge: Physical therapists with a DPT are better equipped to handle complex cases, emerging technologies, and specialized areas of practice like sports medicine, geriatrics, and pediatrics.
Elevating Professional Status
– Increased Recognition: The DPT degree aligns physical therapy with other healthcare professions that require doctoral-level education, such as medicine and dentistry. This enhances the profession’s standing and recognition.
– Expanded Roles: With a DPT, physical therapists can take on more leadership roles within healthcare settings, including research, education, and policy development.
Focus on Movement as a Core Principle
– Holistic Approach: Emphasizing movement specialization underscores the importance of physical activity in promoting health and well-being. Physical therapists use movement as a primary intervention to address various conditions.
– Personalized Treatment: By understanding the intricacies of human movement, physical therapists can tailor treatment plans to meet the unique needs of each patient, improving outcomes.
In conclusion, the DPT degree and a focus on movement specialization have empowered physical therapists to provide more comprehensive, evidence-based, and personalized care. This has led to improved patient outcomes and a stronger, more respected profession
Dr. Omar Flores, PT, DPT, CSCS, CCWC
Dr. Omar Flores, PT, DPT, CSCS, CCWC grew up in Lodi, California and moved to Carpinteria in 2013 with his wife, Kelli. He is a former United States Marine Corps Sergeant and did two tours overseas, including Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003.
Dr. Flores specializes in myofascial release, which is a safe and very effective hands-on technique that involves applying sustained pressure into the myofascial connective tissue restrictions to immediately eliminate pain and restore motion.
He is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), a Certified Clinical Weightlifting Coach (CCWC) and a Clinical Athlete Practitioner, allowing him to work specifically with athletes who want to get stronger or improve their performance.
Dr. Flores likes to take a functional-based approach to physical therapy. This signifies that he looks for the imbalances that cause pain by looking at the whole body, not just the injured area. Since the body is a tightly interconnected system, injuries cause changes that ripple through the whole body. Learning how the whole body has adjusted to injury reveals your roadmap to becoming pain-free once again.
He has and his wife raise their 2 kids, Maya and Kaiani. He enjoys CrossFit, Olympic Weightlifting, running, paddle boarding, surfing, and hanging out at the beach with his family.
Education and Certifications
- B.S. Kinesiology, Exercise Science: California State University Long Beach
- Doctor of Physical Therapy: University of the Pacific, Stockton CA
- Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS): National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
- Certified Clinical Weightlifting Coach (CCWC): Clinical Athlete
- CPR Certified: American AED/CPR Association
Kathy Cummings, PT
Together with her husband Gary, she raised her family of four children in Carpinteria. Over the years, Kathy has enjoyed participating with her family in the many activities our beautiful little town has to offer.
Kathy has been working for Via Real Physical Therapy for nearly 5 years. She feels privileged to be able to work so close to home and serve her friends and neighbors in our friendly, little town. She particularly enjoys the challenge of assisting clients of all ages recover from surgery, injury and disease and achieve their highest potential.
Dylan Fredrickson, PT, DPT
Alexa Benitez, PTA, BS
