Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Burke, Doctor of Physical Therapy.
Heather, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I founded Positive Outcome Physical Therapy with a goal of providing a higher quality of care and more personalized approach than allowed by traditional clinical settings. I received my Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from Northeastern University in 1995, and my Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions in 2013. I started my career working with neurological, cardiovascular, orthopedic, and amputee patients at renowned rehabilitation hospitals in Boston, including Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital. I presented multiple professional training seminars on the evaluation and treatment of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine, cardiac, amputee and orthopedic education, and developed an aquatic therapy program.
In 2005, I launched the outpatient physical therapy clinic within a multidisciniplary treatment center that focused on patients with long term spine pain. I continuously advance my skills with postgraduate training in skilled manual therapy orthopedic courses on the spine, lower extremity biomechanics, peripheral joint and soft tissue mobilizations, dry needling techniques, and other diverse musculoskeletal system courses. My professional mission is to improve the quality of life for my patients by relieving pain, restoring mobility, and maximizing functional potential. I view patient education and partnering with my patients’ as important elements in the healing process. Recognizing that everyone is unique, I tailor treatments for each individual patient.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The biggest obstacle/challenge for me was starting a physical therapy practice with a business model that differs from standard insurance based clinics. I started researching cash-based practices and concierge medicine. Analyzing a variety of treatment plans, I realized that many patients seeing me and paying privately would not necessarily be paying more than with traditional insurance plans given the application of common deductibles. The patient would be able to see me earlier (no delays or cost due to the referral process) and one-hour visits would result in a faster recovery reducing the number of deductible payments that would be required in a traditional clinic. I really liked this concept and realized it would allow me the opportunity for 1-on-1 patient care. Neither the time, treatment or number of visits would be restricted by insurance companies.
Insurance companies are continually cutting reimbursement rates forcing standard PT clinics to see multiple patients at the same time. As a result, a patient, receives only half or one-third of the attention required for a positive outcome or treatment is performed by a less qualified clinician. With a private pay practice, I’m able to decide how I want to treat patients as I am not regulated by the insurance companies. This allows me to provide 1-on-1 care for my patients over the course of the entire one-hour treatment session.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I chose to name my business “Positive Outcome Physical Therapy” because, to me, a positive outcome means that my patient becomes symptom-free as quickly as possible, and stays symptom-free. I customize the physical therapy to meet the individual needs of my patients. I treat all types of musculoskeletal problems including orthopedic and sports injuries, neck and back pain, fractures, tendonitis, bursitis, sprains, strains, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic pain, post-surgical problems and more. I also work with patients on lifestyle changes and exercise programs to maintain a positive outcome. I keep in touch with patients long after treatment ends to answer questions they may have regarding how to approach new activities (such as changes in work requirements or picking up a new sport) to prevent recurrence of prior injuries.
One-on-One Personalized Treatment
At Positive Outcome Physical Therapy, I provide personalized attention from start-to-finish, and long after. My focus is to understand the goals and needs of every patient to help them return, maintain or elevate their level of health and ability to live well.
Hands-On Manual Therapy
Manual Therapy is a specialized treatment approach that consists of “hands-on” techniques designed to mobilize joints, muscle, connective tissue, and nerves in order to facilitate healing and restore function. Soft tissue mobilization is a technique that is designed to restore mechanical movement and increase the range of motion by releasing tension within the fascia. I perform a variety of manual therapy techniques including dry needling, cupping, instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization, Kinesio taping, and muscle activation techniques.
60 Minute Treatments Every Visit
I set aside a full 60 minutes just for each client to get the full attention they deserve every treatment. Unlike many physical therapy offices, I don’t double or triple book appointment slots. I provide the personal and specialized interaction needed to ensure each client is maximizing the full potential of the treatment session.
No Referral or Prescription Needed From a Physician
I am able to evaluate and treat, without a prescription or referral from a physician, allowing patients to receive treatment immediately and before symptoms become worse. Although a physician may suggest a certain facility or physical therapist based on business relationships or geographical location, the decision as to where you seek treatment is yours.
Same Physical Therapist Every Session
Unlike most PT clinics, my patients see me- every session for the entire session- from the initial evaluation through the last treatment. This maximizes the efficiency and productivity in every visit and allows for more meaningful communication and measurement of progress.
Priority Access to me 7 days a week
My number one priority is the client. I am available to communicate with my clients seven days a week via text, email or phone which adds a very personal touch. For instance, I had a patient last week who was having pain performing a new exercise. She texted me a video of her doing the exercise and I was able to recommend an adjustment that solved the problem. I enjoy being called upon to make those positive changes in my client’s lives. Having run marathons and being an exercise-nut, I understand how frustrating it can be to have ailments interfere with your health routines and outdoor activities.
What has been the proudest moment of your career so far?
The proudest moments for me are receiving emails, texts, and social media reviews from current and former patients. I absolutely love what I do and nothing makes me happier than improving the quality of life for each client that walks through my door.
Testimonial 1:
“Heather Burke by far is the best Physical Therapist in the field. I say that for many reasons. She is extremely sensitive to her patient’s needs; not to mention the compassion and caring that she exhibits to her patients. You can clearly tell that she loves what she does. From the moment of my very first visit to her, I knew immediately that she was going to make me feel all better, and she did. I love her philosophy regarding her patient’s threshold of discomfort. She always seems to know my limitations. I have referred people to Heather, and they too, feel the same way that I do. She is such an asset and treasure to the field of physical therapy. I love you Heather and thank you so much for all the good things that you have done for me in getting me back to good health. I will never forget you for that.”
Testimonial 2:
“Heather is extremely knowledgeable, very professional, caring, and most importantly great at being a physical therapist and getting you back to yourself and healing your ailments. Over the past three months, I have struggled with frequent chest pains. After several trips to my PCP, other doctors, and multiple tests, the cause was unknown. After much worry and pain, I was referred to physical therapy. Heather was very caring and understanding of my struggles and quickly helped me identify the pain source and explained how we would attack the issue with Physical Therapy and home exercises. She worked with me over the next three-four weeks and after each treatment session, I felt much better and only needed about six-seven visits to resolve all chest related issues and get me both physically and mentally back to normal. Heather took me from physically struggling with daily functions to getting me back to where I was prior to my injury. I would recommend anyone looking for a Physical Therapist to seek out Heather at Positive Outcome Physical Therapy, you will not be disappointed.”
Contact Info:
- Address: 63 1/2 Jefferson Avenue
Salem, MA 01970 - Website: www.
positiveoutcomept.com - Phone: 9782199084
- Email: heather@
positiveoutcomept.com - Facebook: https://www.
facebook.com/ positiveoutcomephysicaltherapy / - Other: https://www.linkedin.
com/in/ heatherburkephysicaltherapy/
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