Terri Sullivan, PT, DPT
Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy
Certified Yoga Instructor
My Philosophy of Care
I would probably call myself a ‘Jane of all Trades’ as I have learned several different specialties to help a variety of patients. Now, as a physical therapist with 20+ years’ experience, I have settled into devoting my skills to helping women with pelvic floor issues. I also have a very strong background in orthopedic physical therapy, which not only helps in women’s health but makes me versatile and able to assess a multitude of injuries and conditions. When caring for my clients, I listen closely to formulate the most effective way to address their concerns and improve their function. I like to address the whole musculoskeletal system during treatment. Everything is connected and can be a cause of source of a patient’s problem. Lastly, I am an exuberantly happy person, and I will try to make your session not only beneficial, but fun.
Education
Bachelor of Arts in Physical Education / Western Washington University
Bachelor of Science in Biology / Western Washington University
Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy / University of Washington
Doctor of Physical Therapy / Regis University.
My Clinical Interests
- Pelvic and women’s health
- Bike fitting
- Orthotics
Blogs
Everything Works, but Nothing is Effective
Recommendations for “Stuck at Home” Workout Online
101 Tips to Make the Most of your Yoga Practice
My Personal Story
I grew up in Seattle and have stayed in the Northwest my entire life. My husband and I live in University Place and have a wonderful 3-legged dog named Sheena. I like to stay active by doing yoga, running, cycling and hiking. My hobby is cooking, and I belong to a literature group that meets monthly and reads a variety of fiction and nonfiction. I became a P.T. because I love to work with people, and I wanted to help patients improve their function and achieve their goals.
After two strokes 5 years ago, I started going to Movement Systems for healing support. I chose Terri as my physical therapist--a very wise decision. She supported me through the early stages of healing, giving me exercises that were doable and worked. After a while I thought, aha! There's been a glitch in this hip for years--a different set of exercises--improvement. After moving into a retirement home 3 years ago, I took a couple falls on the sidewalk before I learned to watch where the sidewalk gets uneven. An arm was impacted, some other places--exercises, all of which have worked. You don't have to live in pain/discomfort, slowing down, not as limber as before because of age. She's given me exercises that has me doing things like squats, flexibility, strong core muscles--I got back flexibility I thought was gone because I was old. I'm 81, see her only if needed, but I keep up with a series of her exercises that support balance, flexibility, core strength. I REALLY appreciate having her and Movement Systems in my life!
Diane S.