About Dr. Gina Bernal
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Education
I began my education with a BS in Athletic Training, where I learned first hand the importance of maintaining a person’s physical ability and how to manage acute injuries. I then earned my Masters in Sports Management to better understand the business side of athletics and clinic management. It was during this time that I discovered my love of physical therapy through a chance conversation with a PT, and returned to undergrad to complete prerequisites to apply to PT school. I finished my education with a Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2018 upon completing clinical rotations in post-surgical rehab, inpatient acute care, outpatient orthopedics, and outpatient neurological rehab.
Continuing Education and Career Goals
Continuing Education and Career Goals
After graduation I worked in a trauma level II hospital, floating to all floors with my primary units being acute care and elective post-operative. During this time I also worked in the outpatient chronic pain and degenerative conditions clinic. Early on I learned of Fascial Counterstrain, a manual therapy that has helped fill in the gaps of traditional PT, and I have since completed 12 courses of this technique. After two years in a hospital setting, I fully transitioned to outpatient orthopedics with my move to Whidbey Island. My continuing education goals are to complete the Fascial Counterstain course load and to become certified in this technique. I also plan to pursue continuing education in Feldenkrais therapy and HeartMath.
Personal Knowledge of Healthcare
Personal Knowledge of Healthcare
I have a first-hand understanding of orthopedic injuries, chronic conditions, and holistic care. During my time as a collegiate athlete in cross country and track, I sustained low back and knee injuries that nearly ended my career in running. I have also contended with mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), an autoimmune disorder which causes the body to react aggressively to environmental and food irritants. Chronic fatigue, chronic full body edema, eczema, and asthma are a few of the symptoms seen with this condition. After trying multiple types of medications and being housebound with no positive results, I turned to acupuncture with little hope of recovery. Following a long assessment, the acupuncturist recommended a course of recovery with a multi-system approach. Since implementing this, I have regained my ability to work and participate in life fully while still managing this condition. It has been through this experience that I have learned the importance of addressing all aspects of health and not just the physical side.
What I Do Outside of Physical Therapy
What I Do Outside of Physical Therapy
For fun I enjoy spending time with my husband and our three rescue rabbits. I frequently go hiking, paddle boarding, and rock climbing. When I’m not outside, I can be found reading, embroidering, and watching movies. I particularly like Marvel, Star Trek, and comedies of all kinds.
Clinic Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9 am - 5 pm
3455 Old County Road, Greenbank, WA 98253
Email: gina@whidbeyprismpt.com
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