
Dr. Cary Costa, DPT, MEd is a graduate of Chatham University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with Magnum Cum Laude honors. Dr. Costa holds several advanced degrees including his Doctorate of Physical Therapy and Master’s in Education. His emphasis in school was orthopedics, lymphedema, and mobilization. His undergrad degree is in Biology, and he obtained his Bachelor’s and Master’s from Western Oregon University. While at WOU he ran track and cross country, achieving academic and athletic all-conference status.
Dr. Costa has taught biology, and coached track and cross-country at Capo Valley High School, Dana Hills High School, and is currently working with Mission Viejo High School’s running program. He was added in 2012 as an adjunct professor at Concordia University in their athletic training department. Dr. Costa is also a clinical instructor for Physical Therapy and Physical Therapy Assistant students.
Dr. Costa has multiple publications and presentations to his name, including presentations at the national college of phlebologists for his cutting-edge research on lymphatic therapy and treatment protocols, in conjuction with Mission Cardiac and Vein Group. He was also recently recognized for his outstanding treatment of TMJ patients, and is currently working on publishing new protocols to help patients recover faster and more efficiently than before. Dr. Cary Costa PT uses many manual therapy techniques and modalities, to make sure your therapy session is one that achieves the highest potential. He integrates state of the art modalities into his treatments, including Deep Muscle Stimulation (percussion adhesion release), myofascial release, Graston techniques, manual lymphatic drainage, TMJ intra-oral treatment, therapeutic cold LASER, electrical stimulation TENS/EMS, ART, custom orthotics, lymphatic compression pump therapy, athlete recovery system, and video feedback gait analysis.
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What is Torticollis and How Can it be Treated?
Have you ever woke up and felt a severe tightness or kink in your neck? If so then you probably have experienced Torticollis. Torticollis, also known as cervical dystonia, is essentially when a muscle is contracting when really it should be resting. Adults experience three types of torticollis: The mildest form is the sensation described above, in which the vertebral bodies or neck joints...Read More
Is Icing Beneficial for Pain or Injuries?
The two worst and often common responses to pain following an injury are complete inactivity and seeking any external means — medication and ice for example — to eliminate the pain. Athletes may need to miss a few games and gardeners may need to take a weekend off from weeding, but they do not need to rush to pain medication and ice. Instead, let the pain guide your activity level, understand...Read More
Avoid and Overcome the Negative Effects of Working from Home
If you are part of the large group of people that have still not gone back to the office as a result of COVID-19 and are still working from home, it is important to understand how to optimize your workspace environment for your health and wellness. Tips For Your Home Workspace Alternate between sitting and standing Prolonged sitting has been shown to increase body discomfort, particularly...Read More
What Are the Benefits of Exercise for Osteoarthritis?
As more people spend time at home rather than going out, sedentary habits mean an increased risk of developing or aggravating osteoarthritis within the joints of the body. An estimated 23 percent of American adults suffer from arthritis, making it a leading cause of work pain and disability. What is Osteoarthritis? Osteoarthritis is the progressive breakdown of the cartilage (or cushion) that...Read More
Choose Physical Therapy Instead of Opioids for Safe Pain Management
There are multiple options in choosing to deal with pain, some safer and more effective than others. Since 1999, Americans have increasingly been prescribed opioids- painkillers like Vicodin, OxyContin, Opana, and methadone, and combination drugs like Percocet. In some situations, prescription opioids are an appropriate part of medical treatment. However, some risks to opioid use include...Read More
5 Reasons YOU Need Physical Therapy!
Here are some of the top reasons why you need Physical Therapy and how it can help: You have pain that you do not know how to manage. A Physical Therapist will evaluate your areas of pain and discomfort and then tailor a plan that works to restore function, improve mobility, and increase strength all at a pace you are comfortable with. Physical Therapy is a 1:1 approach to a program that...Read More
Physical Therapy Can Prevent Unnecessary Surgery
Recent research is showing that surgery might not be needed as often as we think. A large review estimates that 10% to 20% of surgeries might be unnecessary and that in some specialties such as cardiology and orthopedics, that number might be higher. The reasons for so many unneeded surgeries being performed are varied, but the most common are that more conservative options aren’t tried first,...Read More
How To Recover Properly After a Long Race
Training for a run properly means you not only pay attention to the training needed prior to the race but also after to ensure quicker and safer recovery. Here are some steps you can take after your race: Right After the Race: Replenishing the fluids lost – There is no consensus on what to consume after a race, but replacing fluids lost and your carbohydrate supply is of prime importance to...Read More
Do You Wake Up With Morning Back Pain? Here are 4 Stretches that Could Help.
Having back pain in the morning, either because of sleeping in an awkward position or on an uncomfortable bed, is very common. To keep your back loose and to rid yourself of morning back stiffness, try these exercises: Lie on your side with your knees up. Reach your upper arm back and to the side while keeping your hips on their side. Hold this stretch for 15 seconds. Repeat on the...Read More
Don’t Ignore These 5 Signs to See a Physical Therapist
It’s always important to listen to your body, and any signs it might give you regarding aches and pains. Here are five signals (that you may ignore) that you should see a PT: You’re having to modify exercises, your recreational activities, or daily function. While the pain doesn’t restrict you from activity, you still must modify or make small compromises. You may feel sore, so you...Read More
Are You Planning a Long Trip? Here Are Some Tips to Avoid Pain While Traveling.
Road trips and traveling can be a lot of fun. But we all have experienced aches and pains at some point either in long car rides or long plane rides. Here are a few strategies to help minimize your trip pains: Bring a small pillow or a rolled-up towel and use them to support your back. Shift the position of the pillow or towel to alter the pressure on your back, as shown below. Be...Read More