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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Benefits of Pre and Post-surgical Rehab
Pre and post-surgical rehab is often recommended for those having orthopedic surgery. These types of surgeries could include foot, ankle, knee, hip, wrist, hand, shoulder, neck, and spine surgeries. Rehab can, however, be beneficial for just about any type of surgical procedure. Our trained Physical Therapists can put together both a pre and post-surgical rehabilitation plan for an individual...Read More
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7 Simple Activities To Increase Your Physical Health
Did you know that 80 percent of the U.S. population falls short of the Physical Activity Guidelines recommended by the Department of Health and Human Services? Here are seven simple activities from our physical therapist to increase your physical health. 1. Walk Instead of Drive Many people automatically get into their cars even for a brief trip to the mailbox or corner store. What if you...Read More
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5 Signs You Need Physical Therapy
Physical therapy isn’t just for rehabilitation or athletes in training. There are many reasons why a person might need the assistance of a physical therapist, including injuries, illnesses, and chronic pain conditions. We put together a list of five basic indicators that you need to visit a physical therapist. If any of these apply to you, be sure to call our office today and set up an...Read More
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4 Ways To Fit In Daily Exercise (FOR FREE!)
With the COVID-19 pandemic going to the gym has been harder than before. If you live far from a facility, don’t have childcare, or a subscription just doesn’t fit within your budget; you may be one of the many who choose to forgo a gym membership. Luckily, you can still increase your fitness level in almost any environment, starting with these 4 tips! 1) Work on Walking More Whether it is...Read More
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What to Expect with Post Concussion Therapy
We get asked commonly what to expect during our concussion therapy treatments by our patients. First, one of our physical therapists will examine many areas of function including (but not limited to): neck, shoulders, gait, balance, vision, memory, reflexes, and dizziness. Again, symptoms greatly depend on the patient, so the subsequent therapeutic treatments will be aimed at improving...Read More
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How to Treat Common Sports Injuries
Treatment of Common Sport Sprains To regain proper levels of function, your therapist should do a proper diagnosis before prescribing treatment. OC Sports and Rehab uses the clinical findings of the level of function, ligamentous laxity, hemorrhaging, point tenderness, total ankle motion, swelling, and pain to classify a patient with an acute ankle ligament sprain. Kinesiology tape:...Read More
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4 Reasons Why A “Stiff Shoulder” Develops
There are 4 major reasons a stiff shoulder develops: Rotator Cuff tear – ( this is a dynamic muscular issue that is not related to our current topic but definitely limits overhead motion). Adhesive capsulitis (AKA “frozen shoulder”) – insidious onset with the adherence of the capsule causing contracture of the shoulder that results in significant range of motion loss in multiple...Read More
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3 Top Benefits of PT to Relieve Joint Pain
The Top 3 Benefits of Physical Therapy for Joint Pain Relief You don’t deserve to spend every day in pain, and with physical therapy you may not have to! Here are three reasons to work with a physical therapist for your achy joints: 1. A natural, holistic treatment method Did you know that the CDC and other professional organizations officially recognize physical therapy as a safe alternative...Read More
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How Physical Therapy Can Help Your Hip or Knee Pain
There are so many causes of hip and knee pain, from excess weight to sports injuries, advancing age to repetitive motion injuries. Whatever the cause of your hip and/or knee pain, if you are experiencing it regularly you need to find a way to manage it. Many people use medications like anti-inflammatories to minimize their discomfort. However, these medications have potential side effects, so...Read More
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Treating Plantar Fasciitis with Physical Therapy
What is plantar fasciitis? Plantar fasciitis is a condition that causes heel pain that radiates into the bottom of your foot. It can happen to anyone, at any age, but it’s an overuse injury that is more common in runners and people who are on their feet more often. The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that connects your heel to the ball of your foot and supports the arch. Poor...Read More
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Carpal Tunnel – How to Fix and Prevent It
Have you been dealing with symptoms that may be associated with carpal tunnel syndrome? This condition can often make simple tasks much more difficult. You may already even be harming yourself at work without even knowing it. Below is an infographic about what carpal tunnel syndrome is and what you can do right now to prevent it. If you think this applies to you, then try out the stretches and...Read More
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Tips on Having a Healthy and Active Summer!
It’s that time of year… the sun is out and many of us are making summer travel plans. Whether you’re road-tripping, flying, hopping on a train or sailing, follow these tips to have an active, healthy and fun trip! Hydrate When you’re traveling from place to place, hydration can quickly become an oversight. Especially in the summer heat, drinking enough water is incredibly important for...Read More
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