John Medeiros, PT, PhD investigates new methods to improve patient care

John Medeiros, PT, PhD, Distinguished University Professor, Pacific University, School of Physical Therapy and Tony Rocklin, PT, DPT, COMT, Partner at Therapeutic Associates Physical Therapy team-up to investigate new methods to improve patient care.

John and Tony first met when Tony was a physical therapy student at Pacific University.  Tony graduated "with distinction" in 1998 and went on to specialize in orthopedic and sports physical therapy at Therapeutic Associates in Portland, Oregon.

When Tony decided to pursue his clinical doctoral degree at Pacific University he contacted his former professor, Dr. John Medeiros, and asked if he would be his research advisor. Thus, a collaboration between the two physical therapists was initiated. Tony graduated with his DPT degree in 2008, and in 2009 Tony and John published their findings on functional measurement of normal neck rotation as it relates to age and gender.

When Tony had a new idea regarding the development of a hip traction device (HipTrac) for patients who have hip osteoarthritis he invited his friend, colleague, and mentor to co-author a paper describing the clinical outcomes from two patients who were treated at Therapeutic Associates.  The recently published paper describes the use of the HipTrac along with traditional physical therapy procedures that are used to relieve pain and improve function in the patients with hip disorders (see citation below). The collaborative work that Doctors Medeiros and Rocklin are doing compliments their expertise and shared interests in improving the quality of physical therapy care. 

Medeiros JM, Rocklin T. Manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, and HipTrac for patients with hip osteoarthritis: a case series. Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Practice. 2017;29(1):12-23.