Dr. Christina Cuka is an assistant professor at A.T. Still University. She has practiced in outpatient orthopedics for over 17 years, after graduating with a Master in Physical Therapy from Regis University in Denver, CO. She received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy through the Ola Grimsby Institute in 2006, prior to earning the designation of certified orthopedic manual therapist (COMT) through the North American Institute of Manual Therapy (NAIOMT). She completed her Fellowship through NAIOMT and her Doctor of Science in Physical Therapy through Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. In addition to extensive manual training, she completed three certifications in scoliosis specific schools for treating scoliosis: the Schroth method, the Barcelona scoliosis physical therapy school (BSPTS) and the scientific exercise approach to scoliosis (SEAS). She has integrated her knowledge in manual therapy and scoliosis to primarily treat patients with spinal disorders. Prior to her assistant professor position, she was adjunct faculty at Regis University for ten years and a teaching assistant for NAIOMT, in addition to operating her private practice. She is a board-certified orthopedic clinical specialist (OCS) and a member of the American physical therapy association (APTA) and the American Academy of orthopedic manual therapy (AAOMPT). She has guest lectured on scoliosis and presented at the state level in Colorado. Her research interests include anatomy, the spine and scoliosis.
Dr. Jason Avakian PT, MSPT, OCS, CMPT, COMT, cTDN, DScPT, CFSC
Dr. Avakian is a specialist in human movement and performance. Jason graduated Physical Therapy school in 1999 from Andrews University in southern Michigan with his Masters of Science in Physical Therapy. Since that time he has worked primarily in the field of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine.
Jason’s passion is treating chronic musculoskeletal problems throughout the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee and ankle with an emphasis on the treatment of acute and chronic spinal conditions.
In 2005 Jason became certified as a Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and re-certified in 2015. This certification demonstrates advanced proficiency in Orthopedic Medicine in the practice of Physical Therapy.
In 2006 he became a Certified Manual Physical Therapist (CMPT) and in 2008 a Certified Orthopedic Manipulative Therapist (COMT) with distinction through the North American Institute of Manual Physical Therapy. This credential certifies that Jason has gone through rigorous written and oral practical examination to prove that he can safely and effectively manipulate the spinal column and peripheral joints.
In 2009 Jason became certified in Trigger Point Dry Needling (TDN) which is a technique to help reduce pain and muscular tightness throughout the body.
In 2016, Jason has completed his Doctor of Science in Physical Therapy with an emphasis on Orthopedic Manual Therapy (DScPT). Jason’s thesis was titled “Does High Intensity CrossFit exercise increase Heart Rate and Maximal Oxygen Consumption during Single Exercise Session? A Pilot Study.”
Lastly, in 2017 Jason became a Certified Functional Strength Coach (CFSC). This certification allows him to create the best rehabilitation and performance oriented strength and conditioning program to help you achieve your fitness and performance goals. This certification is the only one in the Strength and Conditioning industry that has a rigorous written and practical examination to achieve certification.
Dr. Jason Avakian PT, MSPT, OCS, CMPT, COMT, cTDN, DScPT, CFSC
Dr. Avakian is a specialist in hu...
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