Andrea Paduchak, PT, LMT, Cert. DN, C-MLD
Education:
- Master’s degree in Physical Therapy (MPT) from Notre Dame College/Franklin Pierce University and National Board-Certified and Licensed PT in NH since 2002.
- Massage Therapy Certificate from Bancroft School of Massage Therapy, National Board Certification (NCTMB), and NH licensed since 1995.
- Bachelor of Science degree in Biology/PreMed from Saint Michael’s College in 1991.
Advanced Training:
- Certification in Dry Needling (Cert. DN)
- Certification in Manual Lymphatic Drainage (C-MLD)
- Certification in Cervical Spine Hesch Method
- Certification in Myofascial Cupping Therapy
- Kinesiology Taping
- Myofascial Release (MFR)
- Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) including Graston
- Sports Massage – Pre-Event/Post-Event
- Oncology Massage
- Orthopedic Massage
- Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT)
- Trigger Point Release
- Hot Stone Massage
- Pregnancy Massage – Prenatal/Postnatal
- Infant Massage
- Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage
- Craniosacral Therapy – Upledger Institute – CST1
- Reiki Level II (Usui)
- On-site Chair massage – Shiatsu
I am dedicated to continuing education as a means of increasing skills and effectiveness in order to deliver an optimum level of care. I review the current research relating not only to manual therapies, but also common health problems and pathologies, nutrition, etc. I strive to have a practice that is Evidence-based and Outcome-driven.
“MY STORY”
“Because people often ask how I got into this line of work…here it is. I have a really unique background, and you will see that it was quite a circuitous journey to get where I am today!
I’ve always loved biology and health sciences, so I chose this course of study as an undergrad in the late 1980’s because (pardon the cliche!) I wanted to help people. After college, I had on-the job training as a phlebotomist and laboratory technician at the Center for Blood Research, as well as a pharmacy technician at a mail-order pharmacy. Though these are all important roles in healthcare, I decided not to remain on the other end of a needle or working with drugs and chemicals.
Ideally, I wanted to work directly with people, and with my hands, in a positive environment.
It so happened that I had my first personal experience with physical therapy in 1992 due to an aching back. My physical therapist took a very effective hands-on approach to my treatment, and I became inspired to become a PT. Now all I needed was to go back to school for a master’s degree which was the requirement then to practice PT. Not so easy! At one university, I was given the option of being admitted as an “undeclared health major” and lose 2 years of my 4-year biology degree! Another institution encouraged me to apply as a transfer student, but I would have to align my education with their Pre-PT track. You can imagine my dismay when, after completing a full year of their pre-requisite classes, their program was already full, and they weren’t accepting any transfer students!
I decided right then to go to school for massage therapy. I chose to attend the oldest massage school in the country (since 1950), steeped in anatomy as well as the art of massage. I graduated in 1995 from the Bancroft School of Massage Therapy in Worcester, Mass. Initially, I worked in a day spa and a chiropractic office as an independent contractor. I received the greatest personal satisfaction from focusing my massage work beyond relaxation into deeper tissue treatments that were longer-lasting and truly therapeutic.
Then suddenly, out of nowhere, the opportunity to enter a 3-year MPT program in 1999 basically fell into my lap! Despite being married with both an infant and a toddler, I just had to follow my deepest desire. Even as a full-time graduate student, I continued providing massage therapy in my own business. In 2002, I graduated in the last graduating class of Notre Dame College, and it later became the Doctorate of PT program at Franklin Pierce University.
As a physical therapist, I gained valuable clinical experience in early intervention/pediatrics, sports medicine, outpatient orthopedics, and geriatrics. I also experienced the many shortcomings of our flawed healthcare system. As a PT working in a for-profit facility, I was expected to juggle 3 patients simultaneously – one with me behind curtain #1, another behind curtain #2 on an e-stim machine or hot/cold pack, and #3 exercising in a gym area also out-of-sight. It wasn’t the quality of patient care I wanted to provide, nor what I felt patients deserved. Health insurance restrictions dictated the codes used, the reimbursement amounts, and therefore the type of treatment and how much of it, a patient would ultimately receive.
I was frustrated that manual therapies weren’t given their rightful role in rehabilitation, nor their proper monetary value. In fact, insurance companies were making the practice of physical therapy practically ‘hands-off’. There was pressure to move patients quickly (not optimally for them!) through the system like a revolving door. Disillusioned, I phased out my work in traditional PT settings in favor of integrating my physical therapy background into my massage business. This way I could make my own hours, work with clients one-on-one, and deliver the high-quality care I felt everyone deserves.
My solo private practice, Complements For Health, was founded back in 1995, trademarked in New Hampshire in 1997, and continues to blend together the best treatment approaches and modalities- traditional and alternative, Eastern and Western, mind and body-focused – for whole health and optimal wellness. My slogan, “Real Therapy…Real Results”, is as true today as it was 30 years ago!
My unique background, especially extensive anatomy and physiology, coupled with my strong passion for effective hands-on therapy and its crucial role in restoring health, preventing disease and maintaining wellness, continues to shape and grow the successful practice you see today.
Yours In Health,
Andrea
P.S. On a personal note, I enjoy hiking, kayaking, and camping with my family, crafting, and family genealogy.”
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