Debra Degen is a licensed Physical Therapy Assistant, through the state of California, Physical Therapy Board. She has over 20 years of treatment experience and a diverse background. She holds an A.S. degree in Allied Health in PTA, as well as a B.S. degree in Organizational Management. Debra has worked in the fields of Geriatrics, Long Term Acute Care hospitals, Home Health Care, Sports based clinics, Adult Day Health Centers, and Outpatient Orthopedic PT clinics.

Debra was born in Florida, the daughter of a military family. She attended grade school on Coronado Island, San Diego and graduated from Camp Lejeune High School in N.C. She returned to San Diego in 1999 and she and her retired military husband, consider San Diego their home.

Education

1996-98 FTC College, N.C., PTA program, Dean’s List academic excellence.

2003-2005 BIOLA University, Org Management, graduated with academic honors.

1985-1995 Additional college classes/education: UNCW (NC), CCCC (NC); President’s list and Phi Theta Kappa invitee, MCCC (CA); Women’s Cross Country Scholarship recipient and Team Captain.

Recent Continuing PT Ed Certifications:

2018, Functional Geriatrics Rehab and Neuro: Balance and Vestibular Treatment

2019, Knee and Shoulder Manual and Therapeutic Exercises

2020, Management of Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder), Evaluation and Treatment of Coccydynia (Tailbone pain), Balance Programs across Degenerative Diseases, Upper Extremity Rehab for Traumatic Brachial Plexus Injuries, Functional Movement Disorders: Restoring  Agency through a Motor Learning Approach.

Health Related Certifications:

-Training in Manual PT, including joint, spine, and joint mobilizations and Progressive Isometric Relaxation technique (PIR): the JADA method of musculoskeletal management and experience with Active Release Technique (ART). 2014.

-Certified Symmetry Postural Consultant, 2008, Certified Personal Trainer, ASFA, 2012, Certified Basic Life Support/CPR, 2018-2020

Background, Recognition and Awards received as a PTA:

Nominated and served a two year term on FTC College Advisory Board, NC, post-graduation.

Awarded “Most Recognized PT Employee for Excellence in Care, by patients and their families, Continental Rehab Hospital, San Diego, CA.

Designed and implemented an Evidence Based Fall Risk Management Program to decrease, and measure participant’s risk and assess their progress, at Loving Care, ADHC. Recognized by the owners, for advocacy, research, education, and letter writing to the CA State legislators, to reconsider cutting of crucial funding.

-Letter of Commendation by Rear Admiral Eugene Farrell, USN, received for Outstanding Patient Care with, “cheerful diligence, absolute dedication, and remarkable industry.”, while employed at Navy Medical Hospital, NCT, Outpatient clinic, PT Department, San Diego, CA

PTA Treatment Experience:

All outpatient Ortho Rehab, including: Total Joint Replacement, (knee, hip, shoulder), neck, back, and spine pain/weakness, Balance, gait, and vertigo dysfunction, TENS, electric muscle retraining stimulation, extremity mobilizations, cervical traction, scar tissue mobilization, Ultrasound therapeutic treatment, upper and lower extremity injuries, ACL and other ligament/tendon repairs, adhesive capsulitis (AKA: frozen shoulder).

Note from Debra:

I am enthusiastic about physical therapy, but what really makes our clinic special, is our team, and the care and passion we have for each patient and their treatment. I appreciate the fact that we work for a group of doctors who not only are the best in their field, but also passionate about patient care, advocating for as much one to one patient/therapist treatments, as possible. So, come on in, we can’t wait to make you better!