FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Val Kshirsagar, PT, OCS
513/753-2133

VAL KSHIRSAGAR AWARDED ORTHOPAEDIC SPECIALIST RECERTIFICATION

ALEXANDRIA, VA June 16, 2004 Val Kshirsagar, PT, OCS of Cincinnati, OH was recertified as a clinical specialist in Orthopedic physical therapy by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS). Kshirsagar is one of 2,953 physical therapists who have achieved certification in orthopedics in the United States. She is also one of 66 certified clinical specialists in Orthopedic physical therapy in the state of Ohio.
Kshirsagar has been a physical therapist for 23 years and a clinical specialist for 8 years. She specializes in the treatment and rehabilitation of low back and neck problems as well as shoulder, hip, knee, and ankle conditions.
“ The certification process reaffirms my enthusiasm and dedication to continue pursuing the highest level of skill with which to best serve my clients,” Kshirsagar said.
Kshirsagar graduated in 1981 from the University of Bombay with a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy. She then worked in England for 3 years and received training and experience in manual physical therapy. She is the owner and director of Cincinnati Physical Therapy which has two locations in the eastern part of town, and provides individualized hands-on care to patients with varied diagnoses in general orthopedics and rehab. Each patients plan of care is personalized with the goal of returning the patient to their maximal level of function. In addition to traditional physical therapy, Cincinnati Physical Therapy also provides manual therapy services.
ABPTS was established by APTA as the governing body that awards certification to physical therapists who meet approved requirements. Certification may be received in one or more of the following areas: Cardiovascular and Pulmonary, Clinical Electrophysiology, Geriatrics, Neurology, Orthopedics, Pediatrics, and Sports Physical Therapy.
To be eligible for recertification, candidates must hold a current certificate from ABPTS and a current license to practice physical therapy in the U.S. Candidates also must submit evidence of the equivalent of 200 hours per year of direct patient care in the specialty area since the date of the most recent certification.
Candidates are recertified either by completing a written examination or by completing a Profession Development Portfolio. The written exam consists of approximately 200 questions and is developed and administered through the National Board of Medical Examiners. The Professional Development Portfolio is a documentation of professional development activities, such as continuing education classes, college courses, and teaching experience that are related to specialty practice. Candidates may also receive credit for patient care experience that is beyond the minimum eligibility requirement for re-certification. Portfolio requirements vary depending upon the specialty area.