Michael Satterley is the clinic director at Pivot’s Newport News, VA (Oyster Point) clinic.  Having gone through physical therapy for a knee injury while playing high school hockey, Michael realized that his career path would involve helping injured athletes like himself. He earned his undergraduate degree and Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Clarkson University in Potsdam, NY.

Michael has displayed his dedication to clinical excellence by continued education with a focus on orthopedics and sports physical therapy. He pursued a certification as a Strengthening and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and followed up with courses in the Functional Movement Systems (FMS, SFMA, Y-balance Test). Putting these together with the use of Dartfish Video Analysis led to his special interest of working with the running population.

He also has an advanced manual therapy certification through Great Lakes Seminars (CIMT), which helps him treat not only your current symptoms, but also the root of the problem. “Advanced physical therapists are more trained to identify why a dysfunction occurs, not purely what a patient has been diagnosed with,” Michael said. “Treating the driver of dysfunction and appropriately educating the patient on their condition leads to the best results.”

Wanting to further his education in sports physical therapy, while also proving his expertise to the healthcare community, Michael decided to pursue certification through the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) as a Sports Certified Specialist. In order to sit for the examination, Michael became certified as an American Red Cross CPR Instructor, as well as an Emergency Medical Responder.

Understanding the need to provide high-end soft tissue treatment for athletes, Michael also became certified in dry needling (CMTPT). He also provides soft tissue mobilization with tools (IASTM), in addition to cupping therapy. These treatment practices served him well in his recent work at the US Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, CO during April of 2016.

During his off time, Michael watches all sports, plays ice hockey, works out at our Oyster Point Performance Center.