Physical Therapy
About Your Physical Therapist
Kaitlin Donner, PT, DPT, USAT L1 Coach, RRCA Coach
Kaitlin Donner is a Satellite Beach native who currently owns New Wave Physical Therapy & Sports Rehabilitation in Melbourne, Florida. Kaitlin graduated from Satellite High School, where she was a 4-time varsity letter recipient in cross-country, swimming and track. Upon graduation, she attended the University of Florida on a cross country and track scholarship and earned multiple SEC Championship team titles in cross country and indoor/outdoor track. After graduating with a Bachelors in Exercise Physiology, she stayed at UF for PT school, earning her Doctorate of Physical Therapy. Just prior to starting PT school, Kaitlin started racing triathlons and quickly earned her Elite license which allowed her to race professionally around the world and eventually qualifying for the US National Team for several years as well as competing in 2 Olympic Trials events. About 5 years ago she decided to step away from professional racing to move back to Satellite Beach full time with her husband Ed, and dog, Roxy, to open an outpatient orthopedic physical therapy clinic to serve the athletes and active population of Brevard County. Since opening, Kaitlin has also coached several Space Coast Runners running camps a year to help runners reach their goals in a positive and motivating group environment. She now also has the best assistants in her 4 year old son, Chris, and 1 year old son, Mikey.
Why go to Physical Therapy?
Orthopedic physical therapist treat musculosketal injuries involving the muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, and bone throughout the body to improve functional mobility.
Orthopedic injuries (tendonitis, bursitis, fractures, sprains, strains, etc.)
Post operative rehabilitation
Neck, Back and Pelvic Pain
Sports Injuries
Neurological Conditions
Vestibular Dysfunctions
Balance and Fall Risk
Work-Related Injuries
Chronic Pain
Motor Vehicle Accident Injuries
What to Expect
Evaluation
At your initial evaluation, your physical therapist will review your medical history and do a physical evaluation. Depending on your symptoms and diagnosis, your therapist may assess your strength, flexibility, range of motion, balance, posture and/or coordination.
Assessment
Following a thorough assessment, your physical therapist will educate you on his/her findings and determine if physical therapy treatment is appropriate, if another health care provider is better equipped or if the patient would have the best results if co-managed with other health care professionals such as chiropractic, medical doctor, personal trainer, massage therapist, etc.
First Visit
Following this discussion, together you will develop therapy goals and a plan of care for the best way to achieve those goals. We ask that you wear closed toe shoes and clothes you are comfortable moving in. For those coming straight from work, we have changing facilities! On your first visit, please bring your physical referral, photo ID, insurance card, any completed paperwork and a smile!
