About the Author

Greetings! My name is Adrienne Oliveira. I am a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy humbled to have worked with individuals with limb loss and limb difference and related providers my entire career. The personal and professional relationships formed have left an indelible mark on me. It has profoundly impacted my role as a clinician, educator, mom and human being. One of the most empowering aspects of this experience has been collaboration. The generous sharing of knowledge, perspectives and experiences has left all involved enlightened, emboldened and tethered. My goal is to share this with all who visit this site and invite you to participate in the journey. Let’s broaden our minds and our community!

My personal journey began as a Physical Therapy student studying at Northeastern University. I had the privilege of working with individuals following limb loss at Helen Hayes Hospital and New England Rehabilitation Hospital. The latter became the site of my first professional role as a PT where I was honored to serve as the Prosthetics Clinic Coordinator. Marrying my PT school lab partner brought me to the next chapter of life working with individuals in CT. I have had the distinct pleasure serving as the PT Coordinator of Gaylord Hospital’s Prosthetics & Orthotics Clinic for over 15 years. I have worked alongside a phenomenal Physiatrist, a team of remarkable Certified Prosthetist Orthotists and countless amazing individuals with limb loss and limb difference brainstorming, learning and creating together.

My path does not stop there. I have been fortunate enough to take my love of education to the next step. I have been an adjunct Professor at Quinnipiac University for over 10 years teaching Prosthetics and Orthotics to Doctorate Physical Therapy (DPT) Students and an adjunct Professor at Sacred Heart University contributing to their neurological rehabilitation and medically complex DPT curriculum since 2021. My teaching extends out of the academic setting working with students via hands-on experience in the acute rehabilitation setting and the honor of contributing to Quinnipiac University’s hosting of Camp No Limits; a non-profit organization which provides camps and mentorship for children with limb loss and limb difference.

Attitude of Gratitude

One of my most cherished roles has been supporting the respected members of the Connecticut Amputee Network (CAN), particularly working towards insurance parity for individuals requiring prostheses. I will be eternally grateful to founders Herb Kolodny and Brenda Novak for their advocacy work, mentorship and support over the years. They were the catalyst for The O&P PT blog.

Many thanks to my family, friends and colleagues who helped make this site possible. Special shout out to Steve Smith, super model and human, for graciously offering his assistance with creating a repository of exercises. My sincere wishes that all who visit will find this to be a valuable resource cultivated with care.

Thank you!

Adrienne Oliveira, PT, DPT, NCS