Dr. Chad M. Pens Earns Board Certification as
an Orthopedic Specialist in Physical Therapy
By Dr. Chad M. Pens
Dr. Chad. M Pens, PT, DPT, OCS, ATC, CSCS of Cayuga Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, PC (COAST Physical Therapy) recently became board certified as a clinical specialist in orthopaedic physical therapy by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialists (ABPTS). The ABPTS of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), awards certificates to physical therapists meeting approved requirements. To obtain board certification, candidates must submit evidence of required clinical practice in a specialty area, and successfully complete a rigorous written examination, which demonstrates specialized knowledge and advanced clinical proficiency in a specialty area of physical therapy practice. The APTA has awarded specialist certification to 828 physical therapists this year. Specifically, 542 physical therapists became board certified in orthopaedics nationally, 54 in New York State alone. To date 7,573 physical therapists have achieved board certification since 1985..
Dr. Pens has an extensive educational background including a bachelor’s of science degree in sports medicine from the University of Connecticut; a bachelor’s of science degree in health science, master’s degree in professional studies in physical therapy, and a doctor of physical therapy degree, all from the SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, NY. In addition to being a doctor of physical therapy and a board certified specialist in orthopaedic physical therapy, Dr. Pens is also a certified athletic trainer and a certified strength and conditioning specialist.
Dr. Pens is the owner and president of Cayuga Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, PC (COAST PT) in Auburn, NY. He specializes in spinal dysfunction (neck and back) as well as hip, knee and shoulder pain and dysfunction. Dr. Pens has an extensive background with sports related injuries having spent six years at Cornell University in the Sports Medicine department. He has worked with a variety of athletes ranging from the younger middle and high school athletes, to Division I athletes, to national and world-class athletes, as well as senior athletes. “Working in orthopedics and sports rehabilitation is my passion,” says Dr. Pens, “and I believe my dedication shows through when the patients whom I work with have reached their ultimate functional goals, whether it be returning to sport, returning to work, or making it to the Olympic trials.”