OUR PRACTITIONERS
Clare Watkin ― Owner, Physical Therapist
Clare graduated from St. Thomas’ hospital, London, England in 1991. Her training was extensive and differs from studies in the USA: she underwent 10 clinical residencies and also trained in Respiratory Therapy, which is not typical in the United States. Once she graduated, Clare completed a further residency in a large teaching hospital where she gained experience in all major specialty areas of PT.
In 1993, she first came to the US and spent two years here as a traveling therapist before returning to England; in 2000 she returned with her husband and has remained here since. On arrival to Vermont, she worked in Burlington, and her career progressed to a Director of Rehabilitation in a Skilled Nursing Center. On moving to Southern VT, she started work at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital in the out-patient department before settling at PT Plus. She purchased the practice in 2013.
Her strengths include orthopedics and sports injuries, neurology, geriatrics, balance disorders, and vertigo. One of Clare’s many strengths are the assessment of biomechanical problems and how they relate to pain and other signs and symptoms.
"A thorough evaluation is essential to finding the root of the patient's problem, and therefore developing an appropriate treatment strategy."
Post-graduate and further training include the McKenzie approach to treat disc problems of the low back and neck; the Hesch method for treatment of Sacroiliac problems; as well as Mulligan and Maitland trainings for joint mobilization. She has taken three Myofascial Release courses and four Neurofascial Mobilization courses, which she finds have been critical in her approach to treating muscular and nerve problems. Prior to her arrival to the USA she completed a three-month certification course in Neurodevelopmental Physical Therapy which she uses in the treatment of head injuries, strokes, and other neurological conditions.
Rebecca McGrail ― Physical Therapist
With more than 22 years of experience, Rebecca McGrail is thrilled to be practicing her craft in the Deerfield Valley area. A graduate of Boston University and former D1 college field hockey player, Rebecca has dedicated the bulk of her career to treating athletic injuries and helping patients return to improved active lifestyles.
Possessing deep experience in orthopedics and manual skills, with a focus on Maitland therapy, she has continued her career development with certifications in kinesio taping (CKTP), Graston technique, and functional movement screening (FMS). Her manual training also includes proficiency in Strain Counterstrain, myofascial release, McKenzie method, soft tissue mobilization, and Muscle Energy Techniques (METs).
A Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) for the last 20 years, Rebecca continues working with post-surgical and non-surgical patients, with a particular affinity for shoulder and knee work.
When she’s not at the office you can find her practicing yoga, hiking, skiing, or simply enjoying the outdoors with her husband, two beautiful children, and the world’s greatest Wheaten Terrier.
Carole Holland ― Office Manager
Carole is the friendly voice on the phone, available to help you with appointment scheduling and reminders, insurance questions, and other concerns.