Meet the South Orange County Physical Therapy Specialists Staff

Kinnary Patel has always been a people person and always wanted to be in a profession that made her meet all kinds of people. Somewhere along her educational path she realized her affinity towards human science and hence pursued the profession she is in currently.

Kinnary Patel graduated with Bachelor's Degree in Physical Therapy in 1987, from India. After working in India for about two years, she decided to apply to universities in the U.S. for further studies. She was accepted to New York University for a Master's Degree program in Physical Therapy. Kinnary graduated from New York University in 1993.

Kinnary has a unique blend of experience having worked in most privileged and underprivileged settings.

She has been trained in various techniques and areas of treatments, including but not limited to, the McKenzie approach for treatment of spine, joint mobilization techniques, Myofascial release, PNF (proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation), ergonomics training to prevent repetitive stress injuries, balance and gait analysis and orthopedic and sports injuries. In addition to all these, she takes pride in being a Yoga teacher.

Kinnary's work experience is a spectrum of in-patient and out-patient physical therapy experiences. Through her 20 years of experience and having a taste of complimentary medicine, she states, "I strongly believe in introducing various treatment options to my patients. Not everyone responds to the same approach, as each person is unique in their own way."

On a personal note, she thoroughly enjoys time with her family and always looks forward to traveling to different parts of the world with her husband, whenever possible.

Maihri Thomson has always known that she would work in the medical field. After a 4-year Bachelor of Science Honors degree in Medical Science and becoming a Medical Laboratory Scientific Officer, she decided she needed a more "hands on approach." After turning to the field of Physiotherapy in a large teaching hospital and becoming a Senior Physiotherapist at Bradford Royal Infirmary in England, she decided to relocate to California in 1993 to further pursue her career.

Maihri's post-graduate specialization includes McConnell Approach for the Knee and Shoulder, Cyriax Therapy, Prosthetic Rehabilitation, Aquatic Rehabilitation, Closed Kinetic Chain and Neural Tension. Maihri has worked for the last 18 years in many physical therapy settings, in both rural and urban areas in England, California and Colorado where she worked with patients from all walks of life.

Maihri states, "I strongly believe in a solid educational background and continuing education in order to provide the most up-to-date and effective hands-on treatments available to my patients."

On a personal note, Maihri greatly enjoys life in southern California with her husband, two small children and two wonderful dogs. According to Maihri, "Exercise is my passion... and I love to snowboard."

Jennifer Carman has always enjoyed interacting with others, both personally and professionally. She believes that human contact is essential to health and happiness. So it is not surprising that she decided to become a Physical Therapist. Jennifer enjoys the one-on-one time she spends with each patient and is pleased that the philosophy and approach at SOCPTS allows her to do that.

Jennifer is a true California native. She moved from Santa Barbara to attend the University of California, Irvine. She then continued her education at the University of the Pacific in Stockton, where she received her Masters of Science degree in Physical Therapy in 1992. Jennifer was honored to apply for, and receive, a well-coveted academic scholarship from the Veterans Affairs Department. She had the pleasure of treating veterans at the Long Beach VA Medical Center. There, she worked with stroke and head injury patients which she found extremely rewarding. Jennifer later transferred to the Orthopedic Physical Therapy Department where she treated in/ outpatients. She has also had experience with wound care treatments and pool therapies.

Jennifer has been blessed with two beautiful daughters and was fortunate to experience the joy of staying home to raise them (and a dog). Her daughters are her true pride and joy. Jennifer returned to Physical Therapy because of her eagerness to treat and care for the people of Southern Orange County, and because she finds immeasurable satisfaction in making a difference in the lives of her patients.

In her free time, Jennifer enjoys playing with her kids, walking the dog, exercising at the gym, playing volleyball and treating herself to tea with friends.