BEYOND PT

Beyond PT was founded by Michelle Kondracki O'Connor MPT CLT-LANA to provide exceptional and experienced physical therapy treatments for oncology rehabilitation, the management of lymphedema or for clients seeking expert manual lymph drainage.

michelle kondracki O'Connor

About Michelle Kondracki O'Connor

Michelle graduated from Quinnipiac University with a master's in physical therapy in 2004 and received her lymphedema training from the Norton School in 2005. She became certified with the Lymphology Association of North America in 2007 and has since specialized in lymphedema therapy and oncology rehabilitation. She has 20 years of experience in both in-patient and out-patient hospital settings as well as working in a wound center. She has developed a comprehensive oncology rehab program specifically focusing on pre-surgical education for patients and has presented this program at a national surgical oncology conference. She is also a primary instructor for the Norton school of lymphatic therapy.
Michelle founded Beyond PT to offer comprehensive services tailored to meet the unique needs of each patient. She understands the challenges individuals face when dealing with lymphedema or a cancer diagnosis and wanted to be able to provide the highest standard of care in a comfortable and supportive environment.

Services Offered

  • Comprehensive Lymphedema Treatment

  • Oncology Rehabilitation

  • Prehab Education Prior to Breast Cancer Surgery

  • Treatment for Axillary Web Syndrome and Post-mastectomy Syndrome

  • Comprehensive Lipedema Treatment

  • Manual Lymphatic Drainage

  • Treatment for Veinous Edema

  • Scar Tissue Treatment

Lymphedema Treatment

Lymphedema is a chronic condition characterized by an excessive accumulation of fluid in the tissue under the skin that can lead to progressive swelling. This usually occurs when the lymphatic system is impaired or damaged that is often the result of surgery, radiation, infection or trauma. It can also be a result of a primary congenital malformation.
Without the proper treatment from a trained and skilled therapist, lymphedema can progress with increased hardening of the skin and increase the person's risk of infection.
At Beyond PT, we offer comprehensive solutions tailored to specifically address lymph-related concerns including:
-Skilled manual lymph drainage
-Skilled compression therapy
-Exercises
-Compression garment fittingFor more information on lymphedema, click on the link below

Prehab for Breast Cancer

We offer one on one education with clients prior to their surgery to maximize outcomes. By meeting with clients before surgery, we can assess their baseline function and help target their rehab program to meet their specific needs.
Addressing potential issues proactively has been found to:
- improve surgical outcomes
- enhance recovery
- optimize Quality of Life
- help to empower the patient and decrease anxietyDuring this session, we also take baseline measurements to help monitor for lymphedema and go over each client's personal risk assessment for lymphedema prevention.

Axillary Web Syndrome (Cording)

Cording is common after breast surgery and it presents as visible or palpable cords or bands in the affected armpit. They can extend down the arm to the elbow or wrist and can also be felt in the chest area. They usually cause a pulling or tight sensation that can cause pain and limit mobility of the arm.
The treatment for cording requires skilled manual therapy and specific stretches performed by a trained physical therapist to release the cords and improve mobility.
Early diagnosis and treatment can lead to better outcomes.

Oncology Rehabilitation

Oncology rehab is designed to improve the physical and social wellbeing of cancer patients and survivors. Therapy is tailored to meet the specific needs of each client to improve quality of life. We offer experienced oncology physical therapy with services designed to help our clients regain strength, mobility, endurance and confidence. Whether you are seeking relief from symptoms of active cancer treatments or long-term management; we are here to support you every step of the way.

Lipedema

Lipedema is a chronic condition characterized by an abnormal accumulation of fat mostly in the lower body but sometimes it can affect arms. It occurs in women and is thought to be influenced by hormonal changes as it can get worse during puberty, pregnancy and menopause. Unlike normal weight gain, lipedema fat accumulation is very symmetrical and causes pain, tenderness and sensitivity especially with touch or pressure.
Lipedema can worsen over time without proper management. Physical therapy for lipedema focuses on managing symptoms with compression garments and manual lymph drainage.
For more information click on the link below.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage

Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) is a specific manual therapy designed to stimulate the lymphatic system and encourage more effective drainage of lymphatic fluid to help decrease swelling or edema.
Benefits of MLD include:
- decreased swelling
- pain relief
- immune support
MLD should be performed by a trained therapist because improper techniques can worsen symptoms or lead to further complications.
Michelle is trained in the Vodder technique and is a certified lymphedema therapist with additional credentials from the Lymphology Association of North America.

If you would like to schedule an appointment or have any questions and would like more information, please send a message below or contact our office.
Phone 703-718-6386
Fax 571-506-6018
[email protected]

Contact Us

For new patients; please print the forms from the link below and bring filled out forms to your first session.

4609 Pinecrest Office Park Drive Suite B
Alexandria, VA 22312
703-718-6368
[email protected]