Meet Dr. Connie Shen, one of the newest physical therapists at UP Clinic, joining the team in March of this year! Originally from Zhejiang, China, she pursued her medical education at Shanghai Medical University and worked in one of the top Shanghai hospitals, prior to moving to Ohio to receive her master’s in physical therapy and doctorate degree. Through her education, she works to combine her knowledge from both societies to support UP Clinic’s pursuit in providing the best international rehabilitation in Shanghai.

In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her children and sharing their joys in everything from art and music to sports achievements and games. She also enjoys reading, writing and doing crafts. Read on to learn more about Connie:

I have continuously observed the development of rehabilitation in China and sincerely hope to see it evolve into an essential component of medical practice, providing individuals with well-deserved recovery after injury, surgery, and for general health enhancement. The mission and vision of UP Clinic align perfectly with my beliefs; it’s the ideal environment where I can contribute my expertise and experience while furthering my personal development.

The entire team at UP Clinic upholds high standards, both in terms of clinical professionalism and excellent service. I am confident that it will set a benchmark in the fields of orthopedic and sports medicine rehabilitation.

I gained a deep appreciation for the importance of rehabilitation during my early medical career as a neurologist. It became clear to me that professional intervention in rehabilitation is crucial both during, and after, medical treatment. This applies to various conditions such as sports injuries, post-surgery recovery, postnatal care, stroke rehabilitation, management of degenerative diseases, and even for combating general de-conditioning.

My background is in clinic medicine (Shanghai Medical University) and I have extended knowledge of neuroscience as a neurologist. I have 18 years of physical therapy experience in the US.

What I am most experienced in are areas of orthopedic, neurology and geriatric therapy. I am a senior member of APTA and board certificated specialist in Geriatric Therapy, and hold  the certificate of Parkinson’s fitness specialist. I am also interested in high technology using is rehab such as remote health monitoring and wearable devices. I am very passionate about dementia care and host a Chinese blog dedicated to rehabilitation, as well as, free talks on international social media to share the message of hope with those who believe in the power of rehabilitation. I see myself as a rehabilitation clinician, researcher, educator and advocator.

I would like to give my friends the idea that “Rehabilitation is a lifestyle”.  It  embodies the concept that rehabilitation isn’t just a temporary phase but rather a comprehensive approach to life. It suggests that the principles, habits, and mindset developed during rehabilitation should extend beyond the boundaries of a specific program or period of recovery and become integral parts of everyday life. It is not a destination, but an ongoing journey of personal growth and well-being.

My dear mother and my mother-in-law are my greatest inspirations. They epitomized kindness, intelligence, generosity, and hard work, serving as shining examples of strength and compassion.

I aim for my patients to have a thorough understanding of their own bodies. I approach their injuries, pain, discomfort, dysfunction, inconvenience, fears, and awkwardness with deep empathy. Before initiating any physical intervention, I invest significant effort in getting to know each patient and educating them according to their knowledge level.

I strive to paint a clear picture of the recovery process for them, acting as both an advisor and a cheerleader throughout their rehabilitation journey. I aim to provide unwavering support and companionship as they progress towards healing and wellness.

I worked with a woman who suffered from chronic knee pain and relied on a walker for mobility. Her heartfelt goal was to dance at her grandson’s wedding. Through meticulous goal-setting and the implementation of a personalized rehabilitation program tailored to her needs, she achieved her dream. I invite you to read about her inspiring journey in my article. httpshttps://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/OTgG_uwdhTaWfwl0pdM1LQ