Dr. Andrea, PT, DPT, LMT
Owner, Cactus Bloom Therapeutics, LLC
Dr. Andrea is a highly skilled physical therapist, licensed massage therapist, and the owner of both Cactus Bloom Therapeutics, LLC and Prickly Pear Medical Massage LLC. In her practices, she is dedicated to helping patients recover from injuries, manage pain, and enhance their physical well-being. Combining expertise in physical therapy and massage therapy, Dr. Andrea offers a holistic, patient-centered approach to care, tailoring treatments to address each individual's unique needs.
Empowering Recovery
Dr. Andrea’s mission is to help patients heal, recover, and live pain-free, active lives. Through her work at Cactus Bloom Therapeutics, she combines technical expertise, compassionate care, and innovative therapies to achieve lasting results.
Education and Early Career
Dr. Andrea’s journey into healthcare began with her deep passion for improving lives through hands-on care. She first attended the Boulder College of Massage Therapy, where she became a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT). Her early training in massage therapy laid the foundation for her expertise in soft tissue therapy and a holistic approach to wellness.
Building on this foundation, Dr. Andrea pursued her Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, where she specialized in musculoskeletal rehabilitation, orthopedics, and pain management. Her combined training enables her to integrate therapeutic techniques that address both the physical and functional aspects of recovery.
Specialized Techniques
Dr. Andrea integrates advanced modalities such as Manipulation & Mobilization Functional Dry Needling (FDN), IASTM, cupping therapy, Thai Yoga Massage/Stretching, Microcurrent Therapy, Strain Counter Strain and Corrective Exercises into her treatment plans. These techniques are designed to relieve pain, reduce muscle tension, and promote healing. Each modality complements her hands-on approach, which may also include manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, and patient education.
Treatment Philosophy
Dr. Andrea’s approach goes beyond symptom management to address the root causes of pain and dysfunction. She emphasizes patient education, empowering individuals to play an active role in their recovery. Her holistic philosophy incorporates lifestyle guidance and emotional well-being into her treatment plans, helping patients achieve lasting improvements in their health.
Professional Dedication
Throughout her career, Dr. Andrea has worked in a variety of clinical settings, including schools, hospital-based outpatient and inpatient facilities, and skilled nursing. These experiences have allowed her to refine her skills in orthopedic rehabilitation, sports therapy, and pain management while working with a diverse range of patients. Known for her compassionate care and innovative techniques, she continually updates her knowledge through advanced training and continuing education.
Dr. Andrea has received advanced training in Functional Dry Needling, Frequency Specific Microcurrent, Craniosacral Therapy, and Myofascial Release, focusing on relieving muscle tension, promoting healing, and improving physical function. She is also currently furthering her knowledge and skills by training in Strain Counter Strain with the Jones Institute in San Diego, CA, and Orthobionomy with Rocky Mountain Orthobionomy in Grand Junction. These advanced techniques enhance her ability to address pain, improve function, and restore balance to the body.
Prickly Pear Medical Massage LLC
In addition to her work at Cactus Bloom Therapeutics, Dr. Andrea is the new owner of Prickly Pear Medical Massage LLC, where she continues to offer high-quality, therapeutic massage services. At Prickly Pear, she also mentors and trains Massage Therapists to provide Medical Massage to the community. This involves teaching them the skills necessary to address musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction through hands-on techniques that focus on healing and restoration. Dr. Andrea is passionate about elevating the practice of medical massage and empowering other practitioners to make a positive impact on their patients' well-being.
Life Beyond the Clinic
When she’s not treating patients, Dr. Andrea enjoys hiking with her dogs, Nella and Roxy, practicing yoga, and mountain biking. She integrates her own wellness practices into her life, reflecting her commitment to a balanced, healthy lifestyle.