Head, Neck, Jaw and Voice - Advance Physical Therapy

Debra K. Albrecht, specialist in head and neck pain, grew her interest in this area from her own lifelong passion for dance and performing arts.

With over 30 years of clinical experience as a physical therapist, Debra is skilled in evaluation and treatment of spinal dysfunction, head and neck pain, temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD), headaches, orofacial pain, and voice disorders. She utilizes manual therapy techniques, including joint mobilization, visceral and myofascial release to compliment work on postural retraining and functional strengthening.

Early in her career, Debra had the tremendous opportunity to study extensively with the renowned Dr. Mariano Rocabado, DPT, CCTT, a specialist in treatment of the head and neck pain and related TMD. She continued to expand her expertise with course work through The Institute of Physical Art. It was during this period that she began to recognize the importance of visceral myofascial treatment for improving respiratory function, posture, lumbopelvic alignment, and temporomandibular joint function.

Her focus on the biomechanical relationship of head, neck and TMJ, especially in application to voice and airway dysfunctions were enhanced as a Speech/Voice Therapy and Otolaryngology team member for patients following vocal cord surgery. She especially enjoys treating singing performing artists.

Testimonial

Critical Scoliosis Treatment Continues with Teletherapy

— Ana H., Mebane, NC

When the March quarantine hit, just as all other non-essential workers, we had to quickly adjust our schedules, cancel appointments, and for the safety of all, lock ourselves in as much as possible. These canceled appointments included the incredibly important physical therapy sessions with Lisa at Advance PT for my daughter’s scoliosis. But this was not for long. After we missed one session, Lisa contacted us to see if we would be interested in teletherapy sessions via video. We haven’t looked back since.

The teletherapy sessions are fantastic. They are just as organized and clear and useful as in-person appointments; also, through these teletherapy sessions I am learning more about my daughter’s condition as I am eagerly listening and facilitating the sessions. Doing the exercises and working with Lisa in our own home exercise space has helped our daughter do her exercises much better and more efficiently, since there is no need to change/adjust an exercise from the office setting to our own. Lisa has also been able to use our home space (and even our stairs!) in order to add new exercises that fit it. All in all, we are very thankful that we were able to continue our daughter’s physical therapy during this time. With the multitude of decisions that we now have to make every time we have to go out, I am extremely thankful that teletherapy sessions eliminate this stress while continuing to provide the same amount of great care and treatment that we always receive at Advance Physical Therapy in Chapel Hill!