A Journey Sparked by Resilience
Gina Tulimero, PT, DPT, PhD, OCS is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, Board-Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist, and Professor at Touro Nevada. Gina Tulimero’s path into orthopedics began at just ten years old, inspired by a childhood friend’s remarkable recovery from a devastating gymnastics injury. Watching her friend return to competition after doctors said she never would left a lasting impression. “I wanted to be that person,” Gina recalls—the one who helps patients return to what they love. That experience ignited a lifelong commitment to physical therapy and to helping people rebuild both body and confidence.
The Evolving Nature of Wellness
For Gina, wellness isn’t a fixed concept—it’s always evolving. With every new research study and emerging technique, her perspective grows. “Even with multiple degrees and certifications, I’d never rate myself higher than 85% in terms of knowledge. There’s always more to learn.”
This mindset reflects her belief that healthcare is a dynamic, lifelong learning process. What worked a decade ago may no longer be best practice today. That’s part of what keeps her work exciting—and meaningful.
Education as the Foundation of Care
When patients come to her, many are navigating their first traumatic injury or a painful recovery process. Fear and uncertainty are often just as overwhelming as the physical pain itself. That’s why Gina emphasizes education as a cornerstone of her care.
By walking patients through their procedures, expected recovery phases, and the reasoning behind their exercises, she replaces fear with understanding. “Awareness makes the process less scary,” she says. “When patients know what to expect, they feel more in control.”
Preventing Common Shoulder and Knee Injuries
In her work, Gina often sees injuries tied to posture and repetitive strain, particularly in the shoulders and knees. Her advice?
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For knees: Maintain flexibility through consistent stretching and mobility exercises.
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For shoulders: Focus on posture. Poor posture narrows the space in the shoulder joint, increasing the risk of impingement or rotator cuff injuries—even without trauma.
She encourages people to counteract repetitive motions by doing the opposite stretch. For example, hairdressers or blackjack dealers who keep their arms elevated should stretch their chest muscles and strengthen the scapular region to restore balance.
Advances in Screening and Recovery
New tools are also shaping the field. Gina highlights the growing use of baseline concussion screenings for young athletes. By testing balance, cognition, and visual acuity before an injury occurs, clinicians can make safer return-to-play decisions after concussions.
She also shares the “rule of threes” to help athletes and patients know when an ache needs medical attention:
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Pain greater than 3/10
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Lasting more than 3 days
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Limiting activity for more than 3 days
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Or pain located within 3 inches of a joint line
Physical Therapy Beyond the Clinic
Physical therapy isn’t only about post-surgical rehab. Gina stresses its importance in injury prevention, posture correction, and ergonomic health. From teaching functional movement to customizing mobility routines, PTs play a vital role in keeping people active in their daily lives and careers—whether they’re athletes, artists, or office workers.
Her work with Healthy Performers Nevada, a nonprofit supporting artists and athletes in Las Vegas, reflects this broader mission. By collaborating with MDs, athletic trainers, and PTs, the organization provides screenings, education, and workshops tailored to performers’ unique physical demands.
Final Takeaways
Gina Tulimero’s message is clear: physical therapy is about more than exercises—it’s about empowerment. Through education, prevention, and a commitment to evolving practice, PTs help patients not only recover but thrive.
“Don’t be afraid of your physical therapist,” she says. “We want you back in your life, your sport, or your work just as much as you do.”