Dr. Michael Velasquez
Dr. Mike Velasquez
PT, DPT, CSCS, CF-L3, USAW-L2
Physical Therapist
I grew up in Glastonbury, CT. I attended The University of Connecticut for undergrad and grad school. I’ve been practicing as a Physical Therapist since 2019. I’ve coached CrossFit since 2012 and competed in a couple of local competitions. I’ve been training for powerlifting for the last 4 years and have competed twice in the 67.5kg class under the USPA.
Core Values:
Honesty, Reliability, Dedication
“Nobody cares how much you know, until they know how much you care”
What I do for the company is, I specialize in working with CrossFitters, Weightlifters, Powerlifters, and field athletes.
Conditions I enjoy treating are Shoulder pain, Low Back pain, Hip pain, and Knee Pain.
Something that patients have to deal with that I would love to fix is providers who only practice under a biomedical framework and create fear around movement/exercise.
What I do for the company and/or what I specialize in for the company is, I specialize in working with CrossFitters, Weightlifters, Powerlifters, and field athletes
What is Dr. Mike Watching, Reading, or Listening to?
- Big Daddy (Movie)
- Harry Potter and The Sorcerer’s Stone (Movie)
- Wedding Crashers (Movie)
- Friends (TV Show)
- Parks & Recreation (TV Show)
- Friday Night Lights (TV Show)
- Barbell Medicine (Podcast)
- Clinical Athlete (Podcast)
- E3Rehab (Podcast)
- The Guide to the Good Life (Book)
- Mindset (Book)
- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Book)
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family/friends, training, and watching UConn sports.
Patient Testimonials
“I worked with Mike over 4 months, and he was great! He took on board that, as a 50+ year-old, my goal to improve the quality and longevity of movement in everyday life was as important to me as regaining functionality and strength in CrossFit. During each session we work on stability, mobility and strength and I left with exercises to continue the work at home. Mike always followed up during the week to check in with how I was feeling after a session and to give detailed instructions on exercises. Mike was also responsive to texts about how I should modify WODs between sessions and his extensive knowledge of CrossFit and lifting was highly beneficial. This level of service is beyond what a normal PT practice would or could provide. I have seen huge improvements across the board. I am lifting closer to the range I was three or four years ago, and I have made steady progress on introducing movements back into WODs. I am also experiencing far less pain in everyday life and have been able enjoy holidays where I didn’t have to fear lots of walking or hiking.”
Keiler S
“I herniated my back really bad in early 2021, and after the usual protocol I spent over a year of trying to get back into lifting and having to stop due to re-injuring my back, constant pain, and no other options from an orthopedic dr. besides to “stop lifting.” I decided to invest in a different kind of physical therapy. For the past few months I had the pleasure of working with Mike. I was extremely self conscious due to the weight gain that came with being injured and not being able to lift like I used to, and he made me feel very welcome. He was able to determine what my issues were and from the first session and at-home assignments I was able to see an improvement in mobility and a reduction in pain. As the sessions continued I was able to add more of the barbell movements that I loved with no pain and understand that the moves I can do right now will allow me to go back to the comp moves in due time. Now my lifting program looks more like a powerlifter’s program! Mike not only emphasized with my situation, but he also was adept at being able to create sessions that slowly brought my confidence back. Not to mention the passion that I had lost for lifting due to the setbacks I had experienced over the past almost 2 years. I strongly recommend Mike and the Barbell Physical Therapy team. I had just about thrown in the towel and now I am excitedly thinking about competing next year 🙂 Thanks Mike!”
Dehlia H