Terry Buisman, DPT

Title: Owner, Physical Therapist

Hometown: Aitkin, MN

Physical Therapy Degree: Mayo Clinic Program in Physical Therapy

Professional Biography

Terry Buisman brings more than twenty-five years of clinical excellence to the field of physical therapy. A graduate of the prestigious Mayo Clinic Program in Physical Therapy, Terry began his career with a strong foundation in orthopedic rehabilitation, sports medicine, and manual therapy. His early experiences working with patients recovering from injuries, surgeries, and chronic musculoskeletal conditions sparked a lifelong commitment to providing comprehensive and individualized care.

From the beginning, Terry’s vision for physical therapy has focused on putting the patient first. He played a key role in shaping and expanding OrthoRehab Specialists by helping to establish a patient-centered clinical model in both the Edina and downtown Minneapolis locations. This model emphasizes one-on-one therapist care, personalized treatment plans, and a holistic approach to recovery. Terry’s leadership and dedication to quality care have contributed significantly to OrthoRehab’s reputation as a trusted provider in the Twin Cities region.

Throughout his career, Terry has prioritized ongoing professional development to remain at the forefront of his field. He has completed extensive post-graduate training in advanced manual therapy techniques, functional movement rehabilitation, and post-operative orthopedic care. His approach combines hands-on therapy with targeted exercises and patient education, empowering individuals to take an active role in their recovery and long-term wellness.

In the clinic, Terry is known for his thoughtful, methodical style and his ability to listen closely to patients’ concerns and goals. Whether he is helping a post-surgical patient regain mobility, guiding an athlete through sports-specific rehabilitation, or working with someone managing chronic pain, Terry’s treatments are grounded in evidence-based practice and tailored to meet the needs of each individual. He believes in addressing the root causes of dysfunction, not just the symptoms, and uses functional movement assessments to identify and correct imbalances that contribute to pain or limited performance.

Beyond his clinical work, Terry serves as a mentor to newer therapists, sharing his insights and experiences to support professional growth within the OrthoRehab team. His collaborative spirit and commitment to excellence have made him a valuable leader and resource within the organization.

Patients who work with Terry appreciate his calm demeanor, deep clinical knowledge, and personalized attention to their rehabilitation journey. He builds strong relationships through trust and communication, helping people feel confident and supported as they work toward their health and mobility goals.

With decades of experience and a steadfast dedication to patient-centered care, Terry Buisman continues to be a driving force behind the success of OrthoRehab Specialists and a trusted provider for those seeking expert orthopedic physical therapy.

Specialties and Areas of Focus

• Shoulder and Elbow Rehabilitation
• Combined Shoulder and Spinal Based Injury Management
• Spine Care and Postural Restoration
• Rotator Cuff Injury Treatment
• Impingement Syndrome Management
• Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis) Rehabilitation
• Shoulder Fracture Recovery Protocols
• Total Joint Replacement Rehabilitation
• Joint Instability and Dislocation Management
• Scapular Dysfunction Therapy
• Complex Cases Involving Spinal and Shoulder Pathology

Treatment Philosophy

Terry believes in a holistic and patient-centered approach to physical therapy, one that integrates manual therapy, patient education, and functional exercise into every treatment plan. His clinical philosophy is grounded in the belief that true recovery comes from addressing the underlying causes of pain and dysfunction, not just treating surface-level symptoms. He takes the time to perform thorough assessments that consider posture, movement patterns, joint mobility, muscle imbalances, and lifestyle factors that may be contributing to a patient’s condition.

By combining hands-on manual therapy techniques with movement-based interventions, Terry helps patients restore joint mobility, improve tissue function, and reduce inflammation and discomfort. His manual therapy methods may include soft tissue mobilization, joint manipulation, and myofascial release, all carefully applied to target the source of pain and restriction. These techniques are paired with corrective exercises that strengthen the muscles supporting the affected area, improve movement efficiency, and reduce strain on vulnerable structures.

A strong advocate for patient education, Terry ensures that every individual he works with fully understands their diagnosis, contributing factors, and treatment plan. He believes that informed patients are empowered patients, and he takes the time to explain the “why” behind every exercise and intervention. This transparency fosters trust, builds confidence, and encourages active participation in the rehabilitation process.

To support long-term recovery and independence, Terry emphasizes self-management strategies and personalized home exercise programs. He customizes these plans to align with each patient’s lifestyle, fitness level, and goals, making it easier to integrate them into daily routines. These programs are designed not only to reinforce clinic-based gains but also to build resilience and prevent re-injury in the future. Terry regularly reviews and updates these plans to ensure they remain effective and appropriate as the patient progresses.

In every session, Terry creates a supportive and motivating environment where patients feel heard, challenged, and encouraged. His goal is not only to help individuals regain physical function and relieve pain, but also to provide them with the tools and knowledge needed to maintain those improvements independently. Whether working with post-operative patients, athletes, or those managing chronic conditions, Terry remains committed to helping people move better, feel better, and stay better for the long term.

Professional Memberships

• Member, Minnesota Physical Therapy Association
• Member, American Physical Therapy Association

Key Publications

• Utilization of a Three dimensional Mobility Progression, The Z Route in Shoulder Rehabilitation, Orthopedic Physical Therapy Practice, Vol. 27, No. 3, 2015, pp. 150-153.
• Scapular Angular Positioning at End Range Internal Rotation in Cases of GIRD, Journal of Orthopaedic & Physical Therapy, Vol. 36, No. 12, 2006, pp. 926-934.
• Shoulder Mobility in String Musicians, Orthopedic Physical Therapy Practice, Vol. 20, No. 1, 2008, pp. 21-24.
• Frozen Shoulder, Minnesota Physician, November 2004.

Continuing Education and Certifications

Terry remains current on emerging research and treatment methods through regular participation in advanced certification programs and continuing education courses. Recent coursework includes specialized training in functional movement analysis, neuromuscular re education techniques, and advanced manual therapy approaches. He has completed over two hundred hours of post professional education focusing on orthopedic manual therapy and evidence based practice guidelines.

Community Involvement

Terry volunteers regularly at local health fairs and community events to provide free screenings and education on injury prevention. He has served as a mentor for student physical therapists from the University of Minnesota and the Mayo Clinic, supervising clinical internships and guiding future therapists in best practice principles. His commitment to community outreach reflects his belief that accessible care and early intervention can significantly improve public health outcomes.

Patient Success Stories

One of Terry’s recent patients was a high school athlete recovering from rotator cuff repair who returned to competitive play after a structured twelve week rehabilitation program. Another patient with chronic shoulder impingement regained full range of motion and returned to pain free hobbies such as swimming and gardening. These success stories illustrate Terry’s ability to tailor treatment plans to individual goals and optimize recovery timelines.

Personal Interests

Outside of work Terry enjoys spending time with his family, attending his children’s sporting events, and fishing in Minnesota lakes. He is an avid Packers fan and travels up north whenever possible to cheer on the Green Bay Packers and enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and bird watching.

Schedule an Appointment

If you are seeking expert physical therapy care for shoulder, spine, or sports related injuries, contact our team today. Terry sees patients at both our Edina clinic and our Minneapolis clinic. Early evaluation can lead to faster recovery and better outcomes. Call 952.922.0330 to schedule your appointment or request an online booking.