Dr. Maxwell Shippen, DPT

Founder of Direct Access Therapy LLC (DAT)
Dr. Maxwell Shippen fulfilled his dream of bringing genuine care back into healthcare by founding Direct Access Therapy LLC (DAT) in 2021—a venture inspired by his desire to spend more time with his son. A licensed physical therapist serving the Massachusetts community, Dr. Max is a proud member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). He holds a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology (with minors in Nutrition and Psychology) and earned his Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) from the University of Massachusetts Lowell. His extensive experience spans hospital inpatient rehabilitation at Anna Jaques Hospital in Newburyport, MA, as well as outpatient clinics throughout Tewksbury, Norton, and Raynham.

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Expertise & Approach

With over a decade of experience refining his manual therapy techniques, Dr. Max specializes in:

• Soft tissue mobilizations/trigger point work

• Joint mobilizations

• Helping patients return to daily activities as quickly as possible

His unique approach combines hands-on care with education in self-management strategies, empowering patients to take control of their symptoms through consistent exercise. Because of this emphasis on independence, most patients require only a few visits before confidently managing their symptoms on their own. To stay ahead in his field, Dr. Max consistently updates his skill set with leading-edge treatments such as dry needling, cupping, the Graston Technique, and taping.

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Conditions Treated

Dr. Max has successfully treated patients across the lifespan, from toddlers to centenarians, addressing conditions such as:

• Plantar fasciitis

• Knee pain

• Hip disorders

• Low back pain

• Neck pain

• Headaches

• Vertigo

• Shoulder disorders

• TMJ

• Other complex or “mystery” pains

He welcomes referrals for complex cases and often collaborates with local physicians to help patients who have not found relief elsewhere.

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Holistic Perspective

Drawing on his background in software and programming, Dr. Max applies an engineer-like perspective to the human body, enabling him to solve challenging and sometimes mysterious pain issues that may have baffled other providers. Committed to a holistic approach, he examines the entire body to pinpoint the root causes of discomfort. Rather than isolating one painful area, Dr. Max views each patient as a whole person, recognizing that pinpointing the true source of pain often requires looking beyond the immediate region of concern.

 

Education & Patient Empowerment

Coming from a family of teachers, Dr. Max understands the value of education. He incorporates thorough patient education into every treatment plan, believing that when patients truly understand their condition, they can better advocate for themselves and achieve the best possible outcomes. 

 

Beyond the Clinic

Outside the clinic, Dr. Max cherishes time with his wife, son, and dog, enjoying activities like camping, fishing, and exploring the outdoors. In addition to traveling with his family, he has a variety of other hobbies, such as working on his car, building a tiny house from scratch in New Hampshire, and listening to his iPod. Dr. Max also owns a software company and serves as President of his local BNI chapter, reflecting his passion for both innovation and community leadership.