My role as a Physical Therapist is simple. I guide and provide the tools patients need to get back to their functional lifestyles by educating the patient, engaging the patient in their individualized and progressive program, and preventing further injuries and problems in the future.

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, learning to play hockey (Go Greenhorns!), camping/hiking, watching movies (with good character development) and reciting nerdy movie quotes.

 

Professional Interests:

• As a tai chi instructor and practitioner, I enjoy integrating similar dynamic movement/balance patterns in my own therapy exercises.

• I am also a trained classical violinist, and I am in a position to address the overuse and postural problems often incurred by musicians (that’s one of the reasons I got into this business).

• After working with Everett Aquasox players and other repetitive throwing athletes in my nascent years, I continue to love working with shoulder injuries and sports biomechanics.

 

Education/Positions:

• Masters in Physical Therapy from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. As a specialty, I studied neuromuscular imbalances in relation to functional movement patterns.

• Consultant for injury prevention and diagnosis to Super Jock N Jill, EarthCorps, Seattle Parks and Rec, and other fine organizations in North Seattle

Being physically active and healthy makes me a happier person. This is one reason I chose a profession where I can encourage others to move more freely and confidently, and to return to the activities that bring them happiness.

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I came to Seattle by way of international sports. I was born in Japan, where I took up women’s rugby in high school. I moved to Seattle in 1991 to continue playing rugby. I was fortunate to be one of the first Japanese female rugby players and to participate in two World Cups as a member of the Japanese national team. Although I don’t play anymore, I still enjoy watching the sport and supporting local teams. In my spare time, I like to cook, walk, practice yoga, hike and spend time with family and friends. I also love to travel, as much as my budget and time allows!

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Professional Interests:

My training in physical therapy at the University of Washington included a wide range of clinical internships in various settings, from acute hospital care to rehabilitation to outpatient clinics. I came to appreciate the challenges that patients must overcome or accommodate when dealing with conditions such as osteoarthritis, chronic pain, acute injury and post-surgery recovery. I enjoy working with people of many backgrounds, ages and conditions. Besides a doctorate in physical therapy, I also have advanced degrees and research experience in nutrition and environmental health. I am interested in using nutrition, combined with physical therapy, to help clients prevent injury. (I am currently working to establish nutrition practices within the scope of physical therapy.)

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Education:

•       DPT – Doctorate in Physical Therapy, University of Washington

•       MS – Master of Science in Environmental Sciences, University of Washington

•       MPH – Master of Public Health in Nutrition, University of Washington

•       BS – Bachelor of Sciences in Nutrition, Bastyr University
  
   

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