Orthopedic Physical Therapy in Seattle — Alpenglow Physical Therapy

Looking past the sore spot

Knee pain often isn't only a knee problem. We look at how your strength, mobility, movement patterns, training load, sleep and life stress add up, because the painful area is usually where the problem shows up, not where it starts.

Complete rest is rarely the answer. Most people keep moving through rehab with a modified plan, so you stay fit while the injured tissue gets stronger.

Running injuries we treat

Runner's knee

Pain around or behind the kneecap, often worse on stairs, hills or after sitting. Usually a load and strength problem that responds well to rehab.

IT band pain

Sharp pain on the outside of the knee that shows up at a predictable distance. We address hip strength, training load and running form.

Achilles & calf

Morning stiffness and pain at the back of the heel. Tendons respond to progressive loading, not rest alone.

Plantar heel pain

First-step pain in the morning or after sitting. Treatment combines calf and foot strength with load management.

Shin pain

Shin splints and bone stress injuries need different plans. We help sort out which you have and when imaging is needed.

Hip & hamstring

Deep buttock pain when sitting or running uphill, and hip pain that limits stride. Progressive strength is the core of treatment.

When to get checked quickly

Bone pain that worsens as you run, hurts to touch in one spot, or is painful when hopping can be a bone stress injury. Get it assessed rather than running through it. We coordinate imaging and medical care when it's needed.

Running gait analysis

Lindsay has completed continuing education in evaluating and treating runners, and has coached runners from first 5Ks to marathons. A running assessment includes:

A review of your training history, weekly mileage, recent changes and shoes
Video analysis of your running form, slowed down frame by frame
Strength and single-leg control testing for the hips, knees, ankles and feet
Specific, practical changes, such as cadence, load or a form cue, not an overhaul of how you run
A return-to-run or training plan matched to your next race or goal

Beyond running

We treat the full range of orthopedic conditions, for athletes and non-athletes alike.

Hikers & backpackers

Knee pain on descents, ankle sprains and back pain under a pack.

Climbers

Shoulder, elbow and finger strain, and the strength to prevent the next one.

Lifters

Back, hip and shoulder pain, and lifting again with confidence.

Everyday pain

Neck and back pain, shoulder pain, and stiffness from desk work or carrying kids.

After surgery

Rehab after knee, hip, shoulder and ankle surgery, through return to sport.

Postpartum athletes

Returning to running and lifting after baby. See pregnancy & postpartum PT.

How we treat it

Progressive strength training built around your sport
Hands-on treatment to reduce pain and restore mobility
Load management, so you know how much to run, lift or climb this week
Movement retraining for running, landing, lifting and climbing
A long-term plan to keep you resilient after you're discharged

Not injured but want more structure? Clinical strength training sessions are coached by a physical therapist.

Orthopedic & running PT FAQs

Do I have to stop running while I'm injured?

Usually not completely. Most runners keep running in a modified way, or cross-train, while they rehab. The exception is a suspected bone stress injury, which needs assessment first.

Do I need an X-ray or MRI before physical therapy?

No. Most orthopedic problems can be assessed and treated without imaging. If your symptoms suggest you need it, we'll tell you and help coordinate with your medical provider.

Do I need a referral?

No. Washington is a direct access state, so you can book directly without a referral.

Do you only treat runners?

No. We treat hikers, climbers, lifters, people with everyday neck and back pain, and people recovering from surgery.

What should I bring to a running assessment?

Your running shoes, clothes you can run in, and your recent training log or watch data if you have it.

What's the difference between PT and a clinical strength session?

PT sessions diagnose and treat an injury or symptom. Clinical strength sessions are coached training with a physical therapist for people without a specific injury, and they aren't eligible for insurance reimbursement.

Orthopedic physical therapy