Kristen has worked as a physical therapist in dance medicine since 2014. During her graduate studies, Kristen had the opportunity as a student physical therapist to provide dance medicine rehabilitation for the Charlotte Ballet. As a former dancer and instructor, she has a passion for the performing arts and uses this experience to educate on injury prevention in dancers. She has had the opportunity to work with dancers from the Pennsylvania Ballet, BalletX, Philadanco, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Rock School of Dance, University of the Arts and Swarthmore College to keep them dancing and be their best physical selves.
Kristen holds a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology from the University of Delaware and a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia.
Ask her about her pup, Wilson.
Testimonials
“Being a professional contemporary ballet dancer, I am extremely picky about who I trust with my body. Kristen has not only been there to walk me through all my injuries but has also been a resource to me for my general wellness. She has an incredible understanding that every body operates differently and she tailors your healing process accordingly. Her commitment to her patients is unwavering and I would not be able to perform in my career without her knowledge. ”
“I really don’t know where to start. Kristen has been absolutely wonderful to work with! Bringing her dance knowledge to the medical treatment is invaluable because she obviously understands what my daughter is going through. She’s so personable and has been very flexible with scheduling. The convenience is great and she provides a PT routine for in-between visits. Highly recommend! ”
“When Amelia injured herself we knew we had a real problem on our hands. We went through the usual channels of orthopedics, X-rays, physical therapy, even chiropractic. She wore a boot, she stopped dancing completely for months and I could tell that when doctors suggested she have surgery and stay off her feet for an extended period of time, her mental self was just as injured as her physical body…telling a dancer she should dance less or even quit dance is like telling a fish to stop swimming.
When all else failed, we called DDPT. The minute Kristen came through our doors, we knew something was different. She was the first person to really look at Amelia as a dancer, not just a kid or an athlete. She was cautious and careful, but most importantly kind. She assessed that surgery was not the solution nor was quitting dance. That Amelia was dealing with issues specific to a dancers body that could be healed, corrected and strengthened over time. And you can imagine the smile on Amelia’s face. What was required was work. And Kristen has been there every step of the way. From her home visits to her check-ins, to her custom workout regimen posted on a convenient website with checklists for Amelia, she helped my daughter not just through an injury, but through the next stage of her dance journey - strengthening, conditioning, and maintenance.
After not dancing for three months, Amelia worked with Kristen and had a successful and fulfilling spring dance season - including a full competition season and spring recital.
We are so grateful to Kristen, her careful analysis and her kind spirit. We’ve already referred her to friends and will keep doing so. ”