Empowered Physical Therapy

Fantastic experience: I love this place!! Kenzie is amazing! She is helping me with so many things. I came in to get help with cramps at night in my feet & calves and have learned so much. No more cramps at night!

Fantastic experience: I’ve been coming to Empowered for over a year, and I’ve felt so strong within my dance and performance career. I’m never in pain anymore, and I’m really able to test the limits of my strength and mobility confidently knowing I am capable. Most importantly, I have never met people more passionate about what they do, and I have cultivated amazing relationships with everyone there.

Fantastic experience: I can't recommend Empowered Physical Therapy highly enough! From the moment I walked in, I was impressed by their commitment to patient care and overall wellness. The team is always available to help answer questions or provide guidance, offering flexible hours that accommodate even the busiest schedules. Perfect for those of us who are busy professionals. Their focus on strength and recovery is truly unparalleled. They are dedicated not just to getting you back to health and activity (addressing what immediately ails you), but also ensuring long-term longevity. Whether you're recovering from an injury or looking to enhance your physical performance, Empowered Physical Therapy is the place to be. Their personalized approach and supportive environment have made a significant difference in my journey towards getting back on the bike and addressing my physical longevity off the bike.

Fantastic experience: After trying numerous methods to improve my mobility and strength, including working with mobility specialists, chiropractors, and practicing yoga, I found little success. However, since beginning sessions with Empowered, I've experienced a significant transformation. I now approach weightlifting with confidence, deepen my yoga practice, and push my body to new limits. With each appointment, I learn techniques to enhance my athletic performance.

Fantastic experience: “Man, getting older sucks” seemed to be the recurring dialogue in my head. It was fall of 2021 and I’d just finished up doing some yard work. As I went to bed, I noticed I was sore and again, blamed my age, I was 54 after all. I woke up that night and my left leg was numb, and I was unable to put any weight on it. My wife gave me two options: go to the ER or go to the chiropractor. I chose the latter. I went to the chiropractor the next day and saw a massage therapist. They were able to pinpoint that my leg was physically sound, but my lower back and hips were unhealthy. The chiropractor also noticed a curvature in my spine and insisted I get some imaging done. I started doing yoga and gentle stretching to open up my hips, every day was a slight improvement. A few days after getting X-rays of my spine, I read the radiology report. I had scoliosis and degenerative disc disease, both of which were news to me! Initially, I made an appointment at the spine center at KUMC to explore my options: targeted steroid injections were up first. After getting the injections, I felt relief that I hadn’t felt in a very long time. It was in those days that followed, as the pain subsided, that I realized I needed a more permanent solution. After all, the shots would wear off eventually and I knew spinal surgery wasn’t the road I wanted to go down. As luck would have it, my wife is a nurse at KUMC and I visited her the day of my appointment at the spine center. That day, she just so happened to be working with her friend who was a physical therapist. We struck up a conversation when she asked “you’re going to PT, right?”. I hadn’t actually even thought of physical therapy, but she knew of the perfect group to help me. I made an appointment with Empowered Physical Therapy the next day! I always knew there were certain physical limitations I had with my back (even before any diagnosis). What I didn’t know, was that I could physically overcome a lot of those obstacles. I was unaware how to own my back health and take charge of the situation. Admittedly, there were a lot of moments of self doubt and just accepting that this was now my life- an old man with a bad back. Kristen and EPT changed everything for me, they have been the epicenter of my journey to healing. With their help, I was able to discover so much about my physical self. Many of my issues were caused by my posture, how I moved, and physical weaknesses. I was shown how to move functionally, how to train for mobility, and that most of my limitations were in my head. I know I won’t “fix” my back, but I’ve been given the knowledge to keep it healthy and mobile by strengthening my body around it. Kristen helped me realize that physically, I can do any activity I want. I will have set backs due to my spine- but now the hope is that I overcome them in far less time because I’m active. I feel like she helped give me a new lease on life. I feel better than ever, I’m active, and I never want to stop moving. I honestly didn’t know I could feel this good at my age (or any age) and I have Kristin and EPT to thank!

Fantastic experience: I work with Dr. Joe but would happily commit to any of the PT's here. They have such a "person-first" approach to treatment and therapy at Empowered goes much deeper than physical. As an athlete, I feel like I'm treated as an athlete and the goal is always to get me back moving and not told to just avoid things.

Fantastic experience: I entered Empowered Physical Therapy with a shoulder injury due to a skiing accident. I met with Dr Joe and he’s been an absolute godsend! My shoulder is not only better, but stronger and more flexible. Once we realized we were going forward with that, we started working on lower/upper body strength for not only a greater skiing experience, but life in general! I can’t speak highly enough for both Dr Joe, but the entire EMPOWERED TEAM! Thank you

Fantastic experience: I’m in my 20’s and have already experienced a hospitalization for my low back because I wasn’t careful in my movements. Empowered PT (Brady specifically) has taught me how to move well not only in my lifts but also how to keep myself safe for my job in healthcare. I use what Brady teaches me every day and feel more prepared than ever to do heavy lifts, daily tasks, and most importantly move well throughout my life! Regardless of what age or stage you are in life you should go to Empowered PT! It will be life changing in a good way.

Fantastic experience: I can't thank Dr. Joe Straws enough for the personal, attentive, informative, professional and thorough care he provided me over the past month! As a professional singer and athletic person, my rehab needs were intense and specific, and he tackled the needs of my shoulder, hand/wrist trauma and post-ops with the utmost care and PT tools that made me feel noticeably better with each visit! Thank you, Dr. Joe for for getting me back on stage and feeling and moving better than I thought possible in such a short time!

Fantastic experience: Joe is great to work with. My shoulders have gotten so much better

Fantastic experience: Brady is amazing - I leave every appointment with a wealth of knowledge and understanding of my body in a way that’s never been addressed before. I’m moving better than ever!

Fantastic experience: I cannot recommend Empowered Physical Therapy enough! I have been working through shin splints and hip impingement issues with Kristin this past year and she has been incredibly patient, compassionate, and supportive through the whole process. For a long time, I was convinced that I would never be able to run or squat again without pain, but with Kristin's support and guidance I have been proven wrong. The quality of life that I have regained this past year is indescribable, and for that I am forever grateful.

Fantastic experience: Oh man, I can’t sing Empowered PT’s praises enough. I’ve been to many PTs for a decade-old knee issue. I’ve never received the level of care that this team has shown to my specific problem. It’s not one-solution-fits-all-knee-problems. They are constantly assessing YOUR body to address YOUR unique treatment plan. I thought I’d never run again and they aren’t accepting that as my fate. Hallelujah for these homies!

Fantastic experience: Most people think that skydiving injuries come from the parachute not working, but these folks might be surprised to know that quite a few more injuries come from the parachute opening too fast (complete malfunctions are extremely rare). My parachute opened a little too fast. This is how I got to know the crew at Empowered PT. I live an active lifestyle. I skydive, snowboard, backpack, do CrossFit nearly every day. I require a lot of my body. My Physical Therapist, Dr. Kristin Wright, has not only helped me return to normal, but surpass it. I am stronger than ever, setting new PRs at the gym, healing past injuries, and gaining a deeper understanding of my body. I'm also learning to pack softer openings.

Fantastic experience: I have been going to Empowered PT for over 2 years. Alli and Kristin have helped me overcome injuries and continue to train through all of the setbacks. The facility is great and they have all the tools to address your rehab, or help you continue to dial in your strengths. Their method of care, personalities, and professional attitude are second to none. They are more than just my physical therapists. They are great friends who truly want to know what you care about as a person and a patient so they can help you live your most active and healthy life! The team continues to grow with the addition of their newest PT, Joe, who I am sure will help improve their abilities to provide the best care in the city. If you have any need for physical therapy, this is the only place you need to go.

Fantastic experience: I'm a few months into therapy at Empowered and glad for the journey. I've found the experience a life changer, a doorway into next level self care. I would commend this clinic to anyone seeking to get the most out of their sport, and to understand what best performance feels like. I'm about to turn 67, so it's never too late to go after the best "us". These professionals will help get me there. They are personal, skillful, and committed to excellence. Here's to a healthier, happier 2023. They can help.

Fantastic experience: Been working with Joe. I’ve seen significant progress in both my mobility and eliminating daily pain in my hips

Fantastic experience: Can’t say enough good things about Joe and Empowered. KC is lucky to have a place like this. I’ve struggled for years with on again and off again knee pain that has been holding me back progressing towards my goals. I’ve tried the traditional see my doctor get prescribed physical therapy, told to not workout while I heal only for the pain to come back again and again. Joe has helped me run longer distances than I have been able to run in years and enjoy movement pain free. So thankful for this place!

Fantastic experience: For two years maybe more I’ve been a part of the Empowered PT community. I’m so glad friends recommended Empowered. I’ve seen Dr. Kristin for my 59 yr old shoulder…sports, and lately, lots of pickleball have inflamed my already aging right shoulder. Manipulation, stretching and strength training along with state of the art dry needling techniques have been superbly helpful. Empowered is a fun positive environment run by super qualified professionals. In addition, Empowered has taken over my post-surgical foot/toe situation with great success. I recommend this group without reservation and look forward to my treatments!

Fantastic experience: They’re super knowledgeable, always friendly, and will give you the best advice to get you back where you need to be. I would recommend them to anyone/everyone!

Fantastic experience: I came in to Empowered Physical Therapy with torn cartilage in my hip hoping that I wouldn’t need to have surgery. Dr. Kristin Wright helped me right away, offering comprehensive therapies to strengthen my muscles and alleviate pain. Though I couldn’t avoid the surgery, she supported me and got me stronger as I prepared for surgery, and helped me get back on my feet, quite literally, as I recovered after surgery. She continues to tailor therapies for me as I regain my ability to become athletic again at 52. I always feel uplifted when I walk into the practice, and I am encouraged every step of the way. I feel known, valued and cared for by this team of professionals— so much so that I’ve referred a loved one who has a neurological movement disorder to them. Now he’s receiving the excellent care that I have been privileged to enjoy. I highly, highly recommended this practice.

Fantastic experience: They were able to determine the cause of my pain through a thorough and detailed examination. From that information they were able to construct a treatment program to get me out of pain and strengthen the areas in question so that the pain doesn’t return. Instead of asking me to change my active lifestyle they created a plan that fit my goals and way of life.

Fantastic experience: Bright clean well equipped facility. Team creates a wonderful welcoming vibe on first step inside the door. Importantly, knowledgeable and gets results by listening watching teaching encouraging and holding patient accountable. Somehow they do it with a smile and make sessions fun!

Fantastic experience: Alli and Kristin were great to work with. They identified my issue and created a plan that incorporated the long term view for my well being.

Fantastic experience: Kristen is smart, confident and competent. When you hurt it’s scary, and that turns into just as much of a metal/emotional hurdle as it is physical one. I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve been a handful and Kristen has really proven herself without even trying. She leads with confidence because she knows what she’s doing! She also has a wicked memory which is quite impressive!

Fantastic experience: Have greatly enjoyed going to Empowered PT. Dr. Kristin has helped me overall with the knee pain I suffered from during running, understand the root cause of the issues, and also introduced me into one of my now favorite forms of exercise, resistance training. I was so intimidated by the idea of going into a gym and figuring out how to lift weights and with her guidance and help I have no problem doing it all on my own now. I really found more than expected by going to Empowered, I was hoping for knee pain relief which happened but I also found a newfound enjoyment in resistance training.

Fantastic experience: I have glenoid dysplasia in both shoulders; something most doctors aren't even familiar with. For the past 7 years, I have woke up each morning knowing that by the end of the day, I'll be crawling back into bed with severe pain & low to no mobility in my shoulders. I typically couldn't even change clothes at the end of the day or tie my hair up, so I would sleep in my work clothes. My surgeon was able to help with one of them, but left me with no options for the other. The pain severely limited my ability to do my job, causing me to consider having to leave. When I called Allie to explain my situation, I let her know that if it sounded too complicated, that was fine. She quickly assured me I'm more than just a file on a doctor's desk & that Empowered would help me unwind everything that has been going on. At just 32 years old, I was told by many doctors & other physical therapists that I would have to adapt to the pain & plan for shoulder replacements down the road. I've been through physical therapy at least 6 other times, but I've never done any of the exercises that I'm doing at Empowered with Kristin. Everything is specifically tailored to what my needs are & addresses the whole body, not just the most obvious pain point. Kristin is never thrown when I explain a different type of pain or tightness & has helped me unravel the pain & identify the sources. I've made so much progress in the 2 short months I've been coming-- I can go several days with no pain sometimes now & when the pain does start, I now have tools to help alleviate it. I'm so glad I didn't give up, even when all of the other doctors & physical therapists did & I'm so glad I found Kristin at Empowered.

Fantastic experience: 120 points out of 100. When knowledge, skills, patience and vision are combine, it creates a formula for success. That’s what Alli is all about. She explains in detail the why’s and what’s; then she transforms it into a personal plan, she gives you a vision of what you can achieve and she becomes parts of the “team” it’s not just you alone trying to get better, to improve; you know you She is right there with you!

Fantastic experience: Can’t say enough great things about the team at Empowered!! Kristin and Alli were confident that their PT services would help me from the beginning. I could barely walk in the first day after tearing a meniscus in my knee. After a few sessions and weeks with Kristin, I was walking normal again, back at the gym and confident that what I learned would protect me from tearing my meniscus again. Also just the nicest people to work with! Thank you both!

Fantastic experience: Alli changed my life! She took the time to help me fully understand my injury and what changes I needed to make to improve it. I'm back to being active without pain for the first time in 2+ years! The entire Empowered Physical Therapy team is AMAZING!

Fantastic experience: I love Empowered PT! I came in because I am a runner and started having pain where my Achilles tendon meets the calcaneus at the back of my heel. I worked with Kristin who did an evaluation to see what was going on, and then followed up with an incredibly thorough summary email the following day. From there Kristin was able to not only focus on where the pain was, but she was able to show me where there were other weaknesses and mobility issues all the way up the chain and we came up with a plan to help alleviate the pain and also strengthen and increase mobility to prevent future injury and make me an overall better athlete. Not only that -- Kaitlin offers a strength training program specifically for runners called Run Empowered. I am in my first week of this program as I train for my first marathon this fall and have been incredibly pleased! I promise you these are some of the most knowledgeable and friendly people who genuinely care about your well-being! If you are looking for somewhere for your PT, look no further!

Fantastic experience: Alli and Kristin have created a great environment at Empowered PT. They obviously care about the progress you make, but they also care about you as a human. Your goals are their main focus and it shows. Pain or no pain, book an appointment with these two.

Fantastic experience: Struggling with back and shoulder pain, I was lucky to finally be referred to Empowered Physical Therapy, where rehabilitation of injuries lead to strengthening and correcting movements such that a year later I am back to lifting heavy without pain and have corrected years worth of bad movement. I can not recommend Empowered Physical Therapy highly enough. Even if you aren't in pain now, they can help your strength and stability - which can help avoid the pain in the first place. If you work out a lot, you need someone helping to make sure you do it correctly - Empowered PT can help.

Fantastic experience: I walked in to Empowered assuming I'd eventually need to go under the surgeon's knife, but walked out 10 weeks later with little to no pain near my injury site, improved strength and mobility of the affected muscle system and, most importantly, the knowledge of how to continue to improve and rehab my body. Alli has no hesitation in voicing her disdain for excluding activities from your life by simply accepting an injury. She's dedicated to empowering her clients with the tools necessary to move forward in life without restrictions!

Fantastic experience: Dr. Alli Brattin-Volkens at Empowered Physical Therapy goes the extra mile! Professional, helpful and careful! Dr. Alli is very knowledgeable and has such passion for helping people get back to their normal routine! Excellent experience! The one-on-one therapy is unique and so personalized!! I felt the undivided attention for one hour with each visit. I would definitely recommend!

Fantastic experience: Ali quickly gets to the heart of your problem. Her advice was spot-on,. Sent me home with a practical easy to follow program. Highly recommend.

Fantastic experience: I have never met a healthcare provider like Dr. Alli. After 6+ months of extreme shoulder pain and being told by numerous doctors that surgery was my only option, I felt I had exhausted all paths to avoid surgery. But luckily I was recommended to try Empowered Physical Therapy. Thankful I have had the pleasure of being treated by Dr. Alli Brattin-Volkens and by after only a couple months I was able to go about my day to day life without pain while still maintaining the daily exercising life style I love and need... without surgery! Her knowledge about the human anatomy, body movement and mechanics is incredible and reassures that you are in good hands. But this isn’t what sets her apart. It is her passion that can be seen, heard, and felt just by one session with her. She not only makes sure she treats your main point of pain, but also explains why, and what can be done proactively for the patients overall well being. She is honest in doing what is best for the patient and genuinely wants to see her patients excel. Dr. Alli’s passion drives her to continuously learn and gives me consolation knowing if I ever need any other treatment in the future, her door is always open and her knowledge is continuing to expand. Her physical therapy ideology and healthcare approach is one of a new era that holistically advances the patience’s overall well-being and is for anyone who wants to feel healthy and move well should invest in.

Fantastic experience: I made more progress in two weeks at EPT than in two months at my previous PT. If you are used to being and feeling athletic, Alli can get you back in business.

Fantastic experience: Working with Alli has been a joy. She is knowledgeable and informative, she takes time to answer all my questions and finds sources to explain or show pictures to further make clear what is going on internally. Alli is sympathetic and encouraging. I feel like she not only wants me to be fully functioning again but she believes it is possible!

Fantastic experience: Alli is different than other PT's I've worked with. She focuses on what will work for me to be independent and meet my goals at home. She helped me figure out how to function in my daily life with chores so I could do what I need to do without pain. Rather than put me on equipment that I don't have access to at home, she showed me exercises that I can do to be and stay strong without the need for a gym membership to use equipment. I'm so grateful for her help and feel so much stronger and better equipped to function in my daily life. Thank you, Alli!

Fantastic experience: Working with Alli was absolutely amazing! From day 1 I could tell that I had met someone who cares about my recovery just as much as I do and is fully invested in pushing me to get there.

Fantastic experience: Working with Alli was hands down AMAZING, and in my opinion the best PT I’ve ever had. I had ankle ligament surgery in mid July and was non weight barring, Alli helped me get back to where I was before if not better! I was told by my doctor I wouldn’t be back playing softball for a year but after working with her I was back on the field in no time! I 10/10 recommend her if you’re an athlete coming back from an injury. She really challenges you and pushes you to work hard and to be the best you can be! I loved my time with Alli and would definitely do it again without a thought!!

Fantastic experience: Alli has been fantastic to work with. She helped me with my knee and lower back rehab. I have struggled with knee issues for quite some time which has included 4 knee surgeries, multiple injections, and countless hours of rehab. When doctors suggested physical therapy I would dread it because I never felt they were listening to me and what I needed, they were just following a protocol and I was just another patient. Not to Alli though, I enjoyed going to see her because I knew she had put time and effort into putting a plan together specifically for me. Now I feel the best I’ve felt in YEARS, and that includes when I was playing college softball. I’ve been able to get back into almost every single activity I did with little to no pain and that’s because of seeing Alli.

Fantastic experience: Alli is the best! I had a sports related injury and was referred to her for physical therapy by one of the chiropractors that works with the Kansas City Chiefs. She is very passionate about getting people feeling and functioning their best, and makes you feel very welcome and comfortable from the start. I loved how knowledgeable she was about the other medical / surgical related treatments that my injury required, and that she tailored my PT for optimal recovery from them. She not only focused on helping me with strengthening and healing the injury, she also focused on making sure all of my muscle groups were working together correctly, and helped me understand the importance of keeping the whole body in balance to avoid injuries and pain. I had tons of questions, and she explained everything clearly to me throughout the process. She followed up regularly, and sent photos and descriptions of workouts for me to do at home. Bottom line, I hated having the injury, but loved getting to know and work with Alli. She not only got me back to playing my sport, but also feeling stronger and healthier than I did before my injury. Highly, highly recommend!

Fantastic experience: I've been training in Olympic Weightlifting and overall Strength and Conditioning for several years. I reached out to Alli for help with shoulder and arm pain that I had been living with and ignoring for far too long! The issue consisted of extremely tight shoulders, the feeling of an impinged nerve near my rotator cuff and also in my right arm. When sleeping, my arm would often lose feeling as well. Alli started with a consultation and a strength & mobility assessment. During the consultation, she shared specifics of how we were going to help make it better over the next several weeks. She mapped out a PT plan which included exercises to do at home daily. Each week at PT built upon the next and Alli continued to tweak the exercises based on progress and provided customized solutions throughout the entire program. She even introduced me to dry needling, which ROCKED MY WORLD! Thanks to Alli's personalized therapy, I'm finally able to lift overhead without pain and my arm no longer falls asleep at night! I can't tell you how nice it is to not feel stress and pain in my shoulders any longer. I highly recommend her!

Fantastic experience: I have been working with Alli (Dr. B-V) for 4 months. I had back issues (surgery) and went to just about every health care profession out there - surgeon, chiropractor, massage therapist, several other PT’s. Alli’s approach is totally different from other other PT I’ve worked with or even known, in my life. She take her time to properly assess the SOURCE of the issue, and then builds a plan based on those areas of deficiencies. She is accessible always; she communicates quickly and effectively; her knowledge base is above and beyond what I would ever expect from a PT; she takes a holistic approach to health; plus, she’s just a lot of fun! I work so hard when I’m with Alli (and I’m a long-distance runner, so I know about hard work), and she sends me home w workout plans until we meet up again. If there was a 5 point scale on which to rate Alli, I would give her 10 points. Happily submitted! Dr. Lisa Douglass

Fantastic experience: Working with Alli has been such a pleasure! She is very knowledgeable, caring, and straightforward. I highly recommend her and felt that I got the best care. The 1 on 1 attention and helpful feedback I got with her expedited my recovery. She listened to my situation (sprained ankle) and then tailored my PT exercises for that injury and the sport I play. Not only did she help me improve my ankle strength/stability, she also looked at where I am compensating for weaknesses in my body. I feel much more confident in my body and its capabilities in the sport I play after seeing Alli. Again, I highly recommend her to any athlete!

Fantastic experience: My Daughter Kadence has been struggling with elbow pain since March of 2019. On May 27th, 2019 during a softball game she Injured her arm that sent us to the ER straight from the field. She was put in a sling for two weeks while waiting to get set up with PT at children’s mercy sports medicine. We attended PT twice a week since the first week of June and our last appointment there was the first week of August. It was a long tough summer of no softball for my daughter. The mental part of her injury was starting to take over and she was getting upset and frustrated that she still was not better. At our last appointment at children’s mercy, her PT wanted her to sit out the fall season as well and continue twice a week and said she would be back on the field for the spring season of 2020. That was not the answer we wanted to hear. I decided to get a second opinion and my daughters softball coach sent us Alli’s contact information. Alli is more than amazing! The one on one time she spends with my daughter once a week, has helped Kadence tremendously. Alli has not only helped my daughter with her physical injury but also has helped her to stay strong mentally! She truly cares about her clients and she goes above and beyond every week we see her. Having Alli as my daughters PT is honestly the best thing that could of ever happened for Kadence. We have attended once a week for 4 weeks now, and am so excited to say that my daughter will be taking the field this weekend for our first tournament since May, 27th. We can not thank Alli enough for everything she has done for Kadence, and we will continue to see Alli once a week for performance therapy to keep Kadence on track mentally and physically.