Pondera Rehabilitation & Fitness PC

Experiencia fantástica: If you’re looking for an extremely knowledgeable trainer and DPT, Kirsten is amazing! Her deep experience in anatomy, sports medicine, quality movement, and strength training means she’s the perfect PT and trainer for anyone who wants to enjoy (and excel in) their favorite physical pursuits. Her expertise in feet, ankles, knees, and the pelvic floor are second to none. She also knows her stuff when it comes to all joints: shoulders, spine, hips, and more. Kirsten is intuitive, welcoming, and super smart. You always feel reassured and supported in her presence. We’ve worked together on several strength training initiatives, so I’ve witnessed firsthand her work ethic and problem-solving prowess. I always learn a lot from her, and you will too!

Experiencia fantástica: Working with Kirsten has changed my life. After seeing her for an injury it was apparent I needed to build muscle and my strength. She not only helped steer me in the right direction for my treatment and recovery but she has been instrumental in helping me become my strongest and best self. Our personal training sessions have given me the tools and confidence I needed to reach my goals. I was barely able to lift 5 pound weights when I started seeing her and now I’m working with 30 pound kettlebells and curling 12 pounds weights. I wish everyone had someone like her.

Experiencia fantástica: Avoided Surgery Thanks to Kirsten's Expert Care After struggling with heel pain for over a year, I was desperate for relief. Every step was painful, and surgery was the only option my podiatrist presented. When I mentioned I wanted to try physical therapy he did not see that as an option. Determined to explore non-surgical solutions, I found Kirsten and I am beyond grateful that I did. Kirsten's advanced training in foot health was evident from the start. She diagnosed that the root cause of my heel pain was from my achilles tendon. She developed a personalized program specifically tailored to my needs. The program was not only easy to follow, but also adaptable to my busy schedule. What truly impressed me was the benefits I experienced. Not only did Kirsten's program help my heel pain, but it also addressed my bunions and helped strengthen my feet to the point where I no longer need custom orthotics. I now walk pain- free, which is something I thought was impossible a few months ago. Without Kirsten's expertise and personalized approach, I would have almost certainly undergone surgery. If you are struggling with foot pain, and/or seeking non-surgical options, I cannot recommend Kirsten highly enough. She is truly exceptional!

Experiencia fantástica: I’ve gone through Kaiser PT for plantar fasciitis and hamstring tendinitis. I wasn’t getting relief until I saw Kirsten at Pondera. She’s been so amazing with getting me back to running. I recommend her to everyone I know :)

Experiencia fantástica: Kirsten is absolutely wonderful! We were referred to her by a friend and since then my family has seen her for a few different injuries. Each time she has provided excellent one-on-one attention, a thorough evaluation and a personalized therapy plan. She takes the time to fully listen and is genuinely invested in helping her patients recover. She is extremely knowledgeable and is great at explaining complex issues in a straightforward way. She is also great at working with athletes, not only to recover but in creating a program that helps prevent future injuries. She is kind, compassionate, personable and always starts sessions on time. I am so grateful for her excellent care. We recommend her to our family and friends at every opportunity.

Experiencia fantástica: I went for neck pain after three visits to a chiropractor and multiple massages. Nothing helped and the pain was moving down my arms. After one visit and a list of exercises, I was on the road to healing. After two visits, I have no pain. I am continuing for a few more visits to strengthen to avoid future issues.

Experiencia fantástica: I can't say enough about Kirsten at Pondera. I have been training Brazilian jiu jitsu for over 20 years and been an active in the gym weight lifting and cross training for my sport for just about the same time. Normal injuries occur and when they pop up, I know just who to see! Kirsten not only has been able to clearly assess where my pain/injury is coming from but has helped me rehab foot pain and shoulder pain and pretty much everything in between. She understands athletes and our dedication to our sport and always creates a plan to help us return to what we love as soon as possible! In addition, when I was diagnosed with a torn labrum in my hip, Kirsten was the only PT I would trust to help me progress and return to the mat within 6 months after surgery! Working together she gave me a progressive plan that built my strength and agility back to a place where I not only felt comfortable training again, but I felt confident in my hip's ability. If you're an athlete who loves your sport but you're injured or dealing with a chronic injury that is keeping you from doing what you love, schedule an appointment ASAP! You won't regret it!

Experiencia fantástica: Stephanie worked with me to resolve bladder issues. I was impressed with her deep knowledge and understanding of the pelvic floor. She was personable and concerned throughout the course of treatment. I would definitely recommend Stephanie particularly prior to seeking surgical relief to bladder control issues!

Experiencia fantástica: So glad I found Pondera during my third pregnancy. I have experienced pelvic pain with all of my pregnancies, but this was the first time I went to physical therapy to help alleviate my discomfort. Totally worth it! I was so happy to work with Stephanie, she really took the time to understand what I was experiencing and was a wealth of knowledge and support. She helped to make my pain was much more manageable, and I was able to enjoy the last weeks of pregnancy all while preparing my body for labor and delivery. We were able to work together to come up with a plan for delivery, which went really smoothly, and I can’t wait to work with her postpartum to start putting my body back together after pregnancy.

Experiencia fantástica: Amy came highly recommended by my chiropractor and she did wonders for my post partum pelvic floor rehab! I had a much speedier recovery because of her and am so grateful to have found her. She even came to the house with all of her equipment which was so helpful as a first time mom and even helped entertain the baby while I was in therapy!

Experiencia fantástica: I was having issues with my right knee and could not figure out the problem. Nothing helped and none of the medical tests showed any problems. I went to Kirsten based on a recommendation from a friend. It was the best decision! Kirsten didn’t just try to get my knee to the point where it was tolerable. She asked me what I wanted to be able to do again and then worked through a plan to get me there. I highly recommend!!!!!

Experiencia fantástica: Pondera rehab helped me get my life back. After back surgery, 2 hernia surgeries, and a bladder surgery I was left with crippling nerve pain in my groin area. I was written off to pain management and told I would likely have life long nerve pain. I began working with the skilled therapists at Pondera and within the first few appointments I could already feel the progress. After 4 months of continued work with Pondera I am pain free and living my life again! I would highly recommend Pondera to anyone with pelvic pain related issues

Experiencia fantástica: Marathon runner’s nightmare - wake up the day after your last long run to find your knee five times the size it should be With only 4 weeks to the NYC marathon, I needed help, and quick healing. I’m truly grateful that my running friend, Ms Amy Zipp, owns this incredible rehabilitation facility, and was able to get me an appointment with Kirsten two days later. I was hopeful when Amy told me “Kirsten loves knees and feet” And love my knee she did! After the very first appointment, Kirsten was able to bring the swelling down significantly, and give me exercises I could start immediately at home to help the healing progress. With every appointment after, my knee felt better and better, and my hope to run the marathon returned. Within a couple of weeks, I was jogging on the treadmill, adding more dynamic movements to my strength training, and gaining confidence. Four weeks after not being able to walk, I finished my marathon! And the only part of my body that didn’t hurt was my knee I am SO grateful to Ponderosa for helping me heal, and getting me back to what I love. HIGHLY recommended for any runners who do not want to hear “just stop running” when they are injured.

Experiencia fantástica: Amy is incredible! I started having worsening pain from my knee into my sciatica 2 weeks before a marathon and wasn't sure if I'd even be able to run. She got me in quickly, did a thorough assessment and techniques to help right away. After seeing her a couple of times and doing the recommended treatment, I felt almost back to normal. With her help, I was able to run the race pain-free, which I did not think would be possible. She is helping me with preventative work now, and I am so grateful to her. I would highly recommend them for PT! They are professional, and also caring and personal.

Experiencia fantástica: Kirsten has a thorough knowledge of functional movement, strength and has repeatedly kept me going through injuries and other problems where other PTs could not help, highly recommended

Experiencia fantástica: Great experience.

Experiencia fantástica: I have been working with Kirsten Carmichael for a few years now. I torn my left rotor cuff completely during a training session. I have arthritis and am not a candidate for shoulder repair surgery. I am an artist and use this arm for my work. Kirsten has taken care of my rehabilitation. She referred me to Dr. Panero for platelet rich plasma treatments. She also recommended I find a Pilates instructor . We are now doing training sessions twice a week in her new facility that has a wonderful gym space!!! I am forever grateful to Kirsten. In her care I am healing and strengthening my shoulder to push out replacement surgery. Maybe indefinitely!!!!!!

Experiencia fantástica: Kirsten at Pondera is SIMPLY.THE.BEST. I've known her and benefitted from her expertise for the last 6 years and I can say without reservation that you will not find a more comprehensive, accomplished physical therapist in the local area. Take a look at her Instagram account (kirstencarmichael.dpt) where she profiles many of the different treatment modalities she utilizes to help patients. Kirsten excels at so many different facets of PT- rehab for injuries, rehab after surgeries, myofascial decompression, concussion treatment and recovery, and injury prevention and strength training for athletes. Want to get back to your active lifestyle? Kirsten is the physical therapist for you!

Experiencia fantástica: Amy is Amazing. Super helpful she is very knowledgeable, I have many weird ailments and she is very helpful in let you know avenues to get the help you need. I am grateful for her help. I was so nervous to call not knowing what was involved with Pelvic Floor Therapy. I am so glad i called she is very helpful and kind,