Arete Physical Therapy

Experiencia fantástica: Kari is by far the BEST PT I’ve ever been to. I am a climber and have chronic shoulder and neck pain. She is so knowledgeable and talented with dry needling. She fixes me EVERY time. I don’t know what I’d do without her.

Experiencia fantástica: Kari is great! She's super helpful and was really knowledgeable about climbing injuries. I really like that she made up specific exercises and rehab for my wrist injury while working with me, rather than just giving a printed sheet of basic exercises and saying good luck.

Experiencia fantástica: Kari is an excellent and extremely compassionate PT. I came to her with a rather complex case and she has helped me immensely. She take a multi-faceted and holistic approach, which really has been the key to my recovery. Highly, highly recommend.

Experiencia fantástica: After 4 weeks of the custom exercise plan I have increased my ROM and flexibility. Stoked with the results. Dr. K. Paid attention to my needs, worked with me to find the appropriate exercises for increasing my ROM & flexibility, gave me a video & detailed description of the exercises and followed up to see how I was progressing. Great attention to detail and a solution that worked.

Experiencia fantástica: I've had nothing but great experiences working with Dr. Kari on both acute and chronic injuries. Her athletic background, knowledge, and understanding significantly aided the treatments I was prescribed which were very effective. She is very personable, has a great range of tools at her disposal, and is up to speed with the latest science around various modalities. I'd recommend her to anyone looking for a great, local PT whatever your goals may be.

Experiencia fantástica: I had 3 sessions now and couldn't be happier! I came to Kari at the back end of months of physio after a surgery feeling a bit stuck... Every exercise programme has been designed by Kari to be doable, just enough challenging, engaging and effective but also varied... I actually found myself enjoying physio after months and months! The gains in strength and movement have been significant every week. During the sessions, Kari is engaged, knowledgeable and genuinely psyched for the achieved gains and the gains to come. I highly recommend Arete Physical. You will find someone genuinely engaged in your needs with vast knowledge.

Experiencia fantástica: I have been a client of Kari's since the fall of 2019. I injured my shoulder in the spring of 2018, at it progressed to the point where I could barely climb V3 without severe pain in my shoulder. I went to a PT over the summer, but he wasn't very familiar treating climbers, and my injury persisted. I started seeing Kari the following fall, and through dry needling and shoulder mobility/strengthening, I was back to climbing at my max by January. Recently I tweaked a finger, and having little experience with finger injuries, I sought her advice on a treatment plan. She allayed a lot of my fears and gave me good common sense practices for treatment and prevention. Kari is extremely knowledgeable of the physical stresses of climbing, and how to effectively treat chronic or acute injuries and get you climbing again.

Experiencia fantástica: Highly recommend to anyone who is having stress/frustration about climbing injuries. Having the peace of mind that you are working with an expert on climbing is priceless.

Experiencia fantástica: Kari keeps me doing what I love. If you are serious about your sports and need to keep going she is the one to see! To all the climbers... She has helped me with several hand/pulley injuries over the years

Experiencia fantástica: Kari is such an amazing PT! I was thankful to hear of her practice through a friend and couldn't happier with the service she provided. Her understanding and ability to explain specific climbing injuries is astounding. If you're a climber and need a physical therapist...Kari is the one.

Experiencia fantástica: If you are a climber I highly recommend checking out Arete PT for any physical issues or injuries related to the sport. Kari is extremely knowledgeable and can help with a range of things from treatment to longer term strength exercises. I would definitely go back in the future with any PT related issues.

Experiencia fantástica: Coming into my first session with Dr. Kari, I had been dealing with serious wrist pain resulting from a history of climbing-related injuries, debilitating to the point I could no longer easily participate in the sport I love. I had seen various other doctors and PTs, but their treatments and recovery plans failed to understand or factor in the unique strains posed by serious climbing, and none could put me in a place where I could participate again in the activity. Kari took the time not only to consider the injury itself, but also to determine how I could rehabilitate it while continuing the training necessary for me to progress athletically in my sport. She considered the broader context of my climbing goals while determining an appropriate stretching/strengthening routine that interfered minimally with my ability to continue climbing. The process was personally tailored to my needs as an athlete to a degree I had not experienced before from doctors or PTs, while being simultaneously exceedingly professional in scope and efficacy. Kari is the reason I am able to climb today, harder than I ever have, without pain after years of it holding me back from my goals. To anyone finding themselves in a similar situation, whether a climber or any other athlete, I truly cannot recommend any physical therapist more highly.

Experiencia fantástica: I would say that I was rather fortunate that Kari became my physical therapist when I needed physical therapist. Dating back to July 2015 and unfortunately multiple surgeries, some not related to her area of expertise, Kari managed to come up with various programs that fit my physical needs and get me back to where she knew I would excel. When I needed dry needling, she worked wonders on those areas, and I would walk out of a session feeling better than I did. It always amazed when I would come in and I was dealing with a new aliment, not always related to my knees or shoulders, Kari managed to work wonders for me. When it comes to your body needing physical therapy, Kari knows her stuff, she is driven to give you the best care and I trust her implicitly. Her personal experience with injuries gives her the ability to commiserate with her patients and that is just one thing that makes Kari an outstanding physical therapist. I still apply what I learned from her and I still refer to her as My Physical Therapist!

Experiencia fantástica: I have been seeing Kari for over 5 years now, without her I wouldn't be able to walk! I deal with failed back surgery syndrome and her trigger point dry needling has worked wonders on me. Kari knows her stuff when it comes to ANY part of the body. If you have an ache or a pain...trust in Kari she will get ya feeling better in no time. She also has wonderful bedside manner. In her spare time (not sure how she has that) she teaches young rock climbers how to take care of themselves and what stretches to do. She is absolutely wonderful.

Experiencia fantástica: Kari has been an excellent find as a PT. She has a great combination of passion, enthusiasm, and experience. As an above-knee amputee, my body has some unique challenges. Kari is really easy to talk to to discuss problem areas and treatment alternatives. The results have been awesome.

Experiencia fantástica: I have been working with Kari for about two months now, since my injury. It’s been a blessing to have a PT that actually understands the nuances of climbing and mountain sports and realizes that I can’t just hang it all up for 12 weeks or more. She’s put together many detailed but easy to accomplish exercises that not only work actively on my current injury, but also help to solve the issues that brought me to that in the first place. She takes the time to listen and doesn’t just try and find a text book answer to a problem, knowing there are many different factors at play around the body. I would encourage any mountain athlete, especially climbers to seek out Kari’s help with any nagging ailments or acute injuries. She’s made me feel confident and strong and eased my mind that I will not only heal, but come back stronger.

Experiencia fantástica: Kari is an amazing PT who is incredibly knowledgeable of the human body (especially concerning climbing injuries and injury prevention). She has been helping me with injury prevention and management for years now, and I can say that PT really does work! You just have to do the work :). If you need PT or are in chronic pain due to your obsession with scaling stone, Kari is who you needa see.

Experiencia fantástica: I’ve been seeing Kari for climbing, running and work related injuries/soreness for close to 2 years now. She is a great PT and a wonderful person! She has been able to quickly address through dry needling and other techniques issues that I had been dealing with for years. I can’t recommend her enough!!

Experiencia fantástica: When I was looking around for a PT a lot of people recommend this guy and this lady. But most of them did not have an understanding of the mechanics are required by the body to perform the activities I am in to. I learned having a PT that has the experience or truely takes the time to understand what you love to do is such an underrated skill. It felt like most places I was just pushed through the system. And the people who point you to youtube it. Don't realize the balance and other minor muscles, joints, etc. that make up the whole kinematic chain. They seem to just want a quick fix not a long term solution. Until I met Kari I never had any the other PT ask me such insightful questions. But Kari took the time to understand what I love to do, want to do, and what life constraints. Most of the PTs I have engaged with misunderstand and succumb to their biases. Sure there are other good PTs out there. But Kari out of my 8 PTs I have met is the best I have ever met! The way she approaches your care and recovery sets you up for long term success not just getting back on your feet. For me with Kari being an avid high performing outdoor recreationalist from climbing, running, skiing, etc. it made a big difference in the care I needed and received. I cannot recommend Kari enough and will be coming from Fort Collins to be treated by such an expert. Her expertise shines through from her bedside manners, knowledge, active listening, inhouse treatments, and her psyche- to get you back stronger than ever before is so addicting! She was so good that even my girlfriend went to her and came back so surprised what a difference it makes when you come across such a an awesome individual!

Experiencia fantástica: Literally went from crippled mess to climbing v13 mostly due to Kari's experience. Her clinical acumen and bedside manner set her apart as one of the best in the country. Any injured individual needs Kari in their back corne, specifically climbers should seek her out for sport specific experience.

Experiencia fantástica: Dr. Kari Elste is not only the most upbeat and positive person you will ever meet, she is also so knowledgeable and passionate about keeping athletes performing at their top condition. I suffer from chronic hip pain from a former horse accident and I also rock climb. Kari has helped me manage the pain with dry needling and given me excercises to keep on top condition so that the pain will not hinder my climbing and horse riding adventures. Thank you so much Kari!! If you are active and you suffer from pain, Go see Kari!!!

Experiencia fantástica: Kari is very knowledgeable. She genuinely cares about what you are going through and helping you get better. She gave me my life back! Due to my chronic pain I was unable to climb, hike or play music. I went to multiple physical therapists before her who didn’t know what to do for me. When I found Kari she used massage, chiropractic and stretching techniques that had me leaving her office feeling anew. She provided creative treatment plans where I could consistently progress and manage my pain independently. She also helped me gain knowledge on climbing cross training to get stronger and avoid injury! I couldn’t be happier with my experience.

Experiencia fantástica: As a climber and aerialist (and former gymnast), I've been having wrist instability and pain for a while now. I met with Dr. Kari virtually to diagnose and make a PT plan to decrease my pain and strengthen my wrists. Not only is she an outstanding PT, but she's an amazing very active athlete that also understands the needs of an active aging person, like myself. She is so professional, understanding, and has incredible follow-up. I wish I'd live closer so we could meet in-person! Thanks Dr. Kari!

Experiencia fantástica: Dr. Kari is a fantastic resource if you’re looking for injury / pain relief! She is extremely knowledgeable in a number of treatment options and she really takes the time to create stretching routines and preventative care exercises for you to do on your own. We did dry needling and some chiropractic moves over three sessions; that plus the at home routine completely relieved my lower back pain and hip stiffness. Thank you so much Kari!

Experiencia fantástica: If you are looking for personalized and in-depth physical therapy approach, I would highly recommend Kari She took the time to listen and understand my issues. In my case, this was tight/sore calves interfering my running and climbing. We used dry needling to “calm” the muscles, but Kari went further than treating symptoms. She helped me understand the muscle imbalances and poor body mechanics that were the root cause. Together, we developed strategies and exercises to prevent my calves from being overworked. I ended up completing an ultramarathon shortly after with no issues!

Experiencia fantástica: Dr. Swank gave me a really effective tendinosis recovery plan. It was great to have someone who understands the wants & needs of climbers, and who took extra time to document the exercises thoroughly in addition to walking through it with me.

Experiencia fantástica: As an avid marathon runner I began to have significant knee pain before another one of my marathons. Dr. Kari performed some manual techniques in her clinic and gave me exercises to do at home and it was a miracle!!!! I was out running the next day and had NO pain what so ever. Her easy to follow exercises kept me feeling great for future marathons as well. I HIGHLY recommend Kari as a professional and very experienced PT. She is also VERY enjoyable and easy to talk to! I would go back without hesitation.

Experiencia fantástica: Kari of Arete Physical Therapy is wonderful! She is a climber and elite athlete herself, so she has in-depth knowledge of climbing movement patterns and the injuries that can result. Her dry needling and manual manipulation skills are amazing! She is always receptive to feedback and will modify your home treatment plan over time as you tell her what is/isn't working. And most importantly, she cares so much about all of her clients' well-being. It feels really good to have a PT that I know is "on my side" and that wants to use her skills to get me to the level of recovery and performance I am hoping for. Thank you, Kari!!

Experiencia fantástica: I had a online sesssion via google meet and was highly surprised by the professionalism of Kari, her recomendation for my lateral epicondyle elbow and the result i.e. getting better ... I can only endorse Kari for her therapy

Experiencia fantástica: Kari is amazing! I had nagging shoulder pain for multiple years. I saw her for 3 sessions and have been feeling great ever since. I now see her a couple times per year to keep me feeling good. She has given me simple exercises that take 5 minutes a few times a week that keep me healthy. 10 out of 10 would recommend. Especially for rock climbers and any other athletes!

Experiencia fantástica: I’ve worked with Kari on and off for 3-4 years for a variety of injuries, both climbing related and traumatic injury recovery. Her knowledge and passion for climbing and treating climbers is high. Her skills with various modalities, especially trigger point dry needling, surpasses all other PTs I have worked with over the years.

Experiencia fantástica: Dr Kari is a thorough and compassionate Physical Therapist. Not only does she patiently listen to your concerns but she also ensures that your lifestyle is prioritized and reflected in your treatment and recovery plan. I have regained the ability to climb, bike, hike, etc after shoulder injuries, herniated discs, finger injuries and car accidents because of Kari’s expertise and persistence in treatment. In contrast to other larger PT clinics, a session with Kari means that you are always getting a thorough evaluation and treatment of the ‘big picture’ of your pain. She understands how the movement needs of athletes differ from an every day individual and that means that you will come out of PT stronger than you were before. Can not recommend PT with Dr. Kari enough!!

Experiencia fantástica: Kari is an incredibly talented physical therapist with a sterling set of professional skills! Over the years, I've wholeheartedly trusted Kari to help maintenance my shoulder post-surgery and assist with a plethora of other challenges such as finger and hip pain. With her sports background and passion for climbing, Kari appreciates the outdoor enthusiasts need to get back to doing what they love (which I need in a PT). Kari explains what she observes, what she is doing, and what you can do on your own to heal as safety and quickly as possible. She is an excellent listener and it is clear that you have Kari's undivided attention when she is treating you. I couldn't give Kari a stronger endorsement!

Experiencia fantástica: Kari at Arete PT is amazing! As an older climber/cyclist/runner, I've discovered I need a regular dose of PT to keep injuries from turning chronic. Kari manages to get an incredible amount of treatment into a single session, without it ever feeling rushed. With her experience, she often knows areas I need treated even before I realize they need to be treated. Her great care is enabling me to continue to stay highly active.