Our goal in the development and delivery of your care is to provide the most practical and cost effective solutions for the issues that limit your optimal performance.
Our approach identifies the mechanical problems driving the issue using the most advanced and evidence based manual and physical examination techniques. We strive to localize and address the root of issues so that long term solutions and management strategies can be developed effectively and efficiently. The approach is thorough, holistic, and accessible.
One of the most important things we can provide you as physical therapists is an education. You will leave your treatment knowledgeable in the nature of your condition and how you can independently manage your issues in a way that fits your lifestyle.
Total recovery requires an active and informed approach and that is what you will receive at Union PT.
Seattle Physical Therapist
Our Philosophy
Mitch Owens
MSPT, COMT
Special Interests
Outside the Clinic
Mitch has been practicing physical therapy in Seattle since 2004 and he co-founded Union Physical Therapy in 2009 with his wife Elisa Owens PT. Mitch has advanced training in orthopedic manual therapy, and vestibular rehabilitation. He has researched and developed injury prevention programs for climbers, skiers and snowboarders, which he promotes locally and beyond. Mitch has worked with some of the regions top outdoor athletes including professional climbers. In addition to his work with outdoor athletes Mitch’s practice is focused on the rehabilitation of spine conditions. He has a whole body approach to treatment using focused strength training and manual therapy. His ultimate goal is to empower his patients so that they can build and maintain their physical capacity so they can get back out there.
Education:
Ithaca College BS Clinical Science
Ithaca College MS Physical Therapy
North American Institute of Manual Physical Therapy – Certified Orthopedic Manipulative Therapist
Connect Therapy Series – Graduate
APTA Vestibular Rehabilitation Specialist Competency – Graduate
Elisa Owens
DPT, CMPT
Special Interests
Outside the Clinic
Elisa has practiced physical therapy in the Seattle since 2005 and founded Union Physical Therapy with her husband Mitch Owens, PT in 2009. Elisa has advanced certification in manual physical therapy and she integrates this with specific movement and strength training to address a wide range of orthopedic issues. Elisa is committed to her ongoing professional development in order to maintain a high level of clinical expertise. Elisa played NCAA division I soccer and has a special interest in working with young and adult athletes looking to improve athletic performance and evaluate systems affecting performance related to sports and exercise. Elisa values the relationship she has with her patients and the unique opportunity to help individuals optimize their wellness and achieve their movement and lifestyle goals.
Education/Accomplishments:
University of Montana – Bachelor of Science (BS) in Exercise Science
NCAA Division I soccer
University of Montana – Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
North American Institute of Manual Physical Therapy – Certified Manual Physical Therapist (CMPT)
Connect Therapy Series – Graduate
Sarah Kaiser
DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT
Special Interests
Outside the Clinic
Sarah has been practicing physical therapy in the Seattle area since 2008. Her training in school was focused on identifying length and strength imbalances contributing to movement dysfunction, with emphasis on restoring proper movement patterns through targeted exercise. To augment her exercise based training, Sarah pursued continuing education in manual therapy, ultimately completing specialized certification in manual therapy for both the spine and the extremities. To further refine her skills, she completed fellowship level training in clinical diagnostics and manual therapy. Sarah utilizes her range of clinical skills in a patient-centric approach, in an effort to return each individual to their optimum level of health.
Education:
Seattle University, BS in General Science
Washington University in St. Louis, Doctor of Physical Therapy
International Academy of Orthopedic Medicine, Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist of the Spine and Extremities
American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties, Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy
International Academy of Orthopedic Medicine, Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists
Kristen Vaughan
DPT
Special Interests
Outside the Clinic
Kristen is an avid mountain enthusiast who is passionate about helping people achieve their goals and move towards a full and healthy life. She has been practicing physical therapy in Seattle since 2011 with a focus on orthopedics and sports medicine. She is committed to professional growth and providing the highest level of care in her practice. Her treatment style combines manual therapy with patient education, movement pattern optimization and targeted exercises.
Education:
Seattle Pacific University – BS Biology
University of Colorado – Doctorate of Physical Therapy
Continuing professional education in manual therapy, muscle activation technique, biomechanical assessment in running and cycling, vestibular rehab
Amanda Benson
DPT, OCS, CMPT
Special Interests
Outside the Clinic
Amanda has been practicing physical therapy in Seattle since 2005. Amanda has advanced training in manual therapy and incorporates a hands-on treatment approach with many of the people she works with. Amanda has a special interest in rehabilitation of the spine, shoulder, knee and ankle. She has experience working with motor vehicle collision patients, post-surgical patients, patients with acute injuries and patients with chronic pain. She has a certification in orthopedic manual therapy from the North American Institute of Orthopedic Manual Therapy (NAIOMT) and she has taken continuing education courses with the Postural Restoration Institute (PRI). Amanda shows commitment and dedication to her clients and works to build a unique treatment plan, tailored to each individual.
Education:
Bachelor of Science (BS) Exercise Science – Northern Arizona University
Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) with Graduate Certificate in Disability Studies – Northern Arizona University
Certified Manual Physical Therapist (CMPT) – NAIOMT
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
GRASTON Technique
Running Assessment
Jon Sparks
DPT, CSCS
Special Interests
Outside the Clinic
Education:
University of Washington – BA Political Science
University of Washington – DPT Physical Therapy
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
Continuing education through North American Institute of Manual Physical Therapy, international climbing medicine conferences, Athlete Movement System and running assessment.
Jessica Jortberg
DPT
Special Interests
Outside the Clinic
Jessica is excited to bring her enthusiasm and passion to help patients return to activities they love. In her career as a D1 cross-country ski racer, Jessica was inspired by the amazing physical therapists that aided in her rehabilitation through countless injuries. Her experiences served as a launching point to pursue a career in which she could provide the same outcome to others. She is dedicated to ensure that her patients receive the best care possible with the use of evidence-based practice and individualized treatment plans.
Education:
University of Denver – B.A. Environmental Science, B.A. Psychology
University of Washington – Doctor of Physical Therapy
Joshua Foster
DPT
Special Interests
Outside the Clinic
Josh is an avid climber, skier, and whitewater kayaker who is dedicated to helping others move better to enjoy the activities they love in any environment. Before becoming a physical therapist, he spent a decade working with nationally ranked youth climbers as a coach. Through many years of charging in the mountains, Josh brings important insight and understanding of movement patterns and demands of outdoor activities. In addition to his doctoral training in Physical Therapy at Sacramento State, Josh has studied running analysis, and collaborated with climbing physical therapists across the country to provide injury prevention education to the climbing community. Josh provides focussed, collaborative, and effective treatment plans to guide you back to the activities that inspire you to live your fullest life.
Education:
California State University East Bay, BS in Health Sciences
California State University Sacramento, Doctor of Physical Therapy
Michelle Klaue DPT
DPT, CSCS
Special Interests
Outside the Clinic
Michelle has been a practicing physical therapist in the greater Seattle area since 2020. She feels most at home on the water, in the mountains skiing and coaching in the gym. Michelle is passionate about helping athletes of all ages and abilities return to the activities they love. She knows the mental and physical battle of returning to activity after a substantial injury and looks forward to cheering on and guiding her patients every step of the way. Her individualized treatments focus on incorporating both evidence-based manual and exercise therapy in a way that is meaningful to the patient to improve functional performance and achieve both short and long-term goals.
Education:
University of Washington- BA Biochemistry
Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions- DPT
NSCA- Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist