Dr. Kari Elste Swank PT, DPT
Dr. Swank is extremely passionate about collaborating with climbers, outdoor athletes and individuals of all backgrounds to enable them to meet their goals. As a former elite level gymnast now turned rock climber, she understands the rigors of athletics and has a special interest in injury prevention. For the past 11 years she has used her expertise to treat sponsored, professional and local climbers through skilled PT interventions, education on self care techniques and climbing specific exercises.
Dr. Swank would describe herself as a 5.13 sport junky, who enjoys long days in the alpine, climbs 5.11 trad and recently climbed the Nose in a day on El Cap.
Mission
Arete Physical Therapy’s mission is to partner with you in your health care journey, incorporating evidence based skilled interventions in an individualized physical therapy plan of care in order to optimize health and recovery. Ultimately, to keep you active in your sport while addressing an injury and return you to your sport healthier, stronger and more resilient!
My Story
Being born an Elste, means that gymnastics is in my genetics. My Grandma was a two time USA Olympic gymnast. By the age of 3, I was enrolled in tiny tot tumbling classes and went on to be an elite level and division one college gymnast. As a gymnast, my injuries were numerous, and many mismanaged, leaving my athletic goals unattainable. These experiences led me to complete my Doctorate of Physical Therapy with a passion for injury prevention and genuine desire to partner with the client to attain optimal health and recovery.
Professionally, I graduated with my Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from Regis University in 2011. I began my career working at an outpatient orthopedic clinic in Casper, Wyoming becoming a Certified Myofascial Trigger Point Therapist (CMTPT) and Certified Vestibular Specialist. Then I embarked on the journey of Travel Physical Therapy, gaining experience in a variety of physical therapy settings with a diverse population of clients all while exploring beautiful climbing areas out West. The last 6 years I’ve been based in Fort Collins, CO at a premiere outpatient orthopedic clinic primarily treating climbers, athletes and individuals with vestibular disorders. I also enjoyed bringing my Physical Therapist expertise as a climbing coach to the Fort Collins Youth Climbing Teams. Recently moving to Boulder, CO after getting “hitched”, I’m excited to collaborate with Front Range climbers and athletes through Arete Physical Therapy!