Kristen Spencer, MPT

Physical Therapist

Kristen has been practicing physical therapy for 8 years and is certified in Postural Restoration, an innovative concept of treating biomechanical imbalances by achieving and maintaining symmetry of muscle tone, joint position, breathing patterns, and neural input in both static and dynamic activities. She has a passion for sports and biomechanics and has dedicated herself to finding the root cause of pain and injury.

Kristen was a “military brat” throughout childhood, but ultimately grew up in Niceville, Florida. She is also an avid Los Angeles Dodgers fan, which led to her desire to become a physical therapist in the athletic arena. “When my favorite pitcher, Orel Hershiser, recovered from shoulder surgery and returned to pitching professionally, he raved about his physical therapist. At that moment I knew – that’s what I want to do!” Since then Kristen’s mission has been to utilize her love of sports and her unique treatment skills to not only prevent athletes from injury, but to give them the tools needed to perform at their best.

Kristen is an avid distance runner, outdoor enthusiast and dedicated mother. She is an active member of the Air Force Reserves after serving over 5 years active duty as a physical therapist. “The military has made me a stronger, more confident woman, and the Reserves allows me to balance that lifestyle with my family life.” In 2009, she moved to the Bethesda area from Warner Robins, GA with her husband, Evan, and son, Brayden….Brayden is now 5! And she has a newborn boy, Logan. She attended Samford University and the University of Florida.

Her professional experience also includes teaching Prenatal Fitness classes, presenting Running Clinics, instructing military personnel in first-aid on the battlefield, acting as an Air Force Fitness Monitor, and briefing injury prevention to incoming Fitness Monitors. Kristen feels strongly that continuing education is crucial for growth and providing her patients the best care possible. Some of her Continuing Education includes: Myofascial Release, Muscle Energy, Maitland joint mobilization of spine and extremities, Running Medicine, and Postural Restoration.

Professional Experience

• Bethesda, MD – Staff Physical Therapist, Postural Restoration Specialist, Farrell & Associates Physical Therapy
• Physical Therapist, Self-Aid and Buddy Care Advisor, Fitness Program Manager – United States Air Force Reserves Robins AFB, GA
• Staff Physical Therapist, Cantrell Center for Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine, Warner Robing, GA
• Staff Physical Therapist, United States Air Force, Robins AFB
• Assistant Chief of Physical Therapy, United States Air Force, Cannon AFB, NM

Continuing Education

• Postural Restoration Certified (2009), Postural Restoration Institute, Lincoln, NE
• Interdisciplinary Integration (2010), Postural Restoration Institute, Ron Hruska
• Temporal-Mandibular-Cranial Chain (2008), Postural Restoration Institute, Ron Hruska
• Postural Respiration (2008) Postural Restoration Institute, James Anderson
• Basic Myofascial Release Techniques (2007) Atlanta, GA
• Advanced Integration (2007, 2009) Postural Restoration Institute, Ron Hruska
• Myokinematic Restoration (2006, 2008) Postural Restoration Institute, Ron Hruska
• USAF PT/OT Symposium (2005) Sheppard AFB, TX
• E1: Extremity Evaluation & Manipulation (2005) University of St Augustine
• Running Medicine (2004) University of Virginia
• Principles in Manual Medicine (2003) Michigan State University, College of Osteopathic Medicine