Pondera Rehabilitation & Fitness PC

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!!!!!!

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.