“I believe being a physical therapist is not just about evaluation and diagnosis. It is about getting patients back to their lives equipped with the tools and education to maintain their activity. Being able to take a patient through the recovery process, by listening to my patients as a clinician, but also as someone who cares for their wellbeing, is very rewarding.”
Amber was first exposed to the field of physical therapy after undergoing a meniscectomy surgery from a soccer injury in high school. She attended San Diego State University and received her B.S. in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Pre-physical Therapy. She then continued on to earn her Doctorate of Physical Therapy at the University of Southern California. As a graduate student, she became more aware of the profession and her desire to excel in the field.
In 2009, after the completion of her doctoral degree, she further advanced her education and clinical specialty by taking on an Orthopedic Residency Program with Kaiser Permanente. Through the course of the program, she was mentored by top physical therapy clinicians in the Los Angeles area.
Amber spent much of her post doctorate time specializing in Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) training. is a way of using motor control patterns that are established in your early years for posture, movement, and gait. It emphasizes neurodevelopmental aspects of motor control in order to assess and restore dysfunction of the locomotor system and associated syndromes. It was established by neurologists/ physiatrists Vojta, Lewit, Janda, and Vele. Pavel Kolar took these neurodevelopmental and rehabilitation principles and organized them into clinical protocols that are designed to restore and stabilize locomotor function.
Amber’s love for the sport of soccer inspired her to continue to want to ensure players remain healthy and active. Thus, she spent time working with MLS team players, particularly with the LA Galaxy, ensuring smooth transitions for their training in and off season.
Amber believes that staying up to date with current research and attending continuing education courses is imperative to her growth as a successful clinician and, more importantly, to provide the best care possible to her patients. She believes in a collaborating with her patients in order to reach their desired goals, whether it is return to competitive sports, work, or just activities of daily living.
