Business Details
Personalized Physical Therapy in Seattle
At Next Step Physical Therapy, we bring over 27 years of specialized expertise in physical therapy to Seattle, WA. Our owner and sole practitioner, Karen Calara, combines advanced training in sports biomechanics, manual therapy, and functional exercise to create personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's unique needs. We prioritize one-on-one care with hour-long appointments, ensuring comprehensive evaluations and targeted interventions that address root causes rather than symptoms. Karen's holistic approach integrates cutting-edge techniques with individualized home exercise programs, fostering lasting improvements in mobility, strength, and overall well-being.With a proven track record of success across diverse patient populationsfrom elite athletes to expectant motherswe remain committed to delivering compassionate, evidence-based care that empowers patients to achieve their specific health goals. Our practice emphasizes clear communication, timely follow-up, and collaboration with referring physicians to optimize outcomes.
Services
Physical Therapy
Sports Biomechanics
Manual Therapy
Functional Exercise
Strength Training
Gait Analysis
Orthotics Consultation
Prenatal Rehabilitation
Injury Recovery
Performance Optimization
Highlights and features
- 27 years of specialized physical therapy experience in Seattle
- One-on-one hour-long appointments with personalized treatment plans
- Holistic approach combining manual therapy and functional exercise
- 24/7 email access for exercise guidance between sessions
- Accepted by all major insurance providers
What people say
Personalized care
Lasting results
Expertise in biomechanics
Timely email support
Highly recommend
Services
Physical Therapy
Customized physical therapy programs address musculoskeletal injuries, chronic pain, and mobility limitations through evidence-based techniques. Karen develops individualized treatment plans combining manual therapy, targeted exercises, and patient education. Services focus on restoring function, preventing re-injury, and improving quality of life through one-on-one care sessions lasting one hour.
Sports Biomechanics
Advanced gait and movement analysis identifies biomechanical inefficiencies contributing to injury or performance limitations. Video assessment combined with hands-on evaluation informs corrective exercise programs and footwear recommendations. This service helps athletes of all levels improve efficiency, reduce injury risk, and enhance sports performance through data-driven interventions.
Manual Therapy
Specialized manual techniques address soft tissue restrictions, joint mobility issues, and muscular imbalances. This hands-on approach includes deep tissue mobilization, joint mobilizations, and neuromuscular re-education to accelerate healing and pain relief. Sessions integrate patient education for self-management between treatments.
Functional Exercise
Individualized exercise programs improve strength, flexibility, and movement patterns for daily activities and athletic performance. Focus on core stability, posture correction, and functional movement retraining helps patients achieve lasting improvements in pain-free mobility and physical capacity.
Injury Recovery
Comprehensive recovery programs for acute injuries and chronic conditions combine targeted interventions with progressive exercise plans. Services address post-surgical rehabilitation, stress fractures, tendon injuries, and sports-related trauma through phased approaches that balance healing requirements with functional goals.
People
Karen Calara
Owner/Practitioner
Karen Calara, MSPT, CSCS, has over 27 years of physical therapy experience in Seattle. Specializing in sports biomechanics and manual therapy, she creates personalized treatment plans for patients ranging from elite athletes to prenatal clients. Her one-on-one approach emphasizes lasting recovery through comprehensive evaluations and targeted interventions.
Jamie Flaxman
Business Director
Jamie Flaxman manages administrative operations at Next Step Physical Therapy, ensuring smooth clinic functionality and patient support. With Karen Calara's clinical expertise and Jamie's operational leadership, the practice maintains its focus on delivering exceptional personalized care.
Questions
What happens during the first physical therapy session?
The first visit focuses on comprehensive evaluation: structural assessment, movement analysis, and discussion of health goals. Karen creates a customized treatment plan and provides initial home exercises.
Do you treat non-athletes or specific populations?
We treat all patients regardless of activity level, including prenatal/postpartum women, runners, office workers, and individuals with chronic pain or post-surgical needs.
How does insurance billing work?
We bill most major insurers directly as a courtesy. Patients pay co-pays at each session. Verify our participation with your specific insurance plan before starting care.
Can you accommodate pet allergies?
Our clinic has a therapy dog. Patients with allergies can request allergy accommodations or schedule appointments when the dog isn't present.
What should I wear to appointments?
Wear comfortable athletic clothing and shoes. Bring daily footwear examples and any relevant prescriptions or medical records for your initial visit.
How long does treatment typically last?
Treatment duration varies by condition. Chronic issues typically require 6-8 weeks with weekly sessions, while acute injuries may need more frequent visits for shorter periods.
