APTA Washington

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APTA Washington

The Washington Chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association

04/22/2026

More moments from the April 18 APTA Washington Student SIG Advocacy in Action event on the West Side.

Student leaders and participants came together to strengthen their advocacy skills, engage in important conversations, and represent the future of the profession with professionalism and purpose. The dedication shown throughout the day reflects a strong commitment to advancing issues that impact practice and patient care.

Thank you to everyone who contributed their time, energy, and leadership to make this event a success.
The East side will have their event this Saturday, April 25 at Whitworth University.

04/21/2026

Last night, APTA Washington’s Board of Directors came together with our facilitator to begin shaping the framework for our next strategic plan. We took an honest look at our successes, our challenges, and why we didn’t fully meet some of our goals—so we can learn and move forward with greater clarity.

Thank you to everyone who completed the membership survey—we hear you. Your feedback is directly informing our priorities, with payment and reimbursement as the top priority, legislative advocacy, meaningful resources, and expanded CEU and networking opportunities.

We’re carrying this work forward as we prepare for our in-person meeting in May.

Strong organizations don’t just celebrate progress—they reflect, listen, and evolve. This is how we move the profession forward.

04/20/2026

Student Advocacy in Action Event this past Saturday!

Students gathered at Green River College for impactful practice and patient panels, meaningful networking, and opportunities to strengthen their advocacy skills. Events like this highlight the importance of connection, shared learning, and engagement in advancing our profession.

Thank you to the APTA Washington Student Special Interest Group for organizing such a strong and well-executed event. In recognition of National Volunteer Month, we also want to acknowledge the dedication and leadership of the student leaders who made this event possible. Your commitment continues to move the profession forward.

Looking forward to continuing the conversation and momentum on the Eastside this Saturday!

04/14/2026

Call for Award Nominations – Due May 15!

APTA Washington is now accepting nominations for our annual awards recognizing outstanding contributions to the profession, the Association, and our community. Help us celebrate those who are making a meaningful impact in physical therapy across Washington!

🏆 Award for Clinical Excellence
Recognizing a member with at least 10 years of clinical practice who has made lasting contributions to patient care, mentorship, education, and the advancement of physical therapy practice.

🏆 Donna El-Din Distinguished Service Award
Honoring a member whose long-term, consistent service has supported the mission and goals of APTA Washington—often the unsung heroes who strengthen our Association over time.

🏆 PT of the Year Award
Awarded to an active PT member who demonstrates exceptional involvement in Association activities, leadership, advocacy, and service above and beyond the average member.

🏆 PTA of the Year Award
Recognizing an active PTA member who demonstrates outstanding engagement and contributions to Association initiatives, committees, advocacy, and member support.

🏆 Joseph Black Friend of Physical Therapy Award
Honoring an individual outside the profession who has made a significant and positive impact on physical therapy through advocacy, collaboration, or support at the local, state, or national level.

Submit your nominations by May 15! Link in bio.

Help us recognize those who are advancing our profession and strengthening our community—nominate someone deserving today!

04/09/2026

Celebrating Our Volunteers!

April is National Volunteer Month, and we’re grateful for all the amazing volunteers who make APTA Washington thrive!

Your time and dedication drive advocacy, support professional growth, advance reimbursement efforts, and help build an inclusive, supportive community—strengthening our profession and shaping its future.

APTA Washington is fueled by volunteers like you—thank you!

Want to get involved? Message us to learn how you can make a difference!

04/07/2026

Meet Your Mentor — APRIL Open Mentorship Office Hours

Join us for Open Mentorship Hours this week with Kara Stadshaug, PT, DPT, CLT, PHC, a dedicated clinician at Kitsap Physical Therapy and Sports Clinic since 2013 passionate about advancing care in abdominal and pelvic health, as well as lymphatic and oncologic rehabilitation.

Kara brings a strong commitment to bridging gaps in care and education. Her work focuses on bowel, bladder, and sexual dysfunction, as well as treatment for swelling and lymphatic dysfunction-related conditions. She is especially passionate about supporting patients diagnosed with cancer, helping guide them through a restorative and palliative journey from illness to improved function and quality of life.

Kara strives to be a “mover and shaker” in evolving how care is delivered in these often underrepresented areas of physical therapy, using both clinical expertise and community connection to expand access and awareness.

During mentorship hours, Kara will discuss:
• Sensory-based perspective to pediatric pelvic health
• Sensory and therapeutic play ideas for bowel, bladder education
• Be patient. Make your treatment plans simple, significant, and consistent.

Originally from Idaho, Kara moved to Washington for college and quickly fell in love with the Pacific Northwest. Outside of work, she enjoys CrossFit, reading, playing cribbage with her husband, and cooking with her kids.

Kara looks forward to connecting with mentees, sharing her clinical insights, and supporting those interested in expanding their knowledge in pelvic health, lymphedema care, and oncology rehabilitation.

Wednesday, April 8 • 7:00–8:00 PM (PT)
Zoom
Meeting ID: 863 8346 1312
Passcode: 035296

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86383461312?pwd=is5gQ7BoCjWZv7FjdGZYUKT5iyXg4U.1

04/02/2026

PT For Future Me

If you are familiar with APTA's Choose PT, this is their new campaign. Find resources and learn more by visiting https://www.choosept.com/future-me

From first steps to golden years, Americans want to live longer, healthier lives. Yet many don't realize physical therapy is a powerful tool to help make it happen. PT For Future Me highlights how physical therapy supports movement, wellness, and independence at every stage of life through personalized health and wellness plans to suit your needs and abilities.

03/31/2026

APTA Washington would like to thank our longtime partner, Kitsap Physical Therapy. Your partnership since 2002 is deeply valued, and we truly appreciate the continued support you provide to the profession and the association!

03/30/2026

APTA Washington APRIL Monthly Open Mentorship Office Hours

APTA Washington is pleased to continue its Monthly Open Mentorship Office Hours with a session focused on Pediatric Pelvic Health.

Mentor: Kara Stradshaug, DPT, CLT, PHC

Learning Objectives
Participants will be able to:
• Describe key considerations in pediatric pelvic health
• Discuss effective communication strategies for working with pediatric populations and their families
• Engage in case-based discussion highlighting best practices in care

Who Should Attend: Washington PTs, PTAs, and students

Cost: Free (no membership required)

This session is appropriate for students, early-career clinicians, and experienced practitioners seeking to expand their knowledge in pediatric pelvic health.

📅 Wednesday, April 8
🕖 7:00–8:00 PM (PT)

💻 Zoom
Meeting ID: 863 8346 1312
Passcode: 035296
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86383461312?pwd=is5gQ7BoCjWZv7FjdGZYUKT5iyXg4U.1

03/27/2026

APTA is taking you inside the work that shapes our association. 📌

Join us for the APTA All‑Member Annual Meeting on April 16 to get a breakdown of what goes on behind-the-scenes.💡Get a deep dive on what we’re focusing on, why it matters, and how it supports your career. 💻

03/26/2026

APTA Washington’s Private Practice Special Interest Group hosts an annual conference in Lake Chelan each March.

If you own, run, or are considering starting a business, being part of this SIG is invaluable. The insights, resources, connections, and networking opportunities it offers are truly unmatched.

In addition to a full weekend of learning and connection, they held their chapter meeting and a Political Action Committee (PAC) fundraiser event.

Peak Digital did a phenomenal job capturing the highlights of the weekend

03/25/2026

In a week, the King District is hosting an Education Night on March 31, 2026, at 7:00 PM!

Guest speaker, Dr. Camille Clinton from Evergreen Orthopedics, will present on the expanding BEAR Procedure—an innovative approach to ACL repair that avoids graft harvesting. This is a unique opportunity to learn from a leading surgeon in King County with several years of experience performing this procedure.

The session will be held virtually. Please click the link in bio to register your email address—meeting details and the Google Meet link will be sent a few days prior to the event.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdy7tWMvd2YV9VjDpEbsoVlsSGjsAg2T0cZYvg33V60aDAW6A/viewform

Address

208 Rogers Street NW
Olympia, WA
98502

Telephone

+13603527290

Website

http://www.aptawa.org/

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