Physical Therapy Spotlight: Christine Powers, PT
At Orthopaedic Hospital of Wisconsin, we are grateful to be home to some of the top orthopedic specialists in the region. This expert-level care extends beyond our surgical staff to each of our departments. Physical therapy is one of the many vital orthopedic specialties we provide, and our physical therapists have trained to help you recover from orthopedic injuries and conditions. One of our highly reputable physical therapists is Christine Powers, PT.
Christine currently serves at Orthopaedic Hospital of Wisconsin Wauwatosa Clinic. Her pursuit of providing the highest quality orthopedic care has afforded her a highly esteemed reputation over her many years of experience.
Inspired From a Young Age
From a young age, Christine’s fascination with medicine drew her towards a career as a doctor, particularly in surgery. However, her encounters with orthopedic issues during her formative years, magnified by her love for physical activities, especially soccer, led her down a different path.
“I played soccer all four seasons for many years and by the time I hit high school, I was competing at a high level, anticipating going to college on scholarship,” Christine said.
This life course changed when she endured a series of five knee surgeries during high school. Throughout this experience, Christine became immersed in the world of orthopedics. Her exposure to orthopedic surgeons and recognition of the importance of attentive physical therapy solidified her decision to pursue a career in physical therapy at age 15.
Determined To Help Others
Inspired by her experiences, Christine pursued her education at Marquette University. She selected Marquette for its esteemed physical therapy program and the opportunity for direct admission. The program allowed her to graduate in four years and swiftly embark on her chosen career path.
Throughout her academic journey, Christine faced challenges head-on, balancing full-time studies with working 30 hours per week to support herself. Her work ethic and dedication propelled her toward success, making her the first in her family to attend college.
“During these four years, I discovered what it meant to work hard,” Christine said. “I was determined to succeed, and that meant applying all my efforts to make this goal happen.”
A Holistic Approach
Entering the professional realm, Christine immersed herself in acute care and inpatient rehabilitation settings to hone her skills. During this time, she gained a comprehensive understanding of patient needs.
“I always knew orthopedics and sports medicine is where I wanted to practice, so I intentionally started my career in acute care and inpatient rehab to develop those skills and forever remind myself of where patients start,” Christine said.
Her diverse experiences, ranging from general acute care to working with professional athletes from the Milwaukee Brewers, the Milwaukee Admirals, and the Milwaukee Wave, shaped her approach to therapy and solidified her dedication to optimizing patient mobility and longevity.
Making an Impact at OHOW
After honing her skills in various healthcare settings, Christine found her professional home at St. Mary’s Sports Medicine. She credits her mentor for taking a chance on her and fostering her growth.
“I became a sponge, absorbing everything I could from a group of ten of the best therapists I could surround myself with to become the therapist I am today,” Christine said.
Within this encouraging environment, Christine and her colleagues seized the opportunity to create an orthopedic center that would later evolve into Orthopedic Hospital of Wisconsin. Invited by Dr. Donald Kuehn, one of its founding members, Christine eagerly joined this endeavor driven by a shared vision of providing unparalleled orthopedic care.
Their mission was simple yet profound: to treat patients with the same care and compassion they would want for their own loved ones. Her efforts aided in establishing OHOW as a center of excellence in orthopedic healthcare.
Commitment to Patient-Centered Care
At OHOW, Christine’s commitment to patient-centered care shines through her comprehensive approach, focusing on entire-body well-being. She emphasizes manual therapy and movement education to optimize alignment and muscle balance, empowering her clients to take charge of their health.
“Being able to see the entire kinetic chain from the ground up and identifying how each body segment feeds off each other just makes sense to me,” Christine explained. “Segmentally, you cannot effectively treat a neck or shoulder if you haven’t started at the ground and stacked them in a manner that efficiently engages them.”
Viewing her clients as partners in their rehabilitation journey, Christine prioritizes communication and education. By fostering understanding, she facilitates progress and empowers her clients to achieve their goals and improve their quality of life.
“I strive to teach skills that assist clients in achieving their movement goals and developing lifelong strategies for physical health,” Christine explained. “Communication and education are key. If the client understands what they are doing and why they are doing it, compliance and progress is easy.”
For Christine, being part of OHOW isn’t just about treating pain—it’s about embodying a patient-first philosophy centered on holistic well-being. Her commitment to comprehensive patient care is evident in her attendance at many continuing education classes throughout her career.
Christine has attended many more courses than is required, majorly in manual therapy, adding to her growing toolbox of physical therapy techniques. By continually improving her skillset, she upholds OHOW’s legacy of excellence, where patients receive top-tier care and support every step of the way.
“After treating one person, I frequently get family and friends with similar or different diagnoses. Clients seem to enjoy the comprehensive approach I offer,” Christine said.
To make an appointment with Christine, visit her physical therapy profile on our website.