Stephanie Munson, PT, MPT
Stephanie Munson, PT, MPT, is a Senior Physical Therapist based in the Greater Seattle Area with over 31 years of experience in outpatient orthopedics. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on Health, Physical Education, and Sciences, followed by a Master of Physical Therapy from the University of Puget Sound. Her interest in physical therapy began as a competitive swimmer aspiring to become an athletic trainer, but a mentor guided her toward PT—a decision that shaped her lifelong career in rehabilitation and patient care.
Throughout her career, Stephanie has developed extensive expertise in geriatrics, post-operative rehabilitation, and women’s health, with a strong emphasis on prenatal and postpartum care. She has spent the majority of her professional life in one-on-one treatment settings, valuing individualized care and patient connection. Her career includes 19 years with one organization followed by continued service after its acquisition, as well as leadership roles such as clinic manager, senior staff therapist, and aquatic therapy instructor. She is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and is currently pursuing additional continuing education in cupping therapy to expand her clinical skill set.
Stephanie is known for her commitment to patient-centered care, adaptability, and lifelong learning. She returned to a one-on-one treatment model after working in higher-volume clinical environments, aligning her practice with her belief in quality, individualized rehabilitation. Alongside her clinical work, she has balanced leadership responsibilities, family life, and athletic pursuits, including endurance events such as triathlons. She remains deeply passionate about aquatic therapy and continues to find fulfillment in helping patients regain mobility, independence, and quality of life across all stages of recovery and aging.
• CSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist)
• Physical Therapist/Phys. Therapist Assistant
• University of Puget Sound - MPT
• Manager of the Year
• Clinic of the Year
• Flexible Gumby Award
• American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) - past member
• American Red Cross blood donations
• Capital City Marathon volunteer work
• Company-sponsored fun runs and events
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to long-term dedication and consistent hard work. Early encouragement to pursue higher education helped lay the foundation for my academic and professional journey. Throughout my studies and clinical training, I focused on proving myself through discipline, perseverance, and continuous learning. Over time, my commitment to longevity in the field and making a meaningful impact on patients each day has been central to sustaining and growing my success.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received came from a mentor, an athletic trainer, who encouraged me to explore physical therapy through a health careers practicum when opportunities for women in athletic training were still limited. That guidance opened a new and more accessible pathway for me, helping me discover a field where I could grow professionally while still working closely with patient care and rehabilitation.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to stay flexible and adaptable, because there is no “textbook patient” and every person you work with will require a different approach. You may see a wide range of cases in a single day, so being able to shift quickly and think critically is essential. I would also encourage women to remain confident in environments where they may be in the minority, as I experienced early on in my career, and to continue pushing forward despite limited opportunities. Most importantly, I believe in supporting and advancing opportunities for women in all fields so they can continue to grow and succeed.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge in my field has been keeping up with rapidly changing technology, especially in documentation. Over the past 30 years, I’ve gone from dictation and transcription to paper charts, to fully electronic systems, and now toward AI integration, which has required continuous adaptation. Another ongoing concern is the rising cost of education and student debt, which makes it important for new professionals to carefully weigh the financial investment against starting salaries in the field. On a personal level, one of my greatest challenges has been balancing a demanding career with family life, particularly as a working mother supporting a busy household while maintaining professional responsibilities.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life include advocating for women in sports and across professional fields, ensuring they have the opportunities and support needed to succeed. I also value adaptability in patient care, as well as staying active and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Equally important is a commitment to lifelong learning, which allows me to continue growing professionally and providing the best possible care throughout my career.
Locations
Olympic Sports & Spine
Puyallup, WA 98371