David has practiced as an orthopedic physical therapist for 19 years, since receiving his Masters in Physical Therapy from Northwestern University Medical School in 1998. With a background as an epidemiologist/research scientist in public health, David incorporates health promotion and injury prevention into his clinical practice. He shares the World Health Organization’s view that health is not merely the absence of injury or disease, but rather a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing.
David considers all aspects of a particular patient to design an effective yet realistic exercise program. He introduces his patients to a variety of exercise forms and then cultivates the form of exercise (yoga, Pilates, etc.) that the patient enjoys most. David gets his patients to experience for themselves the positive physical and mental benefits of mindful exercise, and then assists them to transition to ongoing group classes or their own home or gym practice. This increases the likelihood of achieving a lifestyle change that continues after a patient is discharged from physical therapy.
An avid climber and sailor for over 35 years, David has taught numerous workshops on climbing technique and injury prevention since 1996. He has developed expertise in evaluating and treating injuries commonly seen in rock climbers and sailors. During his eight years with Saint Francis Center for Sports Medicine, he worked with many rowers with shoulder and back injuries, and dancers with foot, knee, hip and back problems.
David’s skills come from his extensive clinical experience, advanced skills training from the Kaiser Manual Therapy Fellowship Program, Certification in all areas of Active Release Techniques (ART), Certification in Graston Techniques, training in Myofascial Decompression (cupping), instructor training and experience in both Pilates and yoga, and training in Felkenkrais, meditation and Mindfulness-Based-Stress-Reduction (MBSR).
David is passionate about health and wellness, and developing his own daily practice of exercise and mindfulness. According to David, a daily practice is a path of lifelong learning.
“Walking the path of mindfulness helps remind me to spend time and energy on the activities and with the people who give me joy. With less chatter of the mind about the past and future, mindfulness helps me see what actions I can take today to make more space in my life for the people and things I love.”
David believes in the power of intention, and it is his intention to maintain his daily practice to make a positive impact on his family, his friends and his patients.
“Making a positive impact on people gives me my confidence; the love and gentleness in me gives me my peace.”