Dr. Ellen Murphy, DPT
Physical Therapist
Outdoor Athlete and Pelvic Health Specialist
Who I am.
I am an orthopedic physical therapist with an interest in pelvic floor rehab. Beyond my academic and career interests, I am also an enthusiast of the outdoors who loves hiking and running, a foodie with a dangerous sweet tooth, and dog mom to the sweetest and cutest dog (though I may be a bit biased).
While I am originally from Ontario, Canada, I have lived in many places around the U.S., and my partner and I most recently moved to the Seattle area from Houston, TX. One of the biggest motivators of this move was living in an area more accessible to the outdoors–a place where I find my happiness. I am a big believer in creating a life that you love, which is partly why I wanted to become a physical therapist–to help others do what they love.
My love of movement and the outdoors led me to Upward PT, and I would love to be part of your journey to getting and staying active so you can enjoy doing what makes you happiest for a long time!
My Why.
I’ve always loved science and have always wanted to spend my life doing something fulfilling, which for me meant helping others. I grew up in competitive swimming and running, which led me to try triathlons. Through my athletic pursuits, I’ve experienced various injuries that led me to seek physical therapy. While I was incredibly grateful to return to athletics through my own rehab journey, I was also inspired by speaking with other patients about their experiences with physical therapy and the positive impact it had on their quality of life. From there, my personal and academic interests aligned, pointing me in the direction of becoming a physical therapist.
Since practicing PT, my goal to help patients get back to what they love, faster, motivated me to seek additional mentoring and training through an orthopedic residency program. But throughout life’s challenges–whether the stress of academic pursuits, or even a pandemic–I’ve been able to find my sanity through movement and the outdoors. I know how hard it is to be injured and to temporarily lose a primary source of happiness and an outlet for stress, and I want to help others continue to do what makes them happy.
What I do.
As a physical therapist, I am a movement specialist. My goal is to help you get back to what you love, and be able to do what you love for a long, long time. This includes thorough assessment not just of affected body regions, but the whole body, and analysis of how your strength, mobility, range of motion, body mechanics, motor control, etc., all interact to affect your movement.
My job is to give you the education and tools you need to reach your own goals, whether you’re a weekend-warrior trying to build up to longer hikes, an experienced runner looking to train for an upcoming race, or a new mom trying to get back to what you love. Instead of performing a generalized, cookie-cutter rehab program for a specific body region, you can expect an individualized treatment program designed to address your specific needs, functionally translating to movement-specific demands in your everyday life–whatever that looks like for you!
Specialties.
Outdoor and endurance athletes of all abilities, ages, and experience
Orthopedic residency training, including treatment of cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine, and peripheral joints, including shoulders, hips, knees, ankles
Vestibular and concussion rehab
Hikers, runners, swimmers
Pelvic health including pregnancy/postpartum
Where you’ll find me.
Outside of work, you can usually find me on a trail, crossing a new hike off my Pacific Northwest bucket list, or running or road biking. In my down time, you might also find me trying out a new restaurant, exploring a new coffee shop or bakery, or walking my dog in one of Seattle’s many parks. I also love trying new things and seeking out new experiences–like bouldering and bioluminescent kayak tours.
Education.
BA in Human Biology from University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kansas
DPT from University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas
Graduate of the Select Medical Orthopedic Residency Program in Houston, Texas
Continuing education in pelvic floor rehabilitation, pain neuroscience, vestibular rehab, taping courses, and more