Monica’s Background
We are excited to welcome Monica Gerhart, PT, MS, OCS, Cert. MDT, to the Thrive Physical Therapy team! With more than 30 years of experience, an impressive collection of advanced credentials, and a background that includes professional ballet, high-altitude mountaineering, and marathon running, Monica knows a thing or two about keeping bodies moving!
Monica grew up in Berkeley, California, and began her career as a professional dancer with the Oakland Ballet Company. After spending a little too much time on the receiving end of physical therapy, she decided to switch sides of the treatment table! She earned her bachelor’s degree in Zoology from the University of Washington in 1991, followed by her master’s degree in Physical Therapy from Columbia University in 1993.
Monica spent the next 10 years working at a major teaching hospital in New York City, where she developed her expertise in orthopedics, sports medicine, and dance medicine. She moved to Boise in 2003 and has since worked in several outpatient clinics while also serving as a physical therapist for the Trey McIntyre Project, Ballet Idaho, and touring Broadway productions.
Continuing Education, Certifications and Specialties
A lifelong learner, Monica has pursued extensive advanced training throughout her career. She became credentialed in the McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy in 1998 and earned her Board Certification as an Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist in 2012. She’s also a certified running coach through UESCA, helping runners safely return to their sport or discover the joys of running for the first time. Her specialized dance medicine training includes coursework through the Harkness Center for Dance Injuries and Lisa Howell, PT. She’s a member of the International Association for Dance Medicine & Science and is currently working toward certification as a pointe shoe fitter.
What Monica loves most about physical therapy is finding creative ways to help people stay active and engaged in the things they love, without pain or the frustration of recurring injuries. Whether you’re a dancer, runner, weekend warrior, or simply want to move through life more comfortably, Monica brings a wealth of experience and a genuine enthusiasm for helping you succeed.
Outside the Clinic
Outside the clinic, Monica practices what she preaches! After years of high-altitude mountaineering, she decided marathon running was a safer way to push her physical limits and now aims to complete one or two marathons each year. She and her significant other also love exploring the world together, whether scuba diving in exotic destinations, trekking through breathtaking mountains, or planning their next big adventure.
And when she’s home? Monica shares her life with two very talkative huskies who have plenty of opinions about everything, including rehabilitation. Fortunately, Monica knows better than to take their clinical advice.
We’re thrilled to have Monica join the Thrive family and can’t wait for you to meet her!
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