About
Hello! Thank you so much for your interest about this physical therapy practice. Blend PT is the result of my own personal health and professional journey. In my late teens, I was an NCAA Division I athlete who experienced multiple injuries that had roots in my training and self care. What I didn't realize at the time was that I was also experiencing endocrine and hormonal disruption. Though I am fortunate to be married with 2 children today, my pregnancies and deliveries were also not without complications. I spent many years treating my own injuries and wondering what was at the root of these injuries, my pain and my struggles to feel well despite being very active and eating what I thought was healthy. This took me down the path of assessing functional movement and looking at the whole body when assessing injury and dysfunction. It opened my eyes to look closely at things like strength and conditioning, Crossfit, yoga, Pilates, and mindfulness. In speaking with fitness professionals, it was evident that there was large gap between traditional physical therapy and the actual function clients desired. This vision each person has for themselves is unique. For one person, it's participating in a triathalon and for another, it may be taking a walk with loved ones. I started to ask myself how I could better fill in this gap so that treatment programs could resemble what felt "real" for my clients. I wanted the physical therapy that I delivered to replicate the movement my clients were trying to restore.
Then came another pivotal moment in my life that dramatically impacted the way that I wanted to treat. I was diagnosed with autoimmune disease in 2016. I was fortunate to be connected with amazing providers who taught me that both traditional Western medicine and Integrative/Functional medicine maximize health. What I learned started to change the way that I practiced yet again. It also helped me to appreciate that there are many dimensions to our health and well being. When working with individuals, these dimensions affect outcomes powerfully. This idea is the cornerstone of my current practice model. For me, physical therapy is not just about treating the symptoms of your injury or dysfunction. I believe it is about optimizing your health. It is about getting you back to doing what you enjoy and helping your uncover the healthiest version of yourself. The biomechanical causes are important. They are the primary reason that you are likely seeking therapy. Appreciating the biomechanics is critical but understanding how your diet, your sleep, your stress/stress management and your environment affect this outcome will optimize the way your are feeling. Let's not just treat the symptoms, let's get to the root of the problem as well so you improve your symptoms but also your overall health!
Background
Stephanie Muntzer has been a licensed practicing physical therapist since 1998 specializing in both outpatient orthopedic and pelvic floor rehabilitation for the majority of her career. The following is a summary of her resume:
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BS in Chemistry, Saint Joseph's University (1995)
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BS in Health Science, University of the Sciences (1998)
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Masters in Physical Therapy, University of the Sciences (1998)
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Certificates in Pelvic Floor Dysfunction, Male Pelvic Pain, Bowel Dysfunction, Pudendal Neuralgia, Menopause, Pre/post Partum Management
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Currently Enrolled in the Institute of Functional Medicine Certificate Program for Health Care Providers (2021)
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Certified Pilates Instructor (2006)
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Certified in Medical Therapeutic Yoga (2019)
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Certified 200 hour Yoga Alliance Teacher and Mindfulness Training (2021)
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Certified in Selective Functional Movement (2016)
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Certified in Functional Movement Assessment (2016)
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Certificate in Endurance Athlete Training and Rehabilitation (2019)
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Trained in Hypopressive Management to optimize core function (2017)
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Previous adjunct Lecturer at Arcadia University
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Previous adjunct Lecturer at University of the Sciences
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Mentor and advanced clinician for University of Pennsylvania Pelvic Health Residency Program
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Mentor and advanced clinician for the University of Pennsylvania Temporomandibular Dysfunction Treatment Team as well as Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation programs
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PEP (Preventative Exercise Program) coordinator for local women's soccer programs to decrease incidence of ACL and other ortho injuries in young female athletes
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Experience with complex orthopedic and pelvic pain, post operative treatment-see diagnoses for specifics
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Advanced treatment in manual therapy and therapeutic exercise techniques for management of dysfunction and return to sport/activity- (please refer to treatments tab for more information)
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Developed content for post partum rehabilitation, gender inclusive pelvic pain, and core retraining programming
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Continuing Education Courses
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Sports hernia, Groin Pain, Labral tears in Management of the Hip
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Non-Arthritic Hip Pain
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Post Partum Fitness
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Pudendal Neuralgia Management and Updates Regarding Treatment
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Movement Dysfunction
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Menopause Management for Rehabilitation
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Hypopressive Management of Prolapse and Pelvic Floor Health
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Differential Diagnosis of the C/S, T/S, and L/S
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The Running Athlete
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Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction and Pelvic/Hip Dysfunction Update
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Running Footwear
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The Swimmer's Shoulders: Swimmers Aren't Pitchers
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BikeHab
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Functional Application in Pelvic Rehabilitation
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Athletic Low Back Pain
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The Hip and Pelvis: A Global Systems Approach Series
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ACL and PCL Injuries, Surgeries, and Rehabilitation
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Pilates General Principles and Precautions
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Integrative Techniques for Pelvic Floor and Core Function
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Medical Therapeutic Yoga and Lifestyle Medicine
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CONTACT US
