Shawna Olsen, MSPT, Cert. DN

Shawna became interested in physical therapy after receiving treatment as an adolescent while recovering from an injury as a competitive figure skater.  A native of Colorado, she obtained her undergraduate degree in Biology/Environmental Science from Colorado College in 1996 and then went on to receive her graduate degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center in 2002.  With over 18 years of experience, Shawna enjoys working with all patient populations/diagnoses and empowering patients to reach their goals, prevent re-injury, and continue a healthy lifestyle.  Having grown up in Evergreen, Colorado, she enjoys running, skiing, hiking and backpacking in the mountains with her husband, two daughters, and dog.  She also likes to spend her time volunteering in the community, gardening and cooking.

Professional Experience and Education

After receiving her graduate degree in Physical Therapy from CU in 2002, she began her career in a small outpatient orthopedic spinal clinic in Lakewood for four years.  Shawna then worked for Physiotherapy Associates and Panorama Physical Therapy in Golden for 14 years, treating a wide variety of diagnoses including total joints, post-op, acute/chronic spinal injuries, athletic injuries and work injuries.  While she has a diverse skill set, she is always striving to learn more through yearly continuing education in order to help her patients succeed.

Certifications

  • American Academy of Manipulative Therapy Dry Needling Certification – Part 1 and 2 for upper extremity, lower extremity and spinal conditions

Continuing Education

  • Certification in Functional Dry Needling, Part 1 and 2
  • CU Sports Medicine Fall Symposium – 2010, 2015, 2018, 2019, 2020
  • Treating the Shoulder Complex – Advances in conservative and post-op management
  • Fascial Movement Taping – Rock Tape Level 1 and 2
  • Patellofemoral Pain: a critical review of evaluation and treatment techniques
  • Differential Diagnosis and Manual Therapy of the Lower Cerv Spine (IAOM)
  • Comprehensive Cervical, Thoracic, Lumbar and Sacral Restabilization (IAOM)
  • Differential Diagnosis and Manual Therapy of the Knee (IAOM)
  • Differential Diagnosis and Manual Therapy of the Ankle (IAOM)
  • Differential Diagnosis and Manual Therapy of the Hip (IAOM)
  • The Thorax:  Restoring Function and Relieving Pain
  • Muscle Energy Techniques of the Lumbar-Pelvis-Sacrum
  • The Acute Motor Vehicle Accident
  • Level 1:  Segmental Spinal Stabilization
  • Maitland Australian Physiotherapy Seminars Essential Spinal