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hi, i'm dr. kara knox

PT, DPT, PWCS, Sexual Health Counselor

I’m a board-certified pelvic health physical therapist and sex counselor, and I created Awaken to offer the kind of care I believe everyone deserves - care that is inclusive, compassionate, and rooted in the whole person.

With over 14 years of experience, I’ve seen how often people are told their symptoms are “normal,” minimized, or treated in isolation. I take a different approach. I look at how your physical health, emotional experiences, relationships, and environment all interact - and I use that understanding to guide your care.

My goal is to create a space where you feel safe, heard, and supported, no matter your background, identity, or experience.

my approach

I practice through a trauma-informed and relational lens, which means:

 

  • Your comfort and autonomy always come first

  • We move at a pace that feels right for you

  • You are an active partner in your care

  • All identities, bodies, and relationships are welcome

 

I combine evidence-based physical therapy with education, communication tools, and practical strategies to help you feel better in your body and more connected in your life.

schooling & certifications

UNIVERSITY

  • Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine-Doctor of Physical Therapy (2012)

  • University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Bachelor of Science Kinesiology (2009)

CERTIFICATIONS

  • Northwest Institute on Intimacy Top 5% Program

  • Board Certified Pelvic and Women's Health Specialist (PWCS)

  • APTA Certificate for Advanced Practice in Physical Therapy-Pelvic

  • APTA Certificate for Advanced Practice in Physical Therapy-Obstetric

  • Institute of Clinical Excellence Certified Specialist: Dry Needling

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

  • American Physical Therapy Association Academy of Pelvic Health Member since 2011

LICENSURE

  • Licensed Physical Therapist Washington State

  • Physical Therapist Compact Privileges: Oregon, Wisconsin

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continuing education

AMERICAN PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSOCIATION

  • Pelvic Health Level 1 

  • Pelvic Health Level  2 

  • Pelvic Health Level 3 

  • Pediatric Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy: Birth to 18

  • Fundamental Topics of Pregnancy and Postpartum Physical Therapy

  • Advanced Topics of Pregnancy and Postpartum Physical Therapy

  • Intrapartum Topics of Obstetric Physical Therapy

  • Pelvic Floor Intervention Strategies for Urogenital and Breast Cancer Rehabilitation

  • Tackling SIJ Dysfunction

  • Pelvic Floor Implications for the Running Athlete

  • Role of Trauma in Chronic Pain

  • Trauma Sensitive Physical Therapy Care

  • From Silence to Science: Addressing Pain and Dysfunction with Multidisciplinary Care Pathways in Menopause

HERMAN & WALLACE

  • Myofascial Release for Pelvic Dysfunction

  • Pelvic Floor Level 1 

  • Mobilization of Visceral Fascia-Urogenital

  • Kathe Wallace: Pelvic Floor Support Systems

 

INSTITUTE OF CLINICAL EXCELLENCE

  • Clinical Management of the Fitness Athlete

  • Rehabilitation of the Injured Runner

  • Upper Body Dry Needling

  • Lower Body Dry Needling

  • Advanced Dry Needling

NORTHWEST INSTITUTE ON INTIMACY

  • Fall Advanced Sex Theory and Clinical Sexology for Medical Providers

  • Spring Advanced Sex Theory and Clinical Sexology for Medical Providers

  • Sexual Attitudes Reassessment: SAR under the Stars

ONLINE WEBINARS

  • Basic Skills to Manage Breast Cancer Related Edema

  • More on Breast Cancer Related Edema

  • Management of Orthopedic Edemas

  • Welcoming LGBTQ Patients and Clients

  • Cultural Humility with Transgender and Non-binary People

  • Understanding the Needs of LGBTQ Patients and Clients

  • Social Determinants of Health: Strategies to Increase Health and Decrease Disparities  

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care that meets you where you are

· Virtual sessions available in multiple states

· In-person services available in Whatcom County, WA

· Sliding scale options available for those who qualify

Ready to take the next step?

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