Hi! I am Dr. Heather Thomas

I am passionate about meeting people where they are at, and inspiring action through our partnership, education, and tailored holistic and practical treatment plans, so my clients can live the type of life they desire!

In each session, I strive to get down to the root of the problem and we address underlying issues that sometimes impedes people for years and through various treatment methods or coping mechanisms.  I love learning about the human body and mind is capable of, and using that knowledge to guide patients to improve the inefficiencies of the kinetic system, so they can then move through their day and toward their goals - in less pain or discomfort and instead feel light, confident and free. 

I cherish my patients “ah ha” moments of self-discovery - when I get to help someone understand their body and what it needs in its entirety. For this to happen, it is often important not to just know what is the state of the neuromusculoskeletal system but also how is your sleep, nutrition, self-care, mindset - which are all factors we know to impact our physical state. Being able to provide this well rounded care that brings lasting results and change is largely what drove me to open my own clinic.

As for my background and education, I went to the University of Redland where I played college basketball and studied Biology and Psychology. I then attended Azusa Pacific University were I got my doctorate with a community of passionate PTs, life-long friends and sources of inspiration. I immediately passed the licensing exam and was accepted into the Kaiser Permanente postgraduate Orthopedic residency program. During that year I was mentored weekly by a seasoned skilled therapist that guided me in refining my manual/hands on skills, recognize patterns and how to think critically to get the best outcomes for the goals for my patients. I am an orthopedic clinical specialist and worked at Kaiser for over 7 years where I got the opportunity to work with many types of patients. From athletes, office workers, elderly, amputees, Parkinsons, chronic pain, you name it!

And though people now come to me for a variety of reasons - which I absolutely love - I am also very proud to be specializing in caring for women suffering from pelvic floor dysfunction, as well as working with women throughout pregnancy and recovering postpartum. During pregnancy many women feel like they just have to bare through it and feel like they have to accept that they are just going to be in discomfort - and unfortunately this message has been given to them by health care providers as well. They are growing new life and yet are suffering. I am proud to be someone that does not just tell pregnant women to wait until they deliver the baby for their pain to go away - or worse until they are done having children - which often does not fix their complaints but might add some new ones. I provide treatments, education and positioning tips and tools and strategies that can help women be more comfortable, feel confident in their bodies - to thrive through pregnancy, delivery and start off post partum on the right foot!

I get excited to educate women on their pelvic floor and offer simple tips on how we can take better care of ourselves. This information is unfortunately lacking in our current healthcare system. Often people with pelvic floor pain or dysfunction feel like they are the only one and carry a lot of shame. These conditions can be very limiting and are often endured in silence. It is important they know they are not alone, that leaking and pain with sex are unfortunately common and there is hope for healing with same wholeness interconnected approach I provide with all of my patients!

In addition, as a former collegiate athlete I can resonate with and skillfully guide those rehabilitating from injury, “prehabing” or trying to reach peak performance! I work with sports athletes, yogis, dancers, anyone looking to maximize their movement and minimize inefficiencies or pain...

And speaking of pain- it is the messenger telling us that something is not right and we need a change. Discomfort or feeling “off” is typically the precursor to pain and dysfunction. When we do not listen to the wise messengers of nervous system and if ignored compensation emerges and new patterns develop that take time to unlearn. Due to this pain management and education is a top priority to prevent or improve chronic pain.  So please do not ignore discomfort or pain!

Some other things about me.. I met my husband playing basketball in college, I am a mama to two young kiddos, I am a lifelong learner and love adding tools to my treatment toolbox. I get energized from being outside in creation, I love gleaning knowledge from podcasts and books (send me your favs!), yoga helps bring me balance, playing sports and doing high intensity workouts makes me feel dynamic and like a superwoman, essential oils are a go to, gratitude is daily and a must for me. 

Hope to meet and learn about YOU soon!