I have struggled finding a physical therapist in Seattle who would be able to take on the multi-dimensional challenge of treating a professional ballet dancer coming back from injury. When I sprained my midfoot during a rehearsal onstage, I scoured Yelp until I came across Avant Physical Therapy, which caught my attention due to its prime location and nearly perfect reviews. Once I found out Laura was previously a dancer herself, I was sold. Right away she was able to evaluate the source of my problem and was ready to come at it from every approach possible. She would start each appointment with manual therapy and we'd spend the second half working my problem areas to the point of exhaustion - in the best way possible! I got noticeably stronger each week I worked with Laura. Other PTs I've worked with either relied too heavily on manual therapy OR exercises, but Laura is the only I've found to strike a perfect balance of both. I have recommended Laura to every dancer I know who is dealing with an injury. She is a positive, encouraging and intuitive person who will get you back onstage quickly, and in better shape than before. I owe the ongoing health of my ballerina feet to Laura!

Brenna Murray is amazing! I had been having lateral knee pain whenever I ran and needed to get better for an upcoming half-marathon. Brenna took the time to listen and understand my experience, pain, and needs. She was thorough, patient, and insightful during each stage of my evaluation and treatment. Her sunny personality and good humor set me at ease while her determination and resolve challenged me to try new exercises and get stronger. My knee is better and I’m an improved runner because of her expertise, diligence, and encouragement. If you are looking for a physical therapist, I strongly recommend Brenna.

I walked into Avant Physical Therapy nearly immobilized by pain just days before I was scheduled to go on stage and perform. From my very first appointment, Laura kept me on the long-term healing path, while managing my immediate needs as a performer. Laura's knowledge of the dancing body and her awareness of movement from a dancer's perspective make her one of the most exceptional physical therapists in Seattle.

Laura with Avant PT is the best physical therapist I know! My back was in bad shape after my first daughter was born and I had tried everything and everyone. When I met Laura she gave me a plan, was a great problem-solver (my situation was a bit of a puzzle) and I saw immediate, positive results after working with her for only a short time.

Hands down, the best PT I've ever been to. Laura is a wonderful, upbeat person and and amazing therapist, and unlike many PT's she spends the entire hour with you. She's also very good with difficult cases. I've had an ongoing back issue for several years and have tried everything. I'd pretty much given up on ever really getting better. In one month Laura helped me more than anyone else had been able to.

Katie was fantastic throughout the entire process. I had a grade 3 sprain in which I snapped a ligament and now am trail running again. They were always prepared and professional. Really know what they are doing and wonderful people!

It was clear from the get-go that each exam and treatment is thorough, which I appreciated. Katie's demeanor and encouragement also made recovery much less burdensome than I anticipated, as back pain can be no fun. I also really appreciated her attention to detail (beyond just vague don't-slouch-advice) and easy explanations, as it really helped me to better understand some pitfalls for my back in everyday movement (and couch-potato-non-movement) and ways I can proactively strengthen muscles for my back. I just hope I can retain it all going into the future.

I have tremendous respect for Laura Bannister. She is incredibly knowledgeable and friendly. She understands the demands of being a professional dancer and takes into account the goals and desires of each unique patient. She not only comes up with a plan for a speedy recovery but makes sure you always leave the office feeling better than when you came in.