Kara Washer
CAT(C) • Certified Athletic Therapist
Hands-on athletic therapy to help active people recover, move well, and get back to what they love.
Kara is a Certified Athletic Therapist and former NCAA Division I hockey player. She combines manual therapy, targeted exercise, and education to help active people of all abilities.
Hi, I'm Kara Washer! I'm a Certified Athletic Therapist with a Bachelor of Applied Health Science in Athletic Therapy from Sheridan College and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from York University. My passion for sports medicine started at a young age. I knew as early as Grade 7 that I wanted to pursue a career helping others recover from injuries, stay active, and achieve their physical goals.
My journey into athletic therapy was shaped by my own experience as a competitive athlete. I began my post-secondary education at the University of Maine, where I played NCAA Division I ice hockey before transferring to York University. I continued playing hockey for another two years while completing my education, graduating in 2021.
Having experienced the demands of competitive sport first hand, I understand the importance of proper injury management, rehabilitation, and returning to activity with confidence. My background in psychology has also given me an appreciation for the connection between physical and mental well-being, allowing me to take a well-rounded approach to patient care.
I take a very hands-on approach to athletic therapy and believe manual therapy plays an important role in helping individuals move and feel their best. I am currently pursuing my Integrated Manual Therapy certification to further develop my hands-on skills and expand the treatment techniques I can offer.
I believe effective rehabilitation starts with understanding each individual and their unique goals. My approach combines hands-on treatment and manual therapy with targeted exercise, movement, and patient education to create a well-rounded rehabilitation experience. I strive to look beyond the injury itself, considering the individual as a whole and addressing the factors that may be contributing to their pain or limitations. Having been a competitive athlete myself, I understand how frustrating an injury can be and how important it is to get back to the activities you love. I am passionate about helping active individuals of all backgrounds and abilities achieve their goals, whether that means returning to competitive sport, getting back to the gym, or simply moving comfortably through everyday life. I also love working with sports teams and providing on-field care outside of the clinic. Being able to combine my clinical knowledge with my passion for sport and support athletes both on and off the field is one of my favourite parts of athletic therapy.
I am excited to be new to the Calgary community and look forward to getting involved in the local athletic and sports community. Outside of the clinic, I enjoy staying active, playing and watching all types of sports, and spending quality time with my dog and family. Staying connected to sport and the people who are important to me is a big part of who I am!
