Credentials:

  • Physical Therapist
  • Master of Science in Physical Therapy
  • Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist
  • Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists

Pronouns: She | Her | Hers

Locations: Magnolia

Year joined MTI Team: 2008

Languages: English and German

What Patients Think About Cindy Unsleber

"Cindy Unsleber did an excellent job of helping my arthritic back by using appropriate exercise. The office is so friendly and Cindy was always interested in my personal life as it affected treatment. It was always fun and pleasant to be there. I loved working with her."

- Donna N.

About Cindy Unsleber

Cindy’s interest in the field of Physical Therapy began in high school after a knee injury, which required rehabilitation. Cindy began practicing Physical Therapy in 2000, after graduating from Grand Valley State University in Michigan. Her love of the outdoors and the opportunity to work for MTI Physical Therapy brought her to Seattle in 2008. In Seattle, she pursued advanced training in Manual Physical Therapy and completed the Residency, Fellowship and PhD programs through the Ola Grimsby Institute (OGI). She became a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists in 2010, and has been a certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist through the American Physical Therapy Association since 2006.

She is currently working at MTI’s Magnolia location and is Co-Manager of the clinic. Cindy enjoys treating patients with all types of diagnoses, but due to her own neck issues over the past few years, she has a special interest in those currently experiencing neck pain and dysfunction. She has seen first-hand how a combination of skilled manual therapy and specific exercise training has allowed her to participate in recreational activities again without pain.

Cindy has been teaching weekend courses for the OGI since 2015, and is a clinical instructor and mentor to residency and fellowship students. In her free time, Cindy enjoys backpacking, hiking, skiing, biking, kayaking and traveling to new places.

Education

  • Orthopedic Manual Therapy PhD Program—Ola Grimsby Institute, Seattle, WA (2012)
  • Orthopedic Manual Therapy Fellowship Program—Ola Grimsby Institute, Seattle, WA (2009)
  • Orthopedica Manual Therapy Residency Program—Ola Grimsby Institute, Seattle, WA (2008)
  • Orthopedic Clinical Specialist Certification, American Physical Therapy Association (2006)
  • Master of Science in Physical Therapy, Grand Valley State University, Allendale Charter Township, Michigan (2000)
  • Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences, Grand Valley State University, Allendale Charter Township, Michigan (1996)

Professional Affiliations

  • Physical Therapy Association of Washington (PTWA)—member since 2008
  • Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists (AAOMPT) since 2010; member since 2008
  • American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)—member since 1997
    • Orthopedic Section Member

Instructorship

  • Instructor for the Ola Grimsby Institute since 2014
  • Clinical instructor and mentor for Residency and Fellowship students
  • Clinical Instructor for PT student – July 2014-August 2014 (8 weeks)
  • Clinical Instructor for PT student – May 2010-July 2010 (8 weeks)

Appointments / Positions

  • The Ola Grimsby Institute: Board of Instructors (2014-present)

Favorites

  • Sports: Backpacking, hiking, skiing, biking, kayaking and traveling to new places
  • Northwest Recreation Spot: Hiking in the North Cascades

Credentials

  • PT – Physical Therapist
  • MSPT – Master of Science in Physical Therapy
  • OCS – Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist
  • FAAOMPT – Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists

Certifications / Additional Training

  • Owen's Recovery Certified Blood Flow Restriction Therapy Practitioner
  • Certified in Functional Movement Systems
  • Spinal Manipulation Endorsement

Awards

  • MTI Clinician of the Year 2015

Invited Guest Speaker

  • Louisville, KY – AAOMPT Annual Conference October 2015
    • Break-Out Session: Selective Activation of the Deep Cervical Muscles with Exercise Design and Dosage
  • St. Louis, MO – 22nd Annual OGI Competency Forum: Clinical and Research Evidence May 2015
    • Selective Activation of the Deep Cervical Muscles with Exercise Design and Dosage

Publications

  • Rivard J, Unsleber U, Schomacher J, Erlenwein J, Petzke F, Falla D. Activation of the semispinalis cervicis and splenius capitis with cervical pulley exercises. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice 30 (2017) 56-63.

Offering Telehealth?

  • Yes