Marla Brooks, DPT
EDUCATION:
- Bachelor of Arts in Communications, University of Minnesota
- Doctorate in Physical Therapy, University of Miami, FL
- Comprehensive Pilates Certification, Polestar Pilates
TECHNIQUES:
- Manual Soft Tissue Release to address muscular tightness and fascial restrictions
- Myofascial Release to improve tissue mobility and circulation
- Muscle Energy Techniques to correct joint dysfunction through gentle muscle contractions
- Dry Needling to target myofascial trigger points and relieve pain
- Cupping therapy for muscle decompression and improved lymphatic flow
- Joint Mobilization to enhance range of motion and joint function
- Kinesio Taping to support injured areas while promoting movement
- Equipment-Based Pilates for core activation and postural alignment
- Ergonomic training to reduce strain during daily and occupational tasks
- Posture Education to reinforce sustainable body mechanics
- Therapeutic Exercise Prescription tailored to patient goals
- Gait Training to restore walking mechanics and mobility
- Balance and proprioception retraining to reduce fall risk and improve stability
SPECIALTIES / FOCUS:
- Manual therapy for the lumbar spine, pelvis, hips, groin, knees, ankles, feet, upper extremities, ribcage, and neck
- Treatment of post-operative, acute, and chronic conditions with a patient-centered plan
- Biomechanical stabilization using a combination of Pilates-based and functional strength exercises
- Injury prevention strategies through movement analysis and athletic conditioning
- Core retraining and intra-abdominal pressure management for better spine support
- Rehabilitative exercise interventions tailored for pre-natal and post-partum individuals
- Dedicated programs for athletes including dancers, figure skaters, golfers, and runners
- Functional movement screening to identify compensations and asymmetries
- Education on self-management strategies to prolong treatment gains
- Comprehensive return-to-sport programs built around athlete goals and performance metrics
- Chronic pain management with an emphasis on restoring quality of life and physical independence
- Postural restoration and correction for scoliosis or postural imbalances
- Breathing pattern retraining to improve core function and relaxation response
- Pelvic floor rehabilitation as part of a full-body integrative approach to wellness
WHY I BECAME A PHYSICAL THERAPIST:
I’ve always been passionate about solving complex problems and understanding the “why” behind physical dysfunction. My fascination with movement started early through competitive dance and sports, where I developed a deep appreciation for how the human body adapts and responds. This curiosity, combined with a strong desire to help others, led me to pursue a career in physical therapy. I am driven by the ability to make meaningful change in someone’s daily function and to empower them to regain control of their health and well-being. Working one-on-one with patients and watching them return to the activities they love is incredibly rewarding.
I’m especially inspired by patients who face unique or persistent challenges. Helping someone rebuild confidence in their body after a long recovery or complex diagnosis reinforces the value of personalized, attentive care. Being a physical therapist allows me to blend clinical knowledge with empathy, ensuring that no two treatment plans are ever the same. I feel privileged to be a part of someone’s healing journey, and I strive to honor that trust through thoughtful communication and thorough care planning.
In addition, I have always been drawn to the intersection of science and compassion. The clinical reasoning behind every treatment decision is just as important as the human connection formed during sessions. I believe this balance is what makes physical therapy such a powerful and effective profession. It allows me to teach, coach, and support each patient in a truly holistic way. The ability to witness progress and celebrate victories, both big and small, is a privilege I never take for granted.
Beyond the individual level, physical therapy plays a critical role in public health. By improving mobility, managing chronic conditions, and reducing reliance on medication or surgery, we contribute to healthier communities. This broader impact motivates me to advocate for proactive care and wellness education across all age groups. Whether working with a teenager recovering from sports injury or an older adult regaining independence after a fall, I am committed to delivering care that is thoughtful, effective, and empowering.
TREATMENT PHILOSOPHY:
I take a compassionate, individualized approach to therapy. Each patient is unique, and I strive to understand their personal goals, lifestyle, and challenges. My aim is not only to reduce pain but to identify and treat the underlying movement impairments contributing to dysfunction. I work closely with patients to build awareness, promote resilience, and develop long-term strategies for recovery. Education, functional strength, and consistency are central to my practice.
I believe in treating the body as an integrated system. A shoulder issue may originate in the core, and foot pain may stem from hip weakness. By evaluating the full kinetic chain, I can uncover hidden contributors and guide more effective outcomes. I also advocate for patient empowerment. When people understand their bodies better, they are more likely to remain engaged in their recovery and maintain progress beyond the clinic. My goal is to create a supportive environment where patients feel heard, respected, and motivated.
Another key component of my approach is collaboration. I value input from referring providers, coaches, and other specialists involved in a patient’s care. When everyone is aligned on goals and expectations, outcomes tend to improve significantly. I also encourage open communication with patients so they feel involved in decision-making throughout their recovery. Transparency builds trust, and trust fuels progress.
I also recognize the value of adaptability in treatment. Life circumstances, stress, and daily routines affect recovery. That is why my approach includes adjusting treatment plans as needed to ensure consistency and progress. Whether a patient is preparing for surgery, recovering from a recent injury, or managing a chronic condition, our work together remains flexible and focused on sustainable progress. Success in physical therapy is more than a short-term fix. It is about building lifelong movement habits that support health, longevity, and overall wellness.
HOW I SPEND MY FREE TIME:
I live with my husband and two young children, who keep me active and on the go. We enjoy weekend trips to the cabin, where we spend time swimming, hiking, and playing yard games as a family. I also enjoy golfing, group fitness, and experimenting with healthy recipes in the kitchen. You’ll often find me in the stands at the hockey rink cheering on my son or volunteering at school events. Staying active and involved in my community is an important part of who I am, both personally and professionally.
When I’m not with patients or my family, I like to stay up to date on the latest research and continuing education in physical therapy. I believe that lifelong learning is essential for delivering quality care, and I’m always eager to implement evidence-based practices into my sessions. Whether it’s attending a seminar on new manual therapy techniques or exploring emerging technologies in rehabilitation, I embrace opportunities to grow as a clinician.
I also enjoy mentoring students and newer clinicians who are entering the profession. Sharing what I’ve learned over the years and contributing to the development of others is something I find deeply fulfilling. It keeps me connected to the evolving landscape of healthcare and reminds me why I chose this path in the first place.
