Trailblaze Physical Therapy + Wellness -

Lacey Schauwecker

I have seen multiple good PTs in my life, but Dr. Williams (Katie) is the best by far. She really centers her patients and their unique needs/desires to create effective treatment plans. With profound expertise, thoroughness, and good cheer, she helped me through a weird injury resulting from a running fall. But just as important, she’s given me strength routines that have kept me away from running injuries altogether (something rare in my history with the sport)! Cannot recommend Katie enough!

Chandra Goff

I am so happy I decided to work with Trailblaze!

Dr. Katie McWilliams has the knowledge, skills, and experience to handle even the most complex cases. I have a very complicated history with a congenital hip defect and 4 orthopedic surgeries. I am a young avid hiker and an active person, but I started having hip pain and weakness that worsened over the last 1.5 years. It got so bad I had trouble walking even a couple blocks. I worked with a great physical therapist through my insurance for a few weeks and hadn’t seen any progress yet. When I started with Katie, my goal was merely to stop my hip from continuing to worsen. Katie took my case on without hesitation and has surprised me with her insight. I’ve been working with her for about 6 sessions now and not only is my hip no longer worsening, it’s so much better!

The customized programs Katie creates for each patient are based on unique issues, capabilities, and goals. She listens to me and takes my thoughts and concerns seriously without making me feel rushed or pressured to do anything I don’t want to. She doesn’t hesitate to adjust my program based on what my body is and isn’t ready for. Before I started with Katie, my hip had gotten so weak that everything I tried made the pain and tightness worse, not better. She has been amazing at figuring out how to simplify the strengthening enough and implement such gradual progression that my fragile hip can handle and actually improve.

Katie is super knowledgeable about the connection between the mind and physical pain and addresses all contributing factors. For me, that means including a little diaphragmatic breathing at lunch during work to help me relax, and doing some meditation wherein I imagine my hip being strong and flexible. I think these ideas have been important components in overcoming my pain and tightness. While she is open to things like meditation, Katie follows the science and doesn’t utilize trendy interventions that are not evidence-based.

I see Katie for online sessions every two weeks (my choice), which means I don’t have to pay for sessions 2-3 times a week like usual PT. It gives my body a chance to adjust to the changes in my program after each session. It is Katie herself who works with me exclusively; there are no assistants. I chose to use a shared google doc she made and I record when I do exercises and stretches on my own so that she can see what I’m doing and it helps me stay accountable and see my progress. I do my exercises/stretches 6/7 days a week and I email her when I have questions or problems and she is very responsive.

I’ve never had care this thorough, thoughtful, caring, insightful, flexible, or personalized through typical PT clinics (I’ve done a lot of PT). Never have I felt that my therapist was this invested in my goals with me or that I could trust my therapist this much. Looking back it’s hard to believe I hesitated to pay out-of-pocket even though I have insurance because now it is so obviously worthwhile. I’m incredibly grateful for Katie. It sounds cliché, but she has literally changed my life.

Trent Hoppe

I cannot recommend Trailblaze Therapy + Wellness enough. Especially for any rock climbers out there with a nagging injury!

I came to Dr. Katharine (Katie) McWilliams with a shoulder injury that I got while bouldering. In the first session we did a comprehensive exam and tests to identify the source of the problem. I was given some mobility and strength exercises to do at home and in the gym. Katie encouraged me not to stop climbing, but instead to de-load and stick to vertical pain free climbing (based on my diagnosis). Every session built off of the last and I always felt that I was making progress. Gradually I began to reintroduce bouldering back into my routine alongside the exercises Katie gave me as homework. Today, two months later, I just had my final session with Katie. My shoulder is stronger and more mobile than it has ever been.

Thanks Katie!

Krystin Mullins

Katie is the bees knees of PTs! She takes a wholistic approach to your wellness and recovery. Katie is a wealth of knowledge and a fun and effective PT. My sessions with Katie have allowed me to get back to my sport safely and her expertise has helped me continue doing the things I love injury free.

victoria gardner

Katie is amazing. I have been in PT off and on for over 15 years and have really . Katie takes an exercise and stretching and strengthening approach to help solve issues long term instead of just getting you through the acute issue.
She explains things in an easy to understand way, and makes it easy to follow the program and also provides the very necessary tough love I need to keep my butt in gear!
If you’re looking for a PT or strength coach - Katie is who you’re looking for and will help you reach your goals!

Stephanie Helbling

I can’t speak highly enough about Katie’s practice PT and Wellness. When I came to Katie, I’d broken my ankle and had to spend 9 plus weeks non weight bearing. Katie responded very quickly to my emails about working with her. Katie listened to all my concerns and evaluated me and put a program together specifically for me and my rehab. As a trail runner it was extremely important to find a PT who listened and understood just how important it was for me to gain a full recovery. Week after week I saw improvements. She took me from learning how to walk again all the way to being able to run again! She is so knowledgeable and forms programs centered around your goals. She listens and gives thoughtful responses. I’ve always felt valued, heard and taken care of as her patient. I’m beyond grateful for all she’s done and continues to do to help me be and stay strong so I can stay happy and healthy on the trails for many years to come! Thank you PT and Wellness!! Katie you are an amazing PT and person!

Alyssa Scagnelli

I was referred to Dr. McWilliams (Katie) by someone in the climbing community who suggested I see her for a rotator cuff injury. Physical therapy was new to me and I didn’t know what to expect, but I loved the idea of working with someone who was familiar with the rigors of climbing. I can honestly say that my injury had me extremely depressed since I was unable to do the things I love. Katie changed that within 2 months - not only did my injury improve, but I gained strength and adapted better technique through her suggestions. Now that my shoulder is mostly better, we have started to work on a more comprehensive, total-body program. I couldn’t be more pleased with everything she has offered. Katie goes above and beyond and I am so grateful to have been able to work with her these last several months!

Jackie Wyman

Katie is a fantastic PT and run coach. She listens and designs a program specifically for you and your needs. Highly recommend. Best PT I've ever been to!