Marissa (Missy) Garvin
DPT, COMTMarissa (Missy) Garvin grew up on Washington’s Kitsap Peninsula. After completing her undergraduate degree at Scripps Women’s College in Claremont, California, she spent time in the Peace Corps in Paraguay, then returned to Washington to work in Volunteer Management. When she was ready to pursue a career in physical therapy, she attended the University of Washington, where she earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) in 2021.
Missy is particularly interested in how the brain influences pain and impacts the body, especially in relation to pelvic health conditions. She has completed the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Certificate of Achievement in Pelvic Health Physical Therapy (CAPP-Pelvic). Passionate about improving people’s daily lives, she uses her skills to help clients return to the activities they love. Her treatment approach focuses on the whole person, integrating education, exercise, and manual therapy.
Missy cares deeply about social justice and equity and is actively involved in the APTA’s Washington chapter Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Committee.
Education:
Bachelors in Environment, Economics, and Political Studies, Scripps College
Doctorate of Physical Therapy, University of Washington
Certificate of Advanced Practice in Physical Therapy in Pelvic Health, APTA Academy of Pelvic Health
Certificate in Dry Needling, Endorsement by Washington state
Certificate in Orthopedic Manual Therapy, Aspire Orthopedic Manual Therapy Institute
Bachelors in Environment, Economics, and Political Studies, Scripps College
Doctorate of Physical Therapy, University of Washington
Certificate of Advanced Practice in Physical Therapy in Pelvic Health, APTA Academy of Pelvic Health
Certificate in Dry Needling, Endorsement by Washington state
Certificate in Orthopedic Manual Therapy, Aspire Orthopedic Manual Therapy Institute
Continuing professional education in men’s pelvic health, TMJ disorders, urogenital and breast cancer rehab, and pregnancy/postpartum therapy.
Special interests:
Pelvic health conditions (including pre- and postpartum conditions, urinary incontinence, bowel dysfunction, treatment across the gender spectrum, pelvic pain and surgery), male pelvic health (post surgical, prostatitis/urethritis, testicular pain, erectile function), hypermobility spectrum disorders, TMJ, and dizziness/headaches. She works with Spanish only patients as well.
Outside the clinic:
Foraging for morels and chanterelles, playing pub trivia, doing puzzles, tossing around a frisbee, hiking, camping, and trying new restaurants in the city.