Laura Bannister
PT, DPT, OCS, OMT
Director and Owner
Laura Bannister is a modern dancer who applies her love for movement and unique understanding of the human body to her practice as a PT. Since graduating from the University of Washington with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2005, Laura has been dedicated to post-graduate education, earning advanced credentials as a Board Certified Specialist in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy and as an Orthopaedic Manual Therapist.
Laura is the owner of Avant Physical Therapy. Since opening the clinic in 2013, she has grown Avant to become an integral part of the Belltown, South Lake Union, Downtown and Lower Queen Anne neighborhoods. She enjoys working with a broad spectrum of orthopaedic injuries and challenges including hypermobility, acute and chronic low back pain, postural dysfunction, and loves to work with those patients who may be a bit of a puzzle. Laura is also a specialist in dance medicine. In addition to sitting on the Board of the Seattle Performing Arts Medical Association, she is dedicated to treating both professional and recreational dancers from around the greater Seattle area, including Spectrum, Whim W’Him, and Pacific Northwest Ballet (PNB).
Laura enjoys spending her free time with her husband, chasing their two lovely daughters through the city, beaches and mountains. She finds personal fulfillment in exercise, gardening, interior design, and entertaining.
Board & Advanced Certifications
- Physical Therapy: Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (2005)
- Board Certified Specialist in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy (OCS): American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (2009)
Education
- Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT): University of Washington (2005)
- Orthopaedic Manual Therapist: Ola Grimsby Institute (2008)
- Bachelor of Arts, Dance: University of Iowa (1999)
Professional Affiliations
- Executive Board: Seattle Performing Arts Medical Association (SEAPAM)
- Member: American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
- Member: APTA Orthopaedic Section
- Member: APTA Private Practice Section
- Member: APTA Washington Chapter
- Member: International Association of Dance Medicine (IADMS)
Invited Speaker
- Ballet Prehab: Pacific Northwest Ballet Summer Intensive (2021)
- Shoulder Prehab: Whim W’him (2020)
- Ballet Together Prehab courses (2020)
- Dance Injury Education and Prevention: Spectrum Dance Theater (2019)
- Current Concepts in Core Stabilization for Pilates: Atlas Pilates (2012)
- Healing From Injury: How Pilates can Facilitate Tissue Change in Collagen, Cartilage and Bone: Atlas Pilates (2011)
- The Benefits of Pilates for Injury Prevention and Treatment: University of Washington, Department of Physical Therapy (2006)
Research
- Proprioceptive Based Exercise and Lateral Ankle Sprains (2005)