About AOK Physical Therapy

AOK PT was started because we wanted more for our patients: an individualized experience that is efficient, fun, and educational. Every time. 

Our Mission:

AOK PT is on a mission to redefine physical therapy. We are dedicated to cultivating a community where movement becomes a bridge to self-discovery and meaningful connections. We provide a holistic approach to health while providing evidence-informed, one-on-one care to runners and climbers. We are dedicated to empowering our patients to achieve sustainable, long-term success, enabling them to live to their fullest potential in order to inspire both themselves and those around them.

Our Purpose:

At AOK Physical Therapy, our purpose is to be a trusted leader in orthopedic-specialized physical therapy, renowned for empowering individuals to embrace their potential and live healthfully and purposefully. We envision a future where our patients—through our support and education, are equipped to achieve their goals and enrich their lives continuously through movement.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • We provide 1:1 treatment for the entirety of each hour-long session. This means that we are out-of-network with all insurance plans but are able to provide you with a superbill to submit if you have out-of-network benefits.

    We also accept all major credit cards and FSA/HSA cards.

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    Why 1:1?

    Conventional Physical Therapy is designed to accommodate high patient volumes. A therapist in this setting divides their time between 2-3 patients resulting in less skilled treatment time and requiring twice as many sessions to achieve desired outcomes. AOK PT was started because we wanted more for our patients: an experience that is efficient, fun, and educational. Every time.

    Patients of AOK Physical Therapy spend 40-60% less time in therapy than what is prescribed in a conventional PT. We provide the highest caliber of care that you deserve in fewer visits so you can save your most valued asset: your time.

  • Our initial evaluation process involves an in-depth look into what’s causing your pain or injury. We gather a thorough history and assessing physical impairments contributing to your problem. Expect to learn, move and feel better each session as we build upon the one prior to insure progress along the way. All sessions are scheduled for a full hour and will include assessment of current status and treatment. Treatment will involve guided progressive manual work or exercises to address the key elements of performance: mobility, strength, and endurance. We suggest wearing workout clothes that allow the affected area to be assessed.

  • A referral for physical therapy is not required to start PT; however, we are required to get one in order to continue after two weeks from your first visit.

    If you don't have a primary care provider or a referral this won't affect your ability to start PT. We can facilitate by connecting you with a great provider for quick easy access to the care you need.

  • We specialize in helping patients recover from injury and improve sport performance while optimizing fitness.

    As an orthopedic certified specialist, Dr. O’Krent works with a wide range of injuries from head to toe, while giving you a greater understanding of the individual tools you need in order to heal.

    Common diagnosis include but are not limited to: Sprains and strains, Headaches, Neck Pain, Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, Rotator Cuff tendinopathy, Hand, wrist, and elbow injuries, Frozen shoulder, Ligament tear, Meniscal tears, Intervertebral disc degeneration, Herniated or ruptured discs, Radiculopathy, Sciatica, Spondylolisthesis, Traumatic injury, Postural Dysfunction.

  • It depends on your diagnosis and your goals. We will make recommendations after your initial evaluation to make the best possible plan to fit your needs.

    Because patients of AOK PT spend 1:1 time with their therapist, most patients only need to come for 5 visits on average per injury for recovery.

  • 6% of Physical Therapists are Orthopedic Certified Specialists.

    Earning the OCS requires advanced skills, training, and experience. Orthopedic clinical specialists are the leading experts in evaluating and treating musculoskeletal conditions. Your search for an orthopedic certified specialist stops here.

Meet your PT, Dr. Alyssa O’Krent

Dr. O’Krent (she/her) graduated from St. Edward’s University prior to earning her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from University of Texas Medical Branch. Three years into her career she earned a board certification as an Orthopedic Certified Specialist, which puts her in the top 6% of PTs nationwide for evidence-based training.

After a 9 year career in corporate orthopedic physical therapy, caring for 2-3 patients at a time, Dr. O’Krent saw an opportunity to transform the patient experience by providing 1:1, specialized care. She started AOK Physical Therapy to create a more enjoyable and effective way to return her patients to doing what they love. 

Schedule a free consultation to meet Dr. O’Krent today and experience firsthand what AOK PT can do for you.

 

Meet your PT, Dr. Shelby

Shelby is a committed physical therapist with a passion for helping her patients. She listens attentively to her patients and delivers personalized care, empowering them to reach their goals.

Shelby earned her Master’s in Exercise physiology in 2019 and her Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2022 from Baylor University. She also completed an orthopedic residency program in 2023 to further refine her clinical reasoning skills.

As a former college soccer player who watched many of her teammates suffer from injuries—and the victim of an ACL tear herself—Shelby is always ready to provide a sympathetic ear and to help her patients regain strength, function, and achieve their fullest potential.

Outside of the clinic, Shelby enjoys staying active by hiking, running, skiing, climbing, playing pickleball, lifting weights, and participating in most other outdoor activities. She finds it hard to beat an early morning workout followed by coffee with friends. And she also has a totally justifiable (or maybe not) addiction to running shoes.

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