Meet Your Therapist
Cara Battles, DPT, OCS
Credentials
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Team Physical Therapist - Team Birkie 2024
US Ski and Snowboard Physical Therapy Pool 2024
Team Physical Therapist - Loppet Junior National Team 2024
Physical Therapist - COOP FIS Cross Country Loppet World Cup 2023
Team Physical Therapist - Minnesota United Soccer Team (MLS) 2022-2023
Clinical Supervisor and Mentor -Evidence in Motion Orthopedic Residency at Allina Health 2018
Board Certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist
Strength and Nordic Skiing Coach at Loppet Nordic Racing
Dry Needling Certification
Graston Technique Certification
Blood Flow Restriction Certification
Cara is an Orthopedic Certified Doctor of Physical Therapy with 18 years of experience working in orthopedics and sports medicine. She has treated a plethora of athletes in endurance, adventure and team sports, as noted above.
As a leader in her field, she has mentored numerous students and colleagues. She received a Distinguished Service Award during her time with Allina Health for developing a physical therapy post-doctoral residency program. She is sought out for challenging cases and for athletes who desire to return to high level performance. Cara prides herself on her drive for continued learning, detailed evaluation and treatment planning, high patient expectations, and persistence for positive outcomes. She loves working with all types of patients, as long as they come in with a goal.
Cara lives the life of an athlete and trains year-round. In winter, she skis on a masters elite ski team. In the summer, she mountain bikes on single track trails and competes in gravel and single-track races. Cara’s original love was basketball and she played through college. Post college, when she realized she was slowing down in basketball, she switched to Nordic skiing. Unbeknownst to her, it certainly has not been an easier sport. Cara coaches adult strength and Nordic skiing classes at Theodore Wirth Park with the Loppet and loves it.