Tracey Wagner

Programs and Courses Taught

Doctor of Physical Therapy

PT 711 Patient Client Management - Musculoskeletal I

PT 712 Patient Client Management - Musculoskeletal II

PT 716 Patient Client Management - Musculoskeletal III

PT 706 Pro Bono Experience

PT 702, 703, 704 Capstone Series - Case Report

PT 735 Exercise Prescription I

About Me

I joined the Samuel Merritt University faculty in 2017 prior to that I worked in clinical practice at Kaiser Permanente in Southern California for over 15 years in the outpatient orthopaedic setting. My practice involved orthopaedic and vestibular rehabilitation as well as mentoring and teaching in residency and fellowship programs for 10 years.

I have been influenced by European approaches in physical therapy and have studied at the Prague School of Rehabilitation in Prague, Czech Republic. With an interest in the global community of physical therapists, I have also enjoyed teaching continuing education courses for Movement Links, Inc. in Malaysia, and Japan as well as in the US.

Education

MPT Mount St Mary’s University, Los Angeles California, 2000

DPT Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona California, 2013

Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Residency, Southern California Kaiser Permanente, 2005

Manual Therapy Fellowship, Southern California Kaiser Permanente, 2006

Movement Science Fellowship, Southern California Kaiser Permanente, 2007

For more information about the American Academy of Manual Physical Therapy see: aaompt.org

In addition, I hold an Advanced Certification in Vestibular Rehabilitation

Teaching Interests

I enjoy teaching across a broad spectrum of levels ranging from entry level to mentoring and teaching in post-professional residency and fellowship programs. I am passionate about integrating concepts of clinical reasoning as well as concepts related to the human movement system across all levels of education.

Scholarly Interests

My scholarship interests are related to the study of human movement with a specific interest in the coordination and role that the diaphragm and intra-abdominal pressure play in spinal stabilization and movement impairments.

Publications

PEER REVIEWED PUBLICATIONS

Wagner, Behnia, et al. “Strengthening and Neuromuscular Reeducation of the Gluteus Maximus in a Triathlete with Exercise-Associated Cramping of the Hamstrings: A Case Report.” J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2010;40(2):112-119

Rundell SD, Davenport TE, Wagner T. Physical Therapist Management of Acute and Chronic Low Back Pain Using the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. Phys Ther. 2009;89:82-90

Professional Affiliations & Memberships

American Physical Therapy Association: I am a member of The Academy of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy and The Academy of Education Fellow, American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy

Community Service

I am currently serving as SMU’s Faculty Education Ambassador for the American Physical Therapy Association’s PT Moves Me Campaign. The goal of this national task force is to introduce the profession of physical therapy to local youth, to generate interest in DPT programs, and to ultimately increase the diversity of the profession. I work in collaboration with SMU students to carry out events for local youth to spread the word about the physical therapy profession and pathways toward a career as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant. 

Honors & Awards

• California Physical Therapy Association's 2010 Clinician Research Publication Award