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Laura Palmer, PT, DPT

Laura Palmer
Practicing at West Des Moines
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Laura grew up in Adel, IA and graduated from Dallas Center-Grimes High School in 2015. She attended Luther College to complete her BA in Biology in 2018. Laura then earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Des Moines University in 2022. Her favorite part about being a physical therapist is building strong relationships with her patients, empowering them to be advocates for their health, and helping people get back to doing the things they love. Laura is an active member of the Iowa Physical Therapy Association to help advocate for the future of the profession. She also keeps busy volunteering for Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership on the Corporate Board and as Director of Junior Staff as well as at her church with the praise team and altar guild. Laura is married and lives in Norwalk. She enjoys spending her free time with family and friends, being outside, and hiking in National Parks.

SPECIALTIES

Balance, Craniosacral Therapy, Gait, Myofascial Release, Orthopedic Rehabilitation, Pelvic Floor, Postpartum Exercise, Pregnancy & Postpartum, Spinal Care, TMJ Disorders, Visceral Manipulation, Women's Health

CERTIFICATIONS

Laura is exactly what I needed, she is an excellent physical therapist! She taught and educated me in a way that helped me understand what was going on with my neck. Let me tell you, she has magic fingers – Amazing. Above and beyond her skills as a therapist, she is kind, caring and compassionate and hat shows! I highly recommend Laura for all your physical therapy needs.

I recently took 2 weeks off of work for eye surgery. My routine changed from my usual standing and walking at my job. I suddenly began experiencing severe pain in my knee, lower back, and leg.

I called Kathy at Core Physical Therapy. She quickly scheduled me for therapy with Laura Palmer PT. Laura treated me for 6 weeks with a combination of strength and stretch exercises. She also gave helpful massages that helped me feel good again.

I highly recommend Core Physical Therapy, Laura Palmer PT.

I have been working with Laura for a few months to treat a couple of minor issues that I was having. Laura is patient and kind during all treatment sessions plus she asks all of the important questions. While we were working together and chatting about life we discovered that there were other issues I was having that people in her office could further help with as better fit their speciality/focus. I began working with Connor to get dry needling done on my shoulders to help my elbow! I know, sounds crazy, but that’s what Core does is get to the core of the issue at hand! As someone who finally started working out regularly at 40 years old, I truly appreciated Connor taking the time to teach me how to properly move my body during different exercises. I’ve also been working with Alex to deal with issues that, as women, we don’t talk about. Not everything that happens to us after giving birth/aging has to be the way it is – there are ways to remedy some of the issues and let’s start having open conversations so we all know! I can’t recommend the Core team and especially Laura enough! They can help with issues far beyond what someone might think of for physical therapy. Their approach is unique!

Lynn H.

Such a great place and totally changed my idea of what PT was. I’ve had some nagging knee and foot pains from running and Laura P at Core has been awesome. I also appreciate that she wants her customers to get well and to a point where they don’t need her. As much as I’ve enjoyed working with them, their goal is to get you back to feeling good!

Curvin L.

I am “over the moon” with CORE. This is the second time I have used one of their experienced team members. They are without a doubt, some of the most knowledgeable and professional in their line of work as physical therapists. My questions are always answered. I am always asked how I am doing and I usually leave feeling better than when I came. My recovery this time has been remarkable. Thank you, CORE, for your consistency of care. I appreciate all of you, including the front desk/reception team, who are always smiling and happy to help with appointments!!!

Marcia H.

After my husband experienced relief for his back at Core Physical Therapy, I knew where I should go when my physician suggested physical therapy for my migraines and shoulder and neck pain. My husband had been sharing how pleased he was with his therapist, Alex Spencer, PT, DPT. My appointment was with Laura Palmer, PT, DPT. She has to be second to none. Her biography tells of classes she has taken in addition to her degrees. As I write this, she is preparing for additional classes. I have felt much better after starting with Laura. What I really enjoy is her ability to be personable while maintaining her professionalism. I have not given many “A+”s in my 43 years in the classroom, but I think I would have to give one to Laura and Core Physical Therapy.

Barbara B.

Laura and Alex are incredible physical therapists! They take the time to listen and understand what’s going on overall, beyond the specific ailment or issue. I appreciate their expertise and professionalism. From the first visit, I knew they would do everything they could to help restore my body. Highly recommend!

Amy D.

Love Laura Palmer! She is very friendly, communicates well, she listenz to you and works with what works best for you.  She knows which exercises and massage help you to progress in your therapy with little to no pain. Very professional! You will be sad when your therapy is finished, and want to continue a friendship with her after the therapy.

Barbara W

I went from pain when walking to pain free in two visits! Love that they were able to target that what hurt- an area in my back- was just a symptom of the real issue- a stuck rib up front. Through extremely gentle manual manipulation in the giant, quiet office + at-home breathing techniques, I’m back to normal activity. Thanks, Laura & Ellen!

Brittney

Laura did a great job helping me understand what was happening with my injury. She also did a great job with explaining what exercises would be most beneficial. Highly Recommend.

DK

I have Laura Palmer as a therapist at Core. She is amazing at diagnosing what my underlying issues are and giving me the tools to help in my recovery. She is a great listener, honest and is incredibly knowledgeable. I would happily recommend her to anyone with an injury.

Paula

When I went to core physical therapy my TMJ was so bad I could not open my mouth to eat, my dentist could not clean my teeth and I was in a lot of pain. Within two weeks I could tell a big difference. Now after six weeks I am almost back to normal. I can eat whatever I want and the dentist could clean my teeth. Laura the PT at core therapy did a great job she was very knowledgeable and caring. I would recommend core physical therapy to everyone!

Kathy B.

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