Empowered Athletics PT

  • Mission

    To EMPOWER athletes (of all types, at all stages of life) with expert guidance & support to recover from injuries, reach their full potential, and stay in the game (whatever their game may be).

  • Vision

    To REVOLUTIONIZE the way active and athletic individuals are supported across their lifespan, with care that is personalized, empowering, whole-body, and effective.

  • Beliefs

    Be brilliant at the basics.

    Do rehab right the first time.

    Address the whole body and whole human.

    Rehab should be a shame and judgement-free space where all are welcome.

    Practice what I preach.

    Minimize harm to individuals and communities.

  • Values

    Education, Empowerment, Efficacy: I aim to provide you with an improved understanding of your body, your injury, & the demands of your sport as well as the knowledge/skills to better care for your body on your own.

    Teamwork: My role is that of a coach and teammate to you in your health and fitness journey. We work together with the expertises we both bring to create and execute a plan that will get you to your goals.

    Growth Mindset: Everyone is capable of learning, growing, and improving with the right stimulus, effort, and consistency. Failures are nothing to be ashamed of and can be awesome opportunities to learn, grow, and do better next time!

A picture of Dr. Kait Ireland: A woman in black leggings, black running shoes, and a purple Nike zip-up jacket sitting on outdoor stairs, smiling at the camera.

Dr. Kait Ireland

Dr. Kait Ireland, DPT, MS, NSCA-CSCS is the CEO of Empowered Athletics Physical Therapy and is uniquely positioned at the intersection of athletic performance, rehabilitation, and movement science. A former soccer player turned strength & conditioning coach and Doctor of Physical Therapy, she earned a Master’s in Kinesiology from A.T. Still University and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine. Her background includes hands-on internships with EXOS and Cressey Sports Performance, where she worked alongside athletes from elite levels including the NFL, NBA, and NHL.

Kait’s philosophy is rooted in the belief that sustainable performance and recovery come from mastering the fundamentals—not shortcuts or quick fixes. Her approach centers on building resilient, high-performing athletes through smart, intentional training. Every session is designed not just to improve performance in the moment, but to give athletes the tools and foundation they’ll carry throughout their careers. By blending her background in physical therapy with advanced strength & conditioning, Kait helps athletes gain a true competitive edge—maximizing performance while minimizing injury risk so they can thrive season after season.

She’s married to her PT-school-sweetheart, Ricky. They have a 2 year old son, Sebastian, & a Shiba Inu named Tonks (yes, that's a HP reference). While their lives right now consist mostly of family time, Kait has enjoyed pursuing a variety of hobbies over the years including salsa & swing dancing, rock climbing, musicianship (of the big brass instrument/marching band variety), emergency medicine (catch her on the side lines of sporting events), & of course, playing soccer.

Dr. Kait Ireland with her husband and son, posing outdoors on a wooden bridge surrounded by trees with fall foliage.

Qualifications:

(Because education + experience are important)

    • Doctorate of Physical Therapy, University of St. Augustine, San Marcos

    • Masters of Kinesiology (Sports Conditioning; Corrective Exercise & Orthopedic Rehabilitation), A.T. Still University

    • B.S. Physiological SciencesUCLA

  • CA-Physical Therapist

    NSCA-Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist

    AHA-Basic Life Support

    • 3 months with Eric Cressey at Cressey Sports Performance, MA—Strength & Conditioning

    • 3 months at EXOS Headquarters in Arizona—Physical Therapy

    • Functional Movement Screen (FMS) Level 1

    • Primal Movements (Movement beyond mobility)

    • RockTape

    • Functional Range Conditioning (FRC)

    • RockBlades/Advanced

    • Breathing with the Maestro

    • CSM Denver

    • EMT Certification Course

    • Pain Symposium

    • Trauma Informed Care for HCPs

    • Level Up Initiative

    • Confessions of a Pelvic Floor PT: A Discussion about Sex, Gender, and Inclusive Care

    • Swelling Protocol

    • Results Cheat Code

    • EMT Refresher

    • Empowered Performance Program

    • H&W Pelvic Floor Treatment/Assessment Level 1

    • CA PT Ethics, Laws, and Regulations

    • LTAP: Locator Test Assessment Protocol

    • ACL Injuries In the Female Athlete: Is it time for an updated viewpoint?

    • Hoag Sports Medicine Conference (2024)

    • Foundations: Diaphragm/Pelvic Floor Piston for Adult Populations

    • Treating and Training the Female Runner

    • UHPC Model 101 Course

    • Comprehensive Management of Sport Related Concussion