Amanda Birk PT, DPT, SCS, better known as Mandy, is a native of St. Charles, MO. Growing up with older brothers & as a 3 sport athlete, sports & fitness have always been a source of comfort & passion. Naturally, a career helping people regain the ability to do what they love, achieve goals that may seem impossible after injury & to live a long healthy life was a perfect fit.

Mandy graduated from Washington University in STL with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2015 & chose to pursue specialization by completing a Sports Physical Therapy Residency in Houston, TX. While there, she treated a highly sports focused population, worked in training rooms at the University of Houston & with HS athletics, and did research on ACL return to sport & multi ligament knee injuries. After residency, she moved home to St. Louis & became a Board Certified Sports Physical Therapy Specialist in 2017. She now specializes in treating overhead athletes and both operative & non-operative hip & knee rehab. After working in a fast paced environment for the past 8 years, Mandy is excited to get back to the art of physical therapy & performance in a 1:1 environment at Optimal Movement.

When not working, you can find her working out, playing volleyball, making memories with family, friends & her 8yr old puppy, or attending sporting events or whatever concert she can find.

Amanda Birk PT, DPT, SCS, better known as Mandy, is a native of St. Charles, MO. Growing up with ... Read More

Taylor Summers is the owner and founder of Optimal Movement Rehabilitation and Performance. Taylor is a St. Louis native who specializes in ACL rehab and has a passion for the weightlifting/crossfit community as well as bridging the gap between rehab and performance for high school and college athletes.

She tore her ACL her junior year of high school, initially sparking the interest in becoming a physical therapist after a long and gruesome rehab process that allowed her to continue to play college soccer at Quincy University.

After playing 4 years of college soccer, Taylor went on to Washington University in St. Louis to earn her Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Taylor has extensive training in ACL return to play, video jumping and running analysis, dry needling, and ASTYM (soft tissue mobilization).

Her goal is and has always been to provide exceptional care to clients and patients while helping them achieve all of their goals. She believes in a true holistic rehab process and is passionate about providing clients with all of the education and tools necessary to move smarter, perform better, and live optimally.

Taylor Summers is the owner and founder of Optimal Movement Rehabilitation and Performance. Taylo... Read More

JP Thompson is a St. Louis native and Doctor of Physical Therapy who takes a whole-body approach to rehabilitation and performance. While he has a deep background in soccer-specific rehab, JP works with athletes and active individuals of all types—helping them move better, feel stronger, and perform at their best. He earned his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Washington University in St. Louis and his undergraduate degree in Biology from Westminster College, where he captained the men’s soccer team for two of his four years.

Drawing from his experience as a player, coach, and clinician, JP blends evidence-based rehab with performance training principles to ensure each person he works with isn’t just pain-free, but fully equipped to handle the demands of their sport or lifestyle. He believes in a collaborative, team-oriented approach to care—working closely with other providers, coaches, and trainers to create the best possible outcomes.

JP holds advanced certifications in Dry Needling, ASTYM (soft tissue mobilization), and Blood Flow Restriction Training, which he integrates into individualized movement assessments and progressive return-to-performance programs.

In 2023, JP extended his impact internationally as Head Physiotherapist for the Guam Men’s National Football Team, providing on-field rehab and performance care during international competitions.

Outside the clinic, JP enjoys spending time with his wife and two dogs, Riley and Nyx, training for endurance events, and traveling—often to Europe to cheer on his favorite club, Arsenal FC.

JP Thompson is a St. Louis native and Doctor of Physical Therapy who takes a whole-body approach ... Read More