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Kirsten Radke, PT, DPT

Practicing at West Des Moines
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Kirsten Radke, PT, DPT is a practicing partner at Core Physical Therapy and a 2015 graduate of Des Moines University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. She has advanced training in pelvic health rehabilitation through the Herman and Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute, Craniosacral Therapy through Michigan State University, and is both a Clinically Certified Vestibular Therapist (CCVT) and certified in Concussion Management (CCCM). In addition to these specialties, she is a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200).

With expertise in myofascial, craniosacral, vestibular, and concussion rehabilitation, Kirsten is passionate about treating patients recovering from inner ear and balance impairments, head trauma, and chronic pain. Her advanced training in vestibular and concussion management equips her with evidence-based strategies for multi-system assessment and rehabilitation, integrating vestibular, visual, cognitive, cervical, and exertional therapies to support recovery.

Before pursuing a career as a physical therapist, Kirsten graduated cum laude from Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa, with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. During her time at BVU, she was a four-year member of the volleyball team. While there, she met her husband, and they now reside on their acreage near Boone. Kirsten and Scott have two children, Riley and Raymond; Riley was born still in 2020.

Following Riley’s stillbirth, Kirsten became active in the non-profit No Foot Too Small and is deeply passionate about supporting families navigating loss and infertility. She understands the physical toll these experiences take and values a whole-body approach to healing. Outside the clinic, she enjoys teaching and practicing yoga, hiking, traveling, and exploring outdoors with her family. She has a habit of collecting barn cats, raising chickens, tending her greenhouse, and considers the ideal post-work pastime to be walking or running the gravel roads of Boone County with her two dogs.

SPECIALTIES

Balance, Birth Trauma/Loss, Concussion, Craniosacral Therapy, Dizziness/Vertigo, Gait, Head/Neck Trauma, Inner Ear Disorders, Myofascial Release, Orthopedic Rehabilitation, Spinal Care, TMJ Disorders, Vestibular Rehabilitation, Visceral Manipulation

CERTIFICATIONS

Clinically Certified Vestibular Therapist (CCVT)
Certificate of Competency in Concussion Management (CCCM)
Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200)

RECENT POSTS


Post-COVID Symptoms and How Vestibular Therapy Helps

Post-COVID Symptoms and How Vestibular Therapy Helps

This post was written by Kirsten Radke, a physical therapist at Core Physical Therapy. I want to take a moment...
How Physical Therapy Can Help Migraines

How Physical Therapy Can Help Migraines

This blog post was written by Kirsten Radke, a Core Physical Therapy PT who specializes in vestibular therapy. We get dozens...
The Road to Recovery: A Patient’s Journey at Core Physical Therapy

The Road to Recovery: A Patient’s Journey at Core Physical Therapy

This post was written by one of our incredible patients who felt compelled to share her journey with you. Thank...

Meet Kirsten


If I could give Dr. Kirsten Radke 10 stars I would. Not only is she a highly competent physical therapist but also a kind and compassionate humanitarian that is genuinely concerned about your well-being and collaboratively works with you to design a care plan that works for the long haul. From the moment I met her, she actively listened to my story and gave me hope that I would get better and have a full life allowing me to cherish my family, my community, my work and everything in between. This is my story. I was having unexplained dizzy spells. Several MRIs of the brain, CT scans, cardiologist workups, and everything in between, I was referred to CORE by a close friend. During my first visit with Kirsten, she explained to me the intricate workings of the vestibular system. She kept the conversation simple and provided me with a plethora of resources and tools to regain my life back. When I say Kirsten gave me my life back, I truly mean it! If you have been experiencing random dizzy spells or just do not feel right with your balance or stability, please go see her. She will help you lead a healthy and happy life and be your best self again.
I can’t recommend Kirsten enough. I suffered years of pain following a botched epidural / c-section when giving birth to my daughter. Kirsten took the time to learn my medical journey and in ONE VISIT began to address what no other doctor/chiropractor/massage therapist could figure out. She was so comforting and real about birth trauma… I wish I’d found her sooner and I tell everyone I know about how she has literally changed my life.
Erin R

“After battling chronic lower back pain for years, missing a big golf trip with friends, work events, and being stuck on the couch for days because of my lower back being so locked up I couldn’t function; I was ready for back surgery, or any possible treatment that would give me my freedom of movement back. After a friend recommended exploring physical therapy, I had the fortune of meeting Kirsten at CORE PT during an episode of being locked up that had lasted for approximately two weeks with no success from alternative treatment methods and a steady stream of painkillers. I saw rapid improvement in relief of my symptoms after my initial consult with Kirsten, but more importantly she helped identify my movements, vulnerable triggers, and natural posture that were the root causes of my problem.”

Collin B.

“I highly recommend Core Physical Therapy and Kirsten Radke. I was referred to Core PT by a friend who was treated by Core for her vertigo. Kirsten is very knowledgeable and my therapy sessions have successfully helped treat my benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. I’m truly grateful for the therapy I received that’s allowed me to resume my daily activities without feeling dizzy all of the time.”

Kirstin

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