About Me
Hi, I’m Dr. Kristin Ringstad, PT, DPT.
I’m a licensed physical therapist with advanced training in pediatric and medically complex care, and a deep passion for aquatic therapy. I started Current Practice PT to create a space where evidence-based treatment, cultural values, and compassionate care come together — all in the healing power of water.
As an Inupiaq provider and person of faith, I believe in honoring each person's story, meeting people where they are, and helping them move forward with purpose. Whether you're managing chronic pain, recovering from surgery, or supporting your child’s mobility, I’m here to walk (or swim!) alongside you.
You're not just a patient here — you're a partner in the process. And I'm so glad you’re here.
Our Values
At Current Practice PT, we believe that every person carries a story worth honoring. Our values are shaped by evidence-based care, Indigenous heritage, and the belief that every individual is made in the image of God, worthy of dignity, respect, and compassionate support.
Dignity and Belonging
We believe in creating a space where all people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds feel seen, safe, and valued. We welcome diversity in every form and strive to offer care that reflects cultural humility and deep respect.
Whole-person Care
Healing happens when we treat more than just the body. We listen to the full story: physical, emotional, cultural, and spiritual to tailor care that supports each person’s unique path toward health and wholeness.
Faith-Inspired Care
Guided by the belief that we are each made in the image of God, we approach every session with compassion, patience, and the desire to serve others with humility and care.
Cultural Stewardship
We honor the cultural traditions, values, and lived experiences that shape each person’s story, including our own. As an Inupiaq-founded practice, we are guided by principles of relationship, respect, and care for our neighbors.
Community
We grow better, and stronger, when we grow together. Current Practice is committed to building connections within our local community, empowering families, and creating opportunities for lasting progress, both in and out of the water.
Clinical Excellence
We are dedicated to delivering evidence-based, high-quality care. Each treatment session is personalized, purposeful, and grounded in the latest research, with room for playfulness, progress, and possibility.
What is aquatic therapy?
Aquatic therapy is physical therapy in the water.
Why Water?
Water helps bodies move, feel, and heal in powerful ways.
Aquatic physical therapy uses the unique properties of water especially buoyancy and compression to support rehabilitation and motor learning in unique ways
Buoyancy reduces the pull of gravity, making it easier to maintain upright posture and try new movements with less effort or pain.
Hydrostatic pressure (compression from the water) provides gentle resistance and consistent input to the body. This is great for blood flow, body awarenessss, joint stability, and may reduce swelling.
Many kids and adults find the pressure of the water soothing, especially those who benefit from deep pressure, like fans of weighted blankets.
Water naturally enhances proprioception (your body’s sense of where it is in space), making it easier to learn and refine movement skills.
Water is also an ideal place to work on balance because if you lose your balance in the pool, you don’t fall hard. That makes it a safe, low-risk environment to challenge your stability and build confidence.
The natural resistance of water also means that larger or faster movements require more effort, helping build strength, coordination, and endurance in a fun and functional way.
Bonus reason: It’s fun!
In short: the water gives your body support where it needs it and a gentle challenge where it’s ready to grow.
Some Specific Diagnoses that Aquatic Therapy has been shown to be beneficial for:
Cerebral palsy
Autism spectrum disorder
Arthritis
Down syndrome (Trisomy 21)
Multiple Sclerosis
General muscle weakness
Post Surgery (with surgeon’s clearance)
Other genetic conditions
And several more!
Aquatic therapy is not recommended for people with
Very high blood pressure
Serious open wounds
Chemical allergies (chlorine and salt)
Certain communicable diseases
Otherwise, most everyone could benefit from aquatic therapy!
Who would benefit from aquatic therapy?
The short answer is nearly everyone!
It is a great place for working on:
- Balance
- Strength
- Body awareness
- Breathing
- Sensory processing
- Mobility
We Love Research! Want to know more about aquatic therapy and its benefits? Click Here to navigate to the Research section of our website
Contact us
Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!