Michael Koerner PTA

Education
Associate of Applied Science, Physical Therapist Assisting — Gateway Community College, Phoenix, Arizona
Bachelor of Science in Psychology — Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois

Certifications
Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant, Arizona (License #8687A)
Basic Life Support (BLS) Provider — American Heart Association
Matter of Balance Certified Instructor — A.T. Still University
Bioness Vector Gait Training System — Elite Certified Trainer
P.E.S.I. Certified Fall Prevention Specialist
APTA Certified Clinical Instructor for Physical Therapist Assistant Students

Advanced movement and teaching credentials include:
Master of Yoga Education (Hatha Yoga) — Awarded by Dr. V. S. Rao
Instructor Certifications in Yang Style Taijiquan and Shibashi Qigong,
Judo, Pencak Silat, and Filipino Martial Arts

Clinic Locations
Carl T. Hayden Phoenix VA Medical Center
650 E. Indian School Rd.
Phoenix, AZ 85012

Southwest VA Clinic
9250 W. Thomas Rd.
Phoenix, AZ 85037

Expertise / Clinical Interests
U.S. Navy Veteran and licensed Physical Therapist Assistant specializing in geriatric rehabilitation, balance and fall prevention, gait and mobility training, orthopedic rehabilitation, therapeutic exercise, and patient education. He has extensive experience treating spine, shoulder, hip, and knee conditions, as well as individuals with balance deficits, mobility limitations, and functional decline.

Clinical interests include fall prevention, movement restoration, gait retraining, and therapeutic exercise to support long-term function and independence. Drawing from decades of experience in yoga, Tai Chi, Judo, and Southeast Asian martial arts, he incorporates movement-based principles—such as balance, coordination, posture, body awareness, and efficient movement patterns—into rehabilitation when clinically appropriate.

Expertise in tele-health rehabilitation, group therapeutic exercise, Veteran-centered care, adaptive exercise programming, and mentoring Physical Therapist Assistant students and rehabilitation staff.