Dr. Claire Horn, DPT has worked, studied and taught extensively in the field of Physical Therapy and Orthopedic Manual therapy in South Africa and the USA. After furthering her academic education and career in the USA, living and working in several states, almost falling in love with California and not being able to leave, Claire and her small family returned to South Africa in 2001. There, Claire developed Physiotherapy Services for the community of Franschhoek in South Africa (both in private practice and community health projects) and was involved in Post-Graduate education for physiotherapists in Southern Africa. This time was a gift for her to spend with family in South Africa. Her family experienced some intense heat, a few wild animals, enjoyed raising small children and the time on the beaches near to Cape Town.
Claire was drawn back to the USA, specifically to Olympia, WA to take up the position of developing, teaching and further implementing the musculoskeletal component of the SPFM residency program. Teaching MSK skills in both assessment, clinical diagnosis and differential diagnosis is a longstanding interest, and it is exciting and challenging to be able to apply her knowledge base as a Physical Therapist to teach medical residents. Her primary goal is to enable the emerging medical resident to have confidence in the area of musculoskeletal assessment and diagnosis to direct the appropriate care for the patient. The utilization of Orthopedic Manual Therapy, pain neuroscience education and exercise options to facilitate healing and return the patient to maximum possible physical health is the focus of her patient care management.
Claire and her husband Robert Mckay have brought their family to Olympia, WA to further the education of their 3 children, and themselves in the USA. They hope to explore and experience the great outdoors, wilderness areas and the sheer beauty of the PNW. It is an area of the world they have always wanted to experience. Claire says that the GREEN is overwhelming – possibly exaggerated after living in Sub-Sahara Africa for most of her life! She and her family are loving the seasons, the hiking, the lakes and the mountain biking trails. Snow and snow skiing have been quite the thrill and they look forward to more fun!
