Dr. Christopher Harper
Christopher Harper is owner of Active Lifestyles Physical Therapy, a private practice outpatient clinic in Draper, Utah. After graduating Bouvé College of Health Science Physical Therapy program at Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts in 1993, Chris attended the University of Utah and obtained his Doctorate in Physical Therapy and a Board Certification in Orthopedics shortly thereafter. Through his endeavors to optimize intervention for POTS from a physical therapy perspective, Chris developed an interest in a multidisciplinary and multimodal treatment approach to reduce barriers to progress and is recognized as a pioneer in the assessment and treatment of related musculoskeletal comorbidities. As a result, he has been invited to serve as faculty of several POTS educational conferences. He continues to strive for improvement of intervention strategies and outcomes for patients with POTS and hypermobility type-Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.
Chris also serves as adjunct faculty for the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at the University of Utah and guest speaker for many other academic programs. In 2001 Dr. Harper created the Rehabilitation Professionals program at the Jordan Applied Technology Center, a curriculum that exposes high school seniors to physical therapy as a potential academic and career while earning post-secondary course credit.
Chris has also served on the KT Health Medical Advisory Board since 2008 and used kinesiology taping as an adjunct modality in everyday practice for over twenty years. Dr. Harper uses KT Tape in a variety of ways enhances manual therapy and exercise techniques in the clinic, stating,
“Kinesiology Tape is a product that enhances certain mechanical and neurological processes in the body. The effect of the KT Tape is largely dependent on how the tape is specifically applied, with application techniques targeting desired outcomes. KT Tape effects proprioception through mechanoreceptors in the skin and in turn may improve the control of active movement as well as alter sensory feedback perceived as pain from an area of the body. KT Tape can also enhance the body’s own natural uptake of interstitial fluid and debris resulting from injury by augmenting the mechanical action of the lymphatic system. Due to the elastic properties and breathability of KT Tape, it is an excellent alternative to other contemporary taping techniques used in splinting and altering biomechanics.”
With quality patient care and education at the core of his practice, Chris guides individuals in long-term management and improvement in quality of life.
Christopher W. Harper, PT, DPT, OCS
