Sanatan (pronounced sah-NAH-tahn) started his professional life as a mechanical engineer, but soon realized that the ‘machine’ he most loved was the human body. After years as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist and personal trainer he decided that there would be no better way to improve his ability to help others grow strong and healthy, than becoming a Doctor of Physical Therapy. He received his degree from The University of Washington Medical School, where he was honored with the McMillan Fellowship for being the top applicant in his class. He is currently pursuing advanced manual therapy training through the North American Institute of Orthopedic Manual Therapy.
Sanatan is recognized as a regional expert in running mechanics and efficiency, and specializes in lower extremity injury prevention and treatment. He instructs physical therapists, doctors, and other healthcare practitioners with his continuing-education course: Successfully Integrating a Natural-Foot Perspective Into Your Practice. While personally an avid barefoot runner (yes, skin to the ground) since 2008, he has found that his patients need not get rid of all their shoes in order to reap the strength, power, and healing benefits provided by the restoration of natural foot posture and function. Sanatan partnered with podiatrist Dr. Ray McClanahan in the founding of Minimalist Mondays in 2010, a 12-week program for those interested in the many benefits of transitioning to more minimalist shoes (or none at all!) to restore natural running and walking gait. They have since hosted over 90 clinics in Portland and helped countless runners find a natural stride that is more efficient, injury resistant, and fun.
Spending years as high-flying competitive Ultimate Frisbee player at the collegiate, national, and international levels, Sanatan certainly knows the demands of sport on the body. A bit more grounded now with a 3 year-old daughter, Nalu, and 1 year-old son, Levi, he also understands the challenges of trying to stay active and healthy within our busy lives. If you feel too busy for exercise, be sure to ask him about ‘opportunistic therapy/training.’
Sanatan is psyched to be part of the interdisciplinary team at Optimal Results Physical Therapy Downtown Portland, and looks forward to helping you and your body move naturally down the path towards health and wellness.
Education & Professional Certifications
- Doctor of Physical Therapy from University of Washington
- Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Bucknell University
- Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
- ASTYM Certified
- BikeFit Certified
- Certified Level 2 MovNat Trainer
Specialties / Interests
Ultimate Frisbee, Natural running and Barefoot running technique, Movnat training, Primal movement, Cycling, Kettlebell training, Olympic-style lifting, CrossFit.
