Dr. Lauren Libby

PT, DPT
Doctor of Physical Therapy

I grew up in Iowa City, so I am forever a Hawkeye fan! I obtained my EMT certification while I was a senior in high school. I went to the University of Northern Iowa for my undergraduate degree, where I obtained my Bachelor of Arts degree in Athletic Training. I then moved to Des Moines to attend Des Moines University, where I obtained my doctorate degree in Physical Therapy. I worked as an athletic trainer for youth sports and an EMT in an emergency room part time while I was in PT school. My first physical therapy job after graduation was as an “EPT”, otherwise known as an Emergency Physical Therapist, at St Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids; I worked as a PT in the hospital and emergency department for 5 years before taking a break from clinical practice for 2 years during which I was a faculty instructor and clinical education coordinator for the Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Hawkeye Community College. My family decided that Des Moines was the place we wanted to be, so I am rejoining the clinical practice world at Mountain Laurel Physical Therapy!

Former Credentials: ATC, LAT, EMT

“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.”
– Robert Frost

I am a PT and I treat patients as a staff PT. I see any kind of patient, but I do specialize in vestibular conditions.

I love working here because everyone is so welcoming, and we work extremely well together to provide patients with specialized treatments unique to each patient. Everyone cares so deeply for the best outcomes.

Conditions I Enjoy Treating:

BPPV, vestibular dysfunctions/disorders (hypofunctions, neuritis, migraines, 3PD, cervicogenic dizziness, etc), balance deficits, headaches, pelvic rotations, and cervicalgia.

I want to treat Vertigo! Balance issues and balance confidence. Headaches, complex vestibular issues.

Favorites:

I am an audiobook snob!

Books:

• Harry Potter (I have a HP Tattoo!) will always be my MVP
• House in the Cerulean Sea is one of my favorite books of all time
• ACOTAR and other romantasy-style books are my favorite
• Freida McFadden books are also my favorite

Shows/Movies:

I like shows/movies like New Girl, Friends, etc, Superhero movies, and shows like Game of Thrones, but also Lord of the Rings and Rom com movies. She’s the Man is elite. I like them all!

Outside Of Work

I have 2 daughters and an amazing husband—any chance I get to spend time with them, regardless of what we are doing, will always be my favorite thing to do outside of work. I love to travel and experience new places and new things with my family!

Patient Testimonial

“Overall my experience has been positive. I really like and enjoy my physical therapist, Lauren. She listens closely; she understood my symptoms during my first visit; did several types of testing; worked with me on simulations; did therapy in individual rooms, the therapy center and outdoors. Very through and has done a great job in diagnosing my condition. I am feeling better, and look forward to additional sessions.” – Kathy B.