Miyoko Munakata, PT

	Joined Jun, 1993 Department: Chronic Pain Occupational Medicine [Map] Occupational Medicine [Map] Title: Physical Therapist, Clinical Specialist Degree: PT Interests: Travel, Hiking, Learning new ways to provide care for my patients. Languages: Japanese Practitioner Homepage
Bio I graduated from the National Sanatorium Tokyo Hospital Rehabilitation School, Kiyose Tokyo, Japan in Physical Therapy in 1978. After I worked in a hospital in Tokyo, I moved to Los Angeles in 1980. I have worked at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Home Health and Private Practice, then I joined the Permanente Medical Group, in Santa Rosa in 1993 as a Physical Therapist in Occupational Medicine. I also work in the Chronic Pain Program Department since 1998. I am grateful to be able to work with a great team for the patients who need this specialized care. Our Team approach at Kaiser Permanente makes it possible to provide better care. My philosophy is to empower the patient. I provide the patient with direct treatment for a quick recovery and self management skills of a patient specific exercise program and self maintenance care for a better future.
My Medical Specialty
More details about my specialty: Occupational Medicine: We treat patients who are injured at work. Upon primary treating physician's request, we evaluate patient's condition and treat. My focus is pain reduction treatment for fast recovery, providing the patient with information, skills, and an exercise program so that you can return to your work in optimal condition. We have a great communication system concerning your progress between team members through state of the art information technology. Chronic Pain Department: If you are suffered by pain for over 6 months, you could be referred to our department by your doctor. Through the team approach, we provide you information, tools and exercise to overcome your chronic pain. We hope to make your life more productive and enjoyable. My specialty interests and affiliations within my field: I am a member of American Physical Therapy Association. I lecture in Japan, contributed to one book and have written my own book (in its second printing) in Japan. Current projects or research: I am presenting at the National Japan Physical Therapy Association Conferencein 2007, and a few other seminars in Japan in 2007. An interesting story from my training: Back in 1991, I was told by my patient. "I feel better when you treat me, but it does not last. Please teach me how to adjust my spine." It was eye opening statement to me. Then I began to search for self treatment method.	Photos from My Training Years or of Practicing Medicine in My Field: Jomon Sugi World Heritage site Hiking to Jomon Sugi Steep hike to Jomon Sugi(ancient cedar) Classmates, Physical Therapy Professors
Interests
When I was a child, my grandparents sparked my interest in travel by taking me on various trips in Japan. After graduating from Physical Therapy school, I traveled to France, England and Spain for a short period in 1979. It was very fascinating to a Japanese person. But, it was too short to understand people and their culture. I was looking into an opportunity to live in England for 1 year, but instead I came to U.S.A. in 1980 and I stayed. I enjoy visiting new places and their special foods. I like hiking in nature, beautiful scenery, smell from trees and flowers, sound of birds and occasionally encounter small animals. I have been in U.S.A. since 1980. I began to search for technique and exercise program which enables patients to treat themselves. Through experience, patient feedback and study I arrived at my own technique. With my publisher's help, I published a book: "Munakata Technique" in 2005 in Japan. Sorry this is available only in Japanese now. I have taken many opportunities to teach my program to Japanese Physical Therapists in Japan since 1995. It's been very busy and I am loving it. But, it does consume most of my life for now. So I balance work and play by taking trips and hiking in Japan while there for teaching.	Hobby Photos & Links: Dinner at Kurokawa Onsen, Kyushu Japan Kurokawa Onsen Entrance Adachi Museum Matsue Japan
Family & Friends


Travel
An adventure I've had: On our 2006 trip to the island of Yakushima, Japan we were forced to walk between two warring groups of monkeys on our hike down from a hike to see yayoi sugi, a 3000 year old cedar tree. Favorite place in the world: I enjoy visiting Maui, seeing a gorgeous blue water (relaxing) and awesome whales from beach. And I also enjoy traveling to Japan for beautiful nature and I appreciate what my ancestors left for us to enjoy. Last, but not least I like all that Sonoma County offers to us. One of my recent trips: We have traveled extensively throughout Japan. (take advantage of Japan Rail Pass!) We hiked over 9 hours round trip to see "7200 year old Jomon Sugi (Cedar tree)" on Yakushima which was designated as a World Heritage Site in 1993. In comparison, our life is too short to suffer.	Travel Photos: Hiking in Shiretoko World Heritage site Hiking in Japan with monkeys Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Kyoto