About Our Clinic
Big Sky Physical Therapy was founded in March 2009 by Dawn Christian, DPT, CHT, a respected clinician who has served the Missoula community for over 30 years. Driven by a deep commitment to individualized care, Dawn envisioned a practice where physical therapists had the time and freedom to truly listen, connect, and provide the highest level of treatment for every patient.
Since its founding, Big Sky Physical Therapy has grown into a team of highly skilled and carefully selected physical therapists who share a unified mission: to set the standard for exceptional orthopedic care in Missoula. We are passionate about movement, recovery, and prevention—and we pride ourselves on creating a welcoming, supportive environment where every treatment plan is tailored to the unique needs and goals of our patients.
At Big Sky, we believe in the power of personal connection, clinical excellence, and a whole-person approach to healing. Whether you’re recovering from injury, managing chronic pain, or striving to prevent future issues, our team is here to help you move better, feel better, and live fully.
Learn about how we can help you.
Big Sky Physical Therapy is dedicated to provide personalized, compassionate and quality care for individuals. Our mission is to provide each patient with physical rehabilitation to help them achieve their functional and recreational goals.
Meet our Physical Therapists
Dawn Christian
Therapist – PT, DPT, CHT
Dawn is a Certified Hand Therapist. She underwent an intensive program with additional education to be able to provide specialized treatment of the shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand. She enjoys continuing education classes to keep her up to date on best evidence practice. For more on Certified Hand Therapy please see the link on the website.
Dawn is a graduate of the University of Montana with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Her undergraduate degree is in Occupational Safety and Health, and she is certified through the American College of Sports Medicine as an exercise specialist. She has worked in the Missoula area for over 20 years providing care for university athletes, recreational athletes, post-surgical patients, patients with overuse and traumatic injuries. She was driven to open Big Sky Physical Therapy in 2009 to be able to continue the standard of care each patient deserves and provide individualized care. She strives to maintain the small clinic atmosphere of Big Sky Physical Therapy where every patient is treated by a licensed doctoral level physical therapist.
Dawn serves as an Adjunct Faculty in the University of Montana Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency Program. She also teaches Evaluation and Treatment of the Wrist and Hand to the University of Montana doctoral students, in their second year.
When not in the clinic, Dawn enjoys hiking, biking, skiing and the outdoors with her husband and family.
- Certified Hand Therapist
- Doctorate of Physical Therapy
- Exercise Specialist; ACSM certified
- Functional Movement Screening Certified
- Certified Astym Provider
- Dry Needling/Intramuscular Certified
Lauren Sokoloski
Therapist – DPT
Lauren graduated from the University of Montana as a University Scholar with a Bachelors of Arts in Human Biological Sciences. She was part of the U of M soccer team for three years. Lauren attended the University of Montana school of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences, where she earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) and was awarded the Nora Staael Evert Scholarship Award for outstanding leadership qualities. During clinical affiliations she studied under some of the professions leading physical therapists, including an American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy (AAOMPT) Fellow, in a variety of settings including orthopedics, sports medicine, aquatic therapy, neuro rehabilitation and oncology. Lauren specializes in the evaluation and treatment of TMJ/TMD related issues. She is passionate about physical therapy's ability to restore, promote and maintain patients optimal function, wellness and quality of life. In her free time Lauren enjoys spending time with family and friends, hiking, running, soccer, rafting, and any activities outdoors where she can take advantage of the beauty of Montana.
- Bachelor of Arts in Human biological sciences; 2012
- Doctorate of Physical Therapy; 2015
- Craniofacial Certification (TMJ Treatment); 2015
- Certified ASTYM Provider; 2016
- Dry Needling/Intramuscular Stimulation Certified; 2016
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Codi Cole
Therapist – DPT
Codi was born and raised in Pendleton, Oregon. She attended The University of Montana in Missoula and earned a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and a minor in Dance. Following undergraduate education, Codi attended West Coast University in Los Angeles, CA, and earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy. She gained extensive experience working in the Flathead Valley treating various orthopedic and neurological injuries and is excited to return and provide clinical expertise to Missoulians.
Codi is a Dance & Performing Arts specialist. She works closely with the Missoula dance community and performs in-house assessments and consults at local studios. She is also a member of the International Association for Dance Medicine and Science. When she is not in the clinic, you may find Codi spending time with her husband exploring the local trails, ski runs, and rivers.
Codi is motivated by educating and guiding patients to better understand their bodies and how they can return to what they love to do!”
- Master Dry Needling Level 1
- Dance Medicine Specialist
- Doctorate of Physical Therapy
- Certified TMD/TMJ Physical Therapist
Codi, I wanted to thank you for your help with getting my knee rehabbed after surgery - I have been skate skiing since the end of December and have gone 13 times- My goal is 25 by the end of the season mid March.
I met my 25 times skiing goal just this past Sunday!! Leslie
★★★★★