
Hello! ¡Hola!
My name is Dr. Gumbs, founder of Latitude Physiotherapy. I'm a Manual Orthopedic Physiotherapist, meaning, I know my anatomy, and I'm good with my hands! I became certified in Dry Needling in 2016 and I'm passionate about helping Austinites swim, bike, and run further and faster! I really enjoy working with athletes, but what I love most about being a physiotherapist is being able to help just about anyone get out of pain and get back to what they love.
I grew up in the greater Seattle area which is known for its thick emerald forests, and the scenery alone probably had a lot to do with my love for long-distance running—which I did a lot of in my youth! There were weeks when I would run more than 100 miles per week training for Cross-Country and Track at Santa Clara University. It wore on me, as it does on many. First, an unexplained stress reaction in my lower leg. Then, maybe a year later, I felt the onset of a hip pain that would become so persistent that I thought it might never go away.
That was all long before I really understood what was going on with my body and why I was having pain, especially for so long. No one explained it to me. Even after long durations of rest, the pain could come flaring back up again. If something was broken, how is it still not healed? I thought. Most tissue damage heals itself within three to six months. So, why is whatever I hurt still hurting?! One might ask? Well, the answer isn't simple, but we can try, and say it's the result of uncontrolled stress within the neuromuscular system. This can make you hypersensitive to otherwise benign stress, causing pain, and making you feel weak, when in reality, you might just not be making the right connections, just like I wasn't.
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I suffered through more than three years of persistent hip pain and countless unnecessary consultations, scans, and treatments for all off-centered diagnoses about what was wrong with my hip. It wasn't until meeting a group of holistic physiotherapists that I was finally able to overcome the pain and discover the true problem. That experience is what inspired me to become a Doctor of Physical Therapy. A well trained and methodical physiotherapist who listens to his patients can successfully treat the vast majority of orthopedic complaints. Sadly that's not what happens in our medical system. Many are taken down a much more invasive and expensive route, inadequate physical therapy, or long periods of neglecting the problem hoping it'll go away on its own.
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I'm forever grateful for those physiotherapists who looked beyond my hip and really saw me as a whole person. As it turns out, low back dysfunction was ultimately identified as the main problem, and once that was recognized as the root cause, the treatment was effective in finally ridding me of my hip pain. Since then I have run countless relaxed and vigorous, pain-free miles. This is why I call it Latitude Physiotherapy; latitude which means: scope for freedom of action or thought. Don't let false limiting beliefs stop you. Slow down, learn from your symptoms, and seek out help if you need it!
I have experience treating a wide variety of musculoskeletal conditions. I enjoy working with individuals of all levels who want to lead active lives, and I especially love working with athletes, adventurers, artists, and anyone with a passion for movement!
I’d love to work with you towards your goals so that you may live life to its fullest potential—no matter the starting point. In my free time, I enjoy reading, running, biking, yoga, acro yoga, slacklining, hiking, climbing, live music, and spending time with my puppy Tico!
Thanks for visiting,
See you soon! ¡Nos vemos pronto!
- Dr. Gumbs
Physiotherapist & Running Specialist
Chris Gumbs, PT, DPT, ICDN
Doctor of Physical Therapy
& Running Specialist

Education
University of St. Augustine
Austin, TX
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Doctor of Physical Therapy
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Conferred December 2014 with High Honors
Santa Clara University
Santa Clara, CA
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Bachelor of Science in Combined Sciences
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Minor in Spanish Studies
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Conferred December 2008
Universidad de Alcalá
Alcalá de Henares, Spain
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SCU Study Abroad Program, Fall 2007
¡Hablo español!

Testimonials
Melissa W.
via Google
I HIGHLY recommend seeing Dr. Gumbs! He helped me return to running quickly after injury and provided an abundance of resources throughout the process. He is very thorough during each appointment, knowledgeable, and encouraging! I've seen a few PTs as a runner, and Dr. Gumbs is by far my favorite and such an incredible resource here in Austin. During my visits we worked on strengthening exercises, dry needling, gait analysis, and more. He genuinely cares about his patients and provides excellent treatment!
Mitchell H.
via Google
I had an amazing experience at Latitude PT. After dealing with hamstring pain for over a year, and trying various treatment, I decided to check out Latitude. I was immediately impressed with Dr Gumbs during the free video consult that he offers. After 6 visits, I’m back on my bike, and running, and I feel stronger than I’ve ever felt before.
Jonas W.
via Google
Chris worked on my heel last summer - I had a pain that wouldn’t go away. He takes a holistic approach, preaching that the pain is just your body trying to tell you something. Chris clearly knows his stuff and cares about his patients. He was always available for questions between sessions, and provided lots of guidance for how to move forward, what stretches to keep up with, etc. I would work with Chris again.
Alivia M.
via Google
Dr. Gumbs is very honest & passionate. He is quick to share his knowledge of the human body & his own experience with PT and trail running. The dry needling was incredible. I was really nervous walking home afterwards, as I felt very tight and sore, but the next day I felt like I had a new leg! My muscles felt more flexible and loose, like I could finally relax them. I also felt more conscious of my walking patterns and I felt that, as long as I continued the exercises Dr. Gumbs recommended, I would be more than capable of changing my muscle/leg alignment. I will definitely consider dry needling in the future as my leg begins tightening up again over time. Thanks Dr. G!
Kathleen D.
via Google
I cannot express how VERY happy I am that I came across Dr. Gumbs! I have seen many different health professionals to try to help me with neck and shoulder pain that have I experienced on and off for years due to my desk bound job. I have by far seen the most improvement just in my couple of visits with Dr. Gumbs than I saw after months with other people. Dr. Gumbs is not only a thoughtful, patient, and compassionate person, but also a very effective physical therapist. He takes his time to really listen to you about the symptoms and issues you are experiencing and then talks you through every step of treatment he is recommending. He is very thorough in his approach and also takes into consideration if other issues might be connected to the main issue that you are experiencing vs treating just directly where you are having the most acute symptoms. I was quite nervous about trying the dry needling, but Dr. Gumbs was so incredibly patient with me and made sure I felt comfortable the whole time and only did as much as I was ok with. And I have to say it offered some of the most immediate relief compared to other modalities I have tried. I 1000% recommend you to come visit Latitude PT!
Peter F.
via Google
Dr. Chris Gumbs gave me a professional and warm welcome, then listened to my history. He talked me through the dry needling procedure then performed the needling while keeping me calm, explaining what he was doing at all times. I left the session feeling better than when I arrived and would recommend him highly.
Amy J.
via Google
I dislocated my patella and sought out PT for the first time in my life at the suggestion of my orthopedist. The knee injury was traumatic, and dealing with the aftermath of insurance and medical treatment was a nightmare. I'm glad I found Chris at Latitude PT, where he provided accessible, affordable 1-on-1 support, separate from the limited, garbage in-network options offered by my health insurance company. I was new to dry needling, and though at times it was intimidating, Chris was reassuring and precise in providing treatment. I learned a lot from Chris about my muscular health, and he was helpful in guiding me toward my goals of being able to walk, run, dance, and ball again. I also greatly appreciated the ease of scheduling online and reviewing detailed follow-up messages to continue making progress with my exercises between sessions.
Jessica N.
via Google
When my back started going out once a week a few months ago I was in complete agony. Luckily I found Dr. Gumbs and after only two sessions I never had an episode again. Over the next few months I continued working with him to build up strength and retrain my body. I’m someone who had never dealt with back issues before but after working together Dr. Gumbs was able to determine that the issue was actually coming from other muscular issues my body was compensating for in my foot, leg, and hip. I was amazed at how much his use of dry needling helped in my recovery. I am eternally grateful to him for getting my life back. I am a very active person and he was able to help me not only regain the ability to move around comfortably again but his running program got me safely running again! He is extremely thorough and listens very attentively. He really took the time to understand everything in my life that could possibly impact my situation. If you are experiencing any pain, please do yourself a favor and don’t wait until you are bedridden like I was before you do something about it. Go see Dr. Gumbs today! Your body will thank you!
Preston D.
via Google
Dr. Gumbs is an incredible physical therapist and an equally great person! Chris helped me overcome knee pain that I had for months. Within a few weeks I was able to start training again and four months after visiting Latitude PT I completed a half Ironman with zero issues. He gets to the root of the problem so that you can keep the pain away for good. I've noticed improvements in both my training and day-to-day movement since working with Chris. He is incredibly knowledgeable and has helped me to better understand how my body works. Thanks Dr. Gumbs!
London B.
via Google
I had been experiencing plantar fasciitis for over 9 months. Within about 6 weeks of seeing Chris (a thorough evaluation, strength/mobility exercises, and dry needling) I was back to running a few miles with no pain! He also referred me to an incredible shoe specialist to get just the right shoes and orthotics. It's been 4 months since our first appointment and I'm now back to running my normal 30-mile weeks (without orthotics!) and am experiencing zero pain. Thanks so much, Chris, for helping me get back to running :)
JD S.
via Google
Started treatment for a Lifting-induced back injury and not only has it been helped but also learning and making huge strides in mobility and strength all around. Highly recommend this holistic approach which includes manual therapy, needling, stretching, neuromuscular connection and exercise. I’m coming back for more.
Kevin O.
via Google
I've had stress fractures and lower back pain over the years and Dr. Gumbs was the first physical therapist I've had who took a look at how I moved and worked towards fixing the root cause of my pain, rather than more intrusive interventions like shots. I'm running faster and lifting heavier than before, and that's thanks to Dr. Gumbs. Couldn't recommend more!
Jon A.
via Google
I was struggling with foot and lower leg issues for nearly a year before I found relief working with Dr. Gumbs at LatitudePT. Previous physical therapists provided minor relief, but appointments were short and treatment was limited to the directly affected area. Dr. Gumbs spent extensive time reviewing my condition and took a whole body approach to my treatment. Due to social distancing all of my appointments have been through Telehealth (video conferencing) and I'm amazed at how effective they have been. This method has taught me to take care of my own body which will be beneficial to my long term health. Overall, I'm very happy with my treatment and the results. Additionally, I'd say the value of the treatment from LatitudePT significantly exceeds any similar treatment I've received in the past.
Jack W.
via Facebook
“Dr. Gumbs is amazing! I have had back pain for 10+ years and had just about given up hope that I would never be able to fix it until today! In just one session, Dr. Gumbs relieved my pain and discomfort and provided me with a clear understanding of why I was experiencing back pain. I have never been so happy! If you’re in any kind of pain and want to get your life back, then go see Dr. Gumbs!”
Dawn C.
via Tumbtack
Chris is a truly gifted Physical Therapist! He is very intuitive and sees where the challenge is truly coming from. He treats the body as a whole not just a part. I am thoroughly impressed with my experiences with Chris. He is very talented with dry needling, cupping and manual therapy as well!
Sheri Z.
via Thumbtack
“Dr. Gumbs is so knowledgeable about the human body and yet so personable to work with. His dry needling sessions provided immediate pain relief and his “homework” exercises with videos were helpful and easy to follow. I highly recommend his therapy services.”
Andrew C.
via Google
Chris helped me in so many ways! I don't have any back pain any more and my knees have never felt better! Thank you so much!
Joleene J.
via Facebook
“Dr. Gumbs is knowledgeable, thoughtful, and encouraging. His passion for helping people shines through in his work. I have had a lot of physical therapy in my life, and Dr. Gumbs is by far one of the top physical therapists I’ve met. I still walk taller, straighter, and have less pain more than a year and a half later! He is so dedicated! Give him a chance to help you!”