Why? Why did I decide to start my own physical therapy practice when years ago I vowed never to get involved with the shenanigans of being a boss? To find out how we got here, we have to back up to where it all started. As a competitive gymnast for most of my childhood, I had a fascination with human movement and how to challenge the body to improve. I saw my fair share of injuries (my own and others) and was intrigued by the body’s ability to heal and recover. This led to a career in physical therapy, now spanning three decades. Holy crap, that looks crazy in print!
Over these three decades I have seen a transformation in our healthcare system that is mind-boggling and has led to permanent wrinkles of shock and bafflement on my face. The beautiful art and science of healing has morphed into a messy, complex mix of medicating symptoms and allowing insurance companies to dictate what treatments people will receive based on a financial bottom line. The progressive movement toward silo style health care where each specialist addresses his/her own area without looking at the person as a whole has led to misdiagnosis, band aid treatments, and overlooked opportunities to reclaim a person’s health. The result is an ever-increasing incidence of chronic disease, metabolic disorders, pain, and mental health challenges. We have to ask ourselves, how is it that we have more medication and medical technology than ever before, but our nation is becoming progressively less healthy? We are on a slippery slope, folks.
I reached my tipping point this year. I can no longer sit back and watch the health of my communities and the integrity of my profession be destroyed by entities that care more about their shareholders and lobbyists than about the people who are supposed to be their customers.
“The customer is alway right” no longer applies in that world, but it certainly does in mine. As a physical therapist, I see so many clients with pain, movement disorders, weakness, and chronic health issues that are being treated with medications, injections, and surgeries without first addressing the possible root causes. It’s like prescribing pain medication for someone with a rock in their shoe, rather than removing the damn rock.
How many of us have experienced medical appointments in which the provider is essentially typing away on the computer for the three minute duration of the visit? The simple act of sitting down, having a conversation, and LISTENING to someone proves itself to be invaluable. I strive to assess the whole person by exploring things like movement patterns, nutrition, sleep, environmental factors, biomarkers, and mindset. Using symptoms and data as guides, I aim to uncover the reason for the symptoms.
I want to work for my clients, not their insurance companies. This is why I have chosen to forge my own path toward reclaiming wellness for myself, my family, my clients, and my community. I hope that you will follow along as I embark upon this journey so that, together, we can reclaim our wellness and live our lives to the fullest. My goal has always been to help people heal…and it always will be.
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