October is National Physical Therapy Month. This year’s theme is Fall Prevention and Awareness. FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers is just the right place for you to seek help as balance therapy and fall prevention are some of our specialties. To celebrate the physical therapy profession, hear why our Doctors of Physical Therapy decided to become physical therapists.
Dr. Derek Mixon, DPT, Physical Therapist
From a young age, I felt a deep connection to movement and the human body, inspired by my own experiences as an athlete and the joy I found in helping others. Witnessing a close friend recover from a debilitating injury ignited my passion for physical therapy; I was captivated by the transformative power of rehabilitation and the profound impact it had on their life. My innate curiosity about anatomy, coupled with my desire to empower others to reclaim their mobility and independence, solidified my commitment to this profession. Each day in physical therapy feels like an opportunity to connect with individuals on a personal level, understanding their unique journeys and crafting tailored approaches that resonate with their goals. This blend of science, empathy, and personal connection makes me feel truly fulfilled and drives my unwavering dedication to helping others thrive.
Dr. Travis McDonald, DPT, Physical Therapist
I originally was interested in getting into physical therapy, when I hurt my shoulder in high school playing baseball. I was unable to raise my hand over my head without pain, so I went to physical therapy. After a few weeks of work, I was feeling better and better. This sparked by initial interest, but what really solidified my interest was when my father had a stroke as I was finishing my undergraduate degree, already on my way to get into PT school. I saw the benefits of both PT and OT from therapists who helped him restore some strength and allowed him to be more functional and independent. After seeing multiple sides of physical therapy ranging from helping me rehab my shoulder injury to helping my father after his stroke, my mind was set that physical therapy was the job for me.
Haileigh Houze, Physical Therapy Assistant
I decided to go into physical therapy after shadowing a physical therapist and enjoying the experience. I met a young girl there who is a professional ballet dancer. When I met her, she was back working on her dance routines but before that she was partially paralyzed following a surgery on her spine. It was really inspiring seeing her have such a great outlook and attitude towards life and the things she had gone through. Seeing that the therapist there was able to help get her back to doing what she loved made me realized that I wanted to be able to do the same for others.
Dr. Amy Oliver, DPT, Physical Therapist
I chose to pursue a career in physical therapy because I wanted to help others heal naturally and regain their independence. My mother, a polio survivor, inspires me with her resilience and taught me to trust in our body's natural ability to heal. I love helping people return to enjoying their lives.