I graduated from PT school in 2019; at this current moment that was 6 years ago. In school I researched what experts do when prescribing assistive devices (like crutches or canes). You might wonder – who did we consider as an expert? The initial answer: anyone with 5 years of practice in one particular area.

One of the main things that stuck out to me in the preparatory research we read is not the years of experience, but the qualities of an expert therapist. An expert is someone who:

• Listens with intention
• Is motivated to continue learning
• Focuses on the patient first as a person
• Has skill in hands-on assessment and treatment
• Has people they admire and view as mentors

But most important:

Their practice begins and ends with their patient.

This is what has remained the cornerstone of my practice. My practice begins and ends with YOU. Our relationship is a therapeutic alliance. You are the expert in your own body: your experiences, your symptoms, your fears, and your goals. I am the expert in the body: where your symptoms may be originating from, how your brain plays a role, what exercises and hands on techniques will help to improve your symptoms. Together we are the team that will help you flourish where you are planted.

-Naomi