Today we’d like to introduce you to Brenna Schmitt.
Hi Brenna, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey in becoming a physical therapist started when I was a teenager, I babysat for a child with autism. It was so inspiring and life-changing to see the success and progression through therapy that I knew I wanted to do something similar for a career. I have always loved movement and sports, but have also always been very analytical and loved solving puzzles. It finally clicked to put everything together and became a PT.
I NEVER thought I would start my own practice. After being permanently laid off from a position I enjoyed, I knew what I wanted and couldn’t find it, so started my own journey!
I strongly believe everything happens for a reason and I think I was meant to be a physical therapist and start my own practice. To this day my favorite part of what I do is the people and seeing them progress and succeed!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I think one of the biggest struggles for me is that I have always been the quiet one. The one in the back of the class who knows the answer, but never speaks up. At one point during PT school, I was actually told by someone I would have to change in order to be good at my job. But I realized I thrive in a one on one environment and me being the quiet observer in the back all those years has actually played to my advantage. It’s made me a good observer of movement and learning styles. I try to adapt my communication to each patient’s personality and preferences to more effectively treat them. At the same time, it is hard sometimes to be an introvert as a small business owner and I get nervous speaking in front of groups! I have learned that just because something was successful for a different business owner, doesn’t mean it will be for me and my personality. I try to stay true to myself and recognize (and kind of love) that the only real way to fail in my practice is to quit- everything else is just learning!
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Physio Strong?
Physio Strong is a mobile, cash-based (out of network) physical therapy practice. I do have spaces in Le Sueur and Mankato, but primarily go to people’s homes (and sometimes offices or even gyms). I specialize in treating running injuries (doing gait analysis and retraining) and doing pelvic floor PT. I am a certified specialist in pelvic rehabilitation through the Institute of Clinical Excellence (ICE).
I have also taken dry needling courses and enjoy using that as a treatment tool.
I think the two biggest things that set me apart are being mobile and my love for learning.
I love being able to help people in their own homes. Especially for busy moms- they don’t need to think about childcare or lugging all their kids things across town to sit in a waiting room! Meeting people in their space helps with comfort and convience. We have everything they need for their personalized exercise program right there.
Healthcare is always changing and improving, so I love learning new exercises and implementing evidence-based practices! I love being able to educate and empower individuals (without fear mongering), especially when it comes to pelvic health.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
When I was in elementary school, my dad would dress up and come read to our class. His nickname was the “bad dad.” I remember once he came as Claude Monet. He wore clothes he used to paint the walls in and even wore stilts! He would also play pranks. My teacher had a small bowl with glass fish in it and he put real fish in it once!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.physiostrongpt.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/physiostrongllc?igsh=MXZrc2Q4Z2Jsdm0waw==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/17XdppaPfg/
