Recently, my friend Amy asked me what it is like to be a healer. It’s very difficult to put into words what it feels like to do something that is so natural. After much thought I simply stated:
“I’m where I’m supposed to be, doing exactly what I”m supposed to be doing.”
People often ask me how I got where I am today. Since August 1st will be the 10th anniversary of The Manual Touch Physical Therapy, it seems like a good time to reflect on my journey.
None of this would have been possible without the help of a lot of people. It is with much gratitude and love that I recognize the following people as part of my journey which can be divided up into three distinct timelines:
1982-1997: PT School, Lutheran General Hospital (LGH), Traditional Physical Therapy
- Danny Lazar, MD: In 1982, during my freshman year in college, Danny, then a sophomore, suggested I look into becoming a physical therapist when I said I didn’t want to be a doctor.
- UIC PT school: For recognizing that I would be a great physical therapist, despite getting into school one week after it started.
- My parents: Upon getting the call on a Sunday afternoon that my name came up on the waiting list for UIC, hunted me down to get me the message as quickly as possible. I showed up to class the very next day.
- Gay Cohen, PT: For offering me my first job at LGH. Gay was an empathetic, fair, non-judgemental, and supportive manager who facilitated her staff to be their best.
- Suzanne Joseph, PT: My first clinical mentor who introduced me to non-traditional therapies and encouraged me to be anything I wanted to be.
1997-2010: IMT – Non-traditional PT, in 2002 left LGH to start Center IMT Chicago with Suzanne Joseph
- Sharon Weiselfish Giammatteo, PT: Sharon created IMT, an innovative and holistic approach to treating the human body. I learned how to look at people as a whole being in a non-judgmental and objective way. More than anything, through her work, I experienced astounding personal growth with a deeper, clearer understanding of myself, my family, and the people around me.
- IMT therapists/teachers: Who taught me advanced clinical, IMT skills.
- Steve: I wouldn’t be where I am today without the love and support of my husband. Steve had great health results from IMT and so supported my extensive learning which often required me to travel multiple times per year leaving him to hold down the fort at home with our young kids.
- Jenna and Drew: For always being willing subjects for my learning of IMT and accepting of all my travel.
2010 – Present: Launched The Manual Touch Physical Therapy, Started Running
- Jenny Parker: For keeping my billing on track at The Manual Touch and guiding me with best business practices
- Deb Beyer, PT: Deb treated my many running injuries which then turned out to be a master class of how to prescribe appropriate exercises for my patients.
- Lynn Granstrom: Lynn is a phenomenal graphic designer who designed the TMT logo and print material.
- Sandy Gregerman: Sandy created my second round of brochures and designed my ebooks.
- Nate Hartman and Yellow Box Advertising: For taking care of my website and other tech needs.
- Cheryle Yallen: The executive director from our board, Special Kids Foundation, who encouraged me to begin my online newsletter.
- Barb Miller: Barb is my business mentor through the SBA. She keeps me on track to help me grow my business.
- Emilie Totten: Emilie joined in 2016 to handle marketing. Emilie is so much more than that. Her extensive business, marketing knowledge and people skills are invaluable to me.
- Kevin Harang, PT: For showing up when The Manual Touch needed another physical therapist.
- All my patients: For allowing me to be part of your healing journey!
In normal times I would have planned an open house to celebrate the 10th anniversary of The Manual Touch and welcome our new PT, Kevin Harang. However, these are not normal times.
In honor of our 10th Anniversary, we will have to take our celebrations online instead. Head over to Facebook and like our page where we often share health tips and exercises to keep you moving! If you like what you see, please share with your family and friends to help us to continue spreading the word and helping people reclaim movement, function, and quality of life.
With gratitude,
Denise
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