Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Schulz.
Hi Emily, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
As a kid growing up in Michigan, science and medicine always interested me, but I wasn’t sure I wanted to be a doctor or a nurse. Then when I was in middle school my oldest sister was in a plane crash that landed her in the hospital with a broken back and arm.
During one rehab session, her physical therapist asked if I wanted to help. She asked me to kick a ball back and forth with my sister and then play catch with her while the PT made sure she was safe and helped her with cueing. I was fascinated that something as simple as playing catch or kicking a ball was going to help my sister walk again.
This spark of curiosity sent me to learn everything I could about the field of physical therapy. I’d always loved using my hands, whether it was mashing bananas for banana bread or giving family members back massages, so to learn about this field that was hands-on help for people, I was hooked. I loved the idea that PTs got to spend time with their patients, really helping them get back to doing both everyday tasks and the things that they love.
From there it was just a matter of following that passion. I got into physical therapy school at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where I received my Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. One of my clinical rotations took me to California where I chose to work once I graduated. I spent 10 years in the San Francisco Bay area honing my skills, eventually earning a board certification in Orthopedics.
Eventually, the call of Colorado and the Rocky Mountains brought me to Denver in 2016. Before starting Be You Physical Therapy & Wellness, I enjoyed working at a small, private clinic in Commerce City where I got to build relationships with my patients and help them get back to doing the things they love.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Fortunately, my professional road has been fairly smooth. From the beginning, I’ve been able to continually learn and challenge myself through both educational coursework and taking on the challenges of managing a clinic and its staff in California.
But when the clinic I was working at in Commerce City was sold, I was exposed to the world of corporate healthcare and began to struggle. The increased patient load and overwhelming paperwork demands were troubling. Productivity standards required me to spend less and less time putting my hands on patients and having to see multiple patients at once.
I wasn’t allowed to give the amount of attention and care I felt my patients needed and deserved. I didn’t like being in that position which is why I started my own business, Be You Physical Therapy & Wellness.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Be You Physical Therapy & Wellness?
At Be You Physical Therapy & Wellness I help active individuals get back to doing the things they love without the use of pain medications, injections, or surgery. My focus is on orthopedic injuries (anything bone, muscle, joint, or soft tissue related) and preventative care.
I’m out-of-network with all insurances (i.e. cash-only) which allows me to focus on what a patient wants to achieve, not what some insurance company says they should. I then can spend a full hour one-on-one with patients to get to the root of their pain, problem, or limitation. To not just get rid of pain, but help them to move better and prevent the pain from coming back.
I perform hands-on manual work with patients to ease pain and help them move better, not just watch them ride the bike! I also help people with all types of preventative care. For example, if you have bad posture, but are not sure what to do about it, I can help with that.
Or if you’re training for your next half marathon and want to make sure you stay injury-free, I can make sure you’re moving right and help keep your muscles and joints healthy. I pride myself on being honest and open with my patients and educating them to the best of my abilities about what is going on with their bodies and how I may or may not be able to help.
What are your plans for the future?
I hope to continue to build Be You Physical Therapy & Wellness and eventually add additional physical therapists to be better able to serve the surrounding, growing community.
I plan to keep educating the public on what physical therapy is and how it can help them in ways they never realized. I would also like to be able to continue enjoying all Colorado has to offer. I’m still exploring and finding all of the hiking trails we have in this beautiful state!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.beyouptwellness.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyouptwellness/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beyouptwellness
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BeYouPTWellness
Image Credits
Kristen Pump
