Meet Ann Kramer of The Physical Therapy Center of Erie

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ann Kramer.

Ann, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I knew I wanted to be a Physical Therapist when I was a sophomore in high school. I loved playing sports all through high school and knew my goal was to help people the way my friends and family were helped by physical therapy. I dreamed of treating and educating patients, empowering people to heal themselves with exercise. When I received a track scholarship to the University of Mary, I was so thankful I had found a place where I could pole vault, have fun with the track team and work towards my dream of becoming a physical therapist.

After graduating with my doctorate, I worked really hard and learned from the clinicians and health care providers that I worked with and slowly I started dreaming of having my own practice. I gained lots of experience in various settings in several different states and continued to fine-tune my skill set. The vision of opening my own practice was always tucked away in my mind, awaiting the right time and opportunity.

When my husband and I moved to Erie with our young children, we fell in love with the community and decided that this was the place that we wanted to raise our kids and plant roots. I even was able to volunteer at Erie High School to coach pole vaulting. Everything came together for us in Erie. After finding the right opportunity and place, Covid isolated us, giving us more time to plan and realize my dream of starting my own practice in a home we loved.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Opening my own business is exciting and terrifying at the same time. The journey was not always a smooth road. The road was bumpy and had some turns we hadn’t foreseen, but I had to stay diligent, persistent and flexible and we moved slowly. I wanted to start small and build quality relationships with patients and the community and we wanted to have the foundation before growing too quickly. We are building something to last, not something that could grow quickly and fail. There are times when I feel like I am in over my head and have to give myself a small pep talk. It really helps to have my super supportive husband on my team.

We’ve been impressed with The Physical Therapy Center of Erie, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The Physical Therapy Center of Erie is a small private clinic. Providing 1:1 quality care with a licensed physical therapist for your entire treatment plan. We treat all ages and feel comfortable treating all conditions that would require outpatient physical therapy.

I am working towards attaining CAPP-pelvis. which is certification through the APTA for treating the pelvic floor. This specialization will help me to better treat various conditions affecting the pelvic floor and bowel and bladder function including but not limited to pelvic pain, incontinence, prolapse, constipation, pain with intercourse, and coccyx pain.

My passion for my profession sets me apart. I absolutely love what I do and feel like this joy carries over into treatments and patient education, empowering people to heal themselves with exercise.

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
As a small private clinic owner, I need to be present with each and every patient, practice empathy and stay humble. Relationships and trust is key to my success. If someone is not making progress under my care, then I need to be humble enough to seek help from other amazing practitioners to get the patient where they need to be. Building relationships is important, but helping patients holistically is also key.

Other qualities that are important to my success is having a solid foundation and being a lifelong learner as I continue sharpening my skills and knowledge. I refuse to become complacent when the health of my clients is such a priority and I always want to know the best methods to help my patients.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.askyourpt.org/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/askyourpt
• Other: https://business.google.com/v/the-physical-therapy-center-of-erie/013883415265643056214/e739/_?caid=17045948313&agid=139191384239&gclid=CjwKCAjwx7GYBhB7EiwA0d8oezNGxWrp5aFjZm0vGg3UYvnXeSEDqqB0M8_8CKzTqrMsf2fYNlFh2hoCp00QAvD_BwE&gclid=CjwKCAjwx7GYBhB7EiwA0d8oezNGxWrp5aFjZm0vGg3UYvnXeSEDqqB0M8_8CKzTqrMsf2fYNlFh2hoCp00QAvD_BwE