Laura Ensminger

DESTINED FOR PHYSICAL THERAPY

Physical therapy has been in the cards for me from the very start. My mother, a physical therapist herself, exposed me to the physical therapy profession at a young age. She ingrained in me, the core of physical therapy and how it can help patients in all walks of life. As a teen, I tore my ACL playing volleyball during my senior year of high school. Little did I know, this would be a pivotal point in my life. My mom evaluated my knee and immediately took me to her favorite orthopedic surgeon; she and I both knew my high school playing days were over, as surgery was scheduled. My interest in the human body and rehabilitation was piqued as I went through knee rehab. My journey in rehabilitation was influential, as I attended physical therapy formally and also trained myself, in the gym, in preparation to play college volleyball. Through my own rehab and conditioning, I was intrigued by the human body and the changes it can make. For several years in college, I had the privilege of shadowing my orthopedic surgeon in the clinic and in the operating room, as he worked with all types of patients and injuries. This experience brought the patient perspective to the forefront, as I watched many patients progress from initial diagnosis through returning to their passions once they were healed.

HEALTHY LIVING

While conditioning for volleyball during my college years, I found my passion for exercise. I became amazed at the human body’s ability to adapt and make improvements. These days, I enjoy an exercise routine filled with various, high-intensity interval training, weight-lifting, Pilates, and barre. My advice to people on exercise programs is to not be afraid to try something different and keep it fun. The same thought can be integrated into your diet as well. A big key to healthy living is consistently listening to your body. Eat that piece of cake, but also make sure to eat your chicken and vegetables while you’re at it! I have learned, over the years, that life is about balance and that is what leads you to a healthy life.

PASSIONATE ABOUT MY PROFESSION

I am passionate about my chosen profession of physical and love working with patients, getting to know them, understanding their individual issues, and helping make a diff erence in their lives as I help them heal. Helping patients overcome sports-related injuries and utilizing manual therapy skills to speed up their recovery are among my favorite aspects of my job. I also love volunteering in the community and look forward to continuing to help people in various ways for many years to come.