Leesa Nelson

THERAPY BEGINNINGS

As a Junior in high school, I had to attend physical therapy for a back injury I sustained as a competitive swimmer. My Physical Therapist helped jumpstart my passion by explaining exactly what was going on with my back and how each part of treatment was contributing to restoring balance in my body. Through my college years, I continued to nurture my fascination with the human body and decided to pursue a physical therapy career. I quickly discovered how rewarding it was to not only help others, but also to assist others in helping themselves. Presently, as a practicing physical therapist, I fully embrace the concept of exercise as medicine and strive to teach each of my patients how to continually improve their own physical health.

BRANCHING OUT

While in Physical Therapy school, l was privileged to serve as the strength and conditioning coach for my college swim team and assist both professional and youth soccer teams. While I have a strong connection to the sports world, my career in physical therapy has already taken me in many other unique directions. In addition to my outpatient orthopedic experience, I have had the opportunity to work with the pediatric population, evaluate patients with developmental disabilities and psychiatric conditions, and develop a wheelchair clinic. Despite the differences in each of these practice settings, the ultimate goal remains the same: improving the patient’s quality of life.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

After living in the Northwest for most of my life, I moved to San Antonio in 2012. It didn’t take long for me to be proud to call Texas my home. One of my favorite ways to give back is through participation in charity races, which raise money for local and national organizations in need and also encourage others to stay active and fit. Volunteering within my community has always been important to me, I plan to continue this practice for years to come, and I look forward to establishing Texan roots through service opportunities.