ASHLEY WITSON, PT, DPT
Hi, I’m Ashley!
I’m an animal-loving physical therapist with a palate for good coffee and great wine. I’m also a multiple knee surgery survivor and ex-collegiate soccer player with a need for speed.
My physical therapy story started as a young girl. My daredevil stepdad (think Evil Knievel) put the thought into my head, “You know Ash, you should really think about it. You’re the perfect person for the job.” Tad…a retired NYC police detective, ex-bull rider, motorcyclist, and race car driver, had his fair share of injuries and spent plenty of time in physical therapy. As one of my biggest believers and supporters, I couldn’t help but think- maybe he’s right? Fast forward 15 years… I’m a licensed physical therapist helping people get back to doing what they love.
What do I love about being a Physical Therapist?
Empowering people.
Pain, disability, and frustration are not a life sentence. Experience has taught me that medical care tends to be reactive rather than proactive. Let’s change that, shall we?
At 18, I headed off to college to pursue physical therapy and play college soccer. Turns out my journey through physical therapy school was much smoother than my collegiate soccer career. I had two additional knee surgeries on my previously injured knee between freshman and junior year. I garnered the nickname “crutch” and spent more time in the trainer’s office than on the field.
Thanks to my litany of injuries, I gained first-hand experience with sub-par physical therapy.
Throughout what seemed like a “never-ending” recovery process, I worked with countless physical therapists. Ironically, I don’t recall any of their names. During my sessions, I mainly worked with an aide who put me through my exercises and checked boxes as they scrolled through their social media. The therapists were too busy taking care of other people and never corrected me, watched my movement patterns, or re-tested my strength.
Maybe you can relate?
The ultimate result…
transitioning from “college athlete” to solely “clipboard holder” my senior year of college.
My goal is to prevent you from having such an experience. I want you to think of your physical therapist as your personal mechanic. We all have that one person on call when a tire goes flat, your radio doesn’t work, or you need an oil change! Why not have your PT on radio stand-by when you strain a muscle or have some weird sensation that is disconcerting? I want you to remember… As an athlete or non-athlete, there will always be challenges. I’ve “been there, done that” when it comes to injuries. Keeping you active is my jam. It cracks me up when I hear stuff like, “You’ll never be able to do that again.” For goodness sake, I helped a young man who lost his arm and leg walk upright even though he couldn’t use a prosthetic leg. Never say never.
Physical therapy should be a journey to get you back to 110% and nothing short. It should empower you to achieve all of your goals while keeping you in the driver’s seat.
Outside of clinical practice, you can find me traveling to auto racing tracks around the country surrounded by racecar drivers, motorcycle riders, and extreme sports athletes. This is why I often relate bodies to cars or other mechanical equipment. Racing is where I developed my eclectic taste in music, an affinity for worldly cuisine, and maybe some vulgar vocabulary along the way.
Just like soccer, racing is engrained deep in my blood. The only reason I stopped driving was to further my college soccer career. I definitely second guess that decision sometimes. If you ask my mom and stepdad, I would have been the next Danica. If you ask my fiance and his friends, they’re still deathly afraid of me on the go-kart track. Luckily for me, my racing adventure is still ongoing. My fiance Justin and I own a go-kart and a racecar named Sweet Potato. When we’re not traveling from Canada to the California coast racing or snowmobiling (or just for fun), we’re hanging at home with our three four-legged friends, Mickey, Kona & Senna.
If you choose to work with me, my emphasis is YOU. If an injury has set you back in life or sport, my goal is to guide you through this process. You are the mediator of your success. From your first visit to your last, I will help you unleash your power to tap your fullest potential.
First AOL Screen Name: SpOrTyGiRl801
Vacay Spot: Lush greenery, mountains & beach
Hate: When people use the word hate.
My Spouse Hates When I: Leave my running shoes all over the house.
Bad Habit: Buying coffee too often when I make perfectly good coffee at home.
Super Power: Expert plant killer.
If I Wasn’t a PT: Forensic Medical Examiner, College Professor, or Event Planner
Guilty Pleasure: Coffee from any coffee shop, anywhere.
Not-so-obvious guilty pleasure: Midnight online shopping when I can’t sleep.
High or Low Maintenance: Smack dab in the middle.
Favorite Time of Year: Fall… because it means Christmas is coming.
Zero Tolerance For: Slow drivers in the left lane.
Retirement Plan: Travel the country with my dogs & future husband.
