Get to Know Your PT: Stephanie Colasanti, Therapydia Kona Physical Therapist

Therapydia Kona Physical Therapist Stephanie Colasanti, PT, DPT, takes some time to talk about staying motivated, the difficulty of turning off her PT brain when she’s not at work, and sunny-side up eggs.

“Don’t stop moving! Get off the couch and go outside to release some endorphins and feel motivated about life.”

When did you know that you wanted to be a physical therapist?

I knew I wanted to be a PT when I was an undergraduate studying exercise science and getting observation hours through various PT settings. Seeing the positive influence that PTs were able to provide through delivering personalized treatments and building caring relationships with patients motivated me to pursue the profession.

What is the biggest challenge involved in being a physical therapist?

Turning off my PT brain when I’m not at work. It is hard to go out in public and avoid observing people’s gait, posture, and overall movement patterns and not want to start giving PT advice.

How do you like to stay active?

I enjoy going to group workout classes like CrossFit. Working out with friends in a group environment is generally more motivating than trying to work out by myself. I also try to stay active by getting in the ocean and surfing or stand-up paddleboarding.

What’s your favorite song to get you motivated?

“What Do I Know?” by Ed Sheeran. It’s all about not taking life too seriously and when it comes down to it, love is all that matters.

What surprised you the most about the physical therapist profession?

I would say the most suprising thing about the profession is the lack of public awareness of the level of education physcial therapists have. It seems like most people are unaware of how equipped PTs are in diagnosing and treating most musculoskeletal conditions.

Have you learned anything new about PT recently that surprised/interested you?

I recently learned there is a new technique being studied to reverse the effects of various types of foot and hand neuropathy (pain, numbness, and tingling occurring from nerve damage). I have seen a lot of patients who could benefit from this.

Are you currently pursuing any further education/certifications?

Not currently, however I am looking into getting SFMA (Selective Functional Movement Assessment) certified and possibly eventually doing a yoga certification for health professionals.

What do you wish everyone knew about physical therapy?

I wish everyone knew that PT should be the first line of action to take prior to surgery or medications when it comes to pain, with the exception of some very serious issues and acute fractures that require emergency surgery. PT will get you back to doing what you love sooner and with less risk than other non-conservative methods of pain relief.

What’s your go-to breakfast?

Sunny-side up eggs.

What is the most important personality trait that a PT must have?

I think being personable and having good listening skills is absolutely crucial. It makes the experience much more comfortable and allows the patient to trust you.

How do you unwind/de-stress?

Surfing, working out, hanging out with friends, reading, cleaning, yard work.

What is your favorite piece of wellness advice to offer?

Don’t stop moving! Get off the couch and go outside to release some endorphins and feel motivated about life.

Click here to learn more about Stephanie and the other physical therapists at Therapydia Kona.