Get to Know Your PT: Lisa Cook PT, DPT
Learn more about Therapydia Ballard’s newest physical therapist, Lisa Cook PT, DPT as she shares her favorite piece of wellness advice, her journey to becoming a PT and how she likes to spend her weekend.
“We do not stop exercising because we grow old – we grow old because we stop exercising.”
When did you know that you wanted to be a physical therapist?
I’m one of the unusual physical therapists as I didn’t go to PT prior to starting PT school. When I was a kid I would “help” my mom do her PT exercises and I remember teaching my friends how to do stretches after we went hiking during outdoor school. In high school I took a sports medicine class from a physical therapist, I loved this class and couldn’t get enough of it. When I decided to be a PT, it just clicked and felt like it was meant to be.
What’s your favorite song to get you motivated?
“Wait So Long” by Trampled by Turtles, it has a great beat and gets me pumped every time.
What is the biggest challenge involved in being a PT?
Staying on top of insurance company regulations.
How do you like to stay active?
Running, skiing, hiking, yoga, barre, walking the dog
What surprised you the most about the physical therapist profession?
How much of an impact I can make on someone’s physical and mental well-being
Are you currently pursuing any further education/certifications?
I just started studying for the Orthopedic Certified Specialist (OCS) exam
What’s your go-to breakfast?
Greek yogurt with either granola and cinnamon or peanut butter and bananas
What do you wish everyone knew about physical therapy?
PT can be a great way to reduce pain while avoiding medication and surgery, plus it’s cheaper and more enjoyable.
What is the most important personality trait that a therapist must have?
Empathy.
What do you do to de-stress/unwind?
If I’m in the city, I like to go running or work out to de-stress. If I have the time, I head to the mountains to ski or hike.
Finish this sentence: On Saturday mornings, you can usually find me…
Either sleeping in or hitting the ski slopes
What is the best piece of wellness advice you’ve ever received?
“We do not stop exercising because we grow old – we grow old because we stop exercising.”
– Dr. Kenneth Cooper
