Meet Cathy McDuff | Manual therapist, movement therapist and lover of life

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cathy McDuff and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cathy, as a parent, what have you done for you children that you feel has had the most significant impact?
As a parent, I believe the impact I have had on my daughter is multi-facetted. I believe the most important aspect of this is showing consistency. She has been able to witness me carry on through job changes, career development, to pursuing my own business. She has seen the struggles, the successes and how I was able to navigate all of these things with consistency and a positive attitude. I believe my time in athletics and coaching at various levels also helped with the ability to provide some clarity in the midst of perceived chaos for her with compassion and patience.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Wow – this is a great question. I was a high school athlete that unfortunately had some pretty big injuries that opened my eyes to the field of rehabilitation and wellness. I began as an athletic trainer and worked for a variety of high school, collegiate programs and semi-professional sports organizations. I wanted to really focus on spine care/rehabilitation and manual therapy, so I began working at a small private physical therapy practice whose owner was also an instructor in continuing education focused on manual therapy. Worked there and took all of the classes I could to better my skillset for several years, and also went through a Massage Therapy program. Moved on from there to a large corporate position, which in retrospect really taught me a lot. I am still in contact with colleagues I met there who were kind enough to also be great mentors. Moved back into private practices following a 10 year stint in corporate outpatient rehabilitation and stayed there for several more years. I have recently worked in senior care, which was a great learning experience as well, but also solidified my view on the progression of healthcare. I saw the field changing and healthcare in general changing to what I thought was profit over patient, so I made the decision to step out completely on my own to provide manual therapy, massage therapy and movement therapy to clients privately.
I am a Colorado native with degrees held in Athletic Training and Exercise Physiology from two Colorado universities. I am a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant, Athletic Trainer and Licensed Massage Therapist with 38 years of clinical experience. I have extensive training in manual therapy for soft tissue release, and mobilization techniques for the spine and extremities. I also hold advanced certification in the Egoscue Method of Postural Alignment Assessment and Exercise Therapy. I am certified in the Selective Functional Movement Assessment, the Y Balance Testing procedure, and the FMS Assessment through Functional Movement Systems, and am currently working on a hybrid approach to neuromuscular facilitation/activation techniques. I have worked extensively in orthopedics, and chronic pain, and have presented in various continuing education settings on topics including soft tissue release techniques , and arthritis management strategies, injury care and prevention strategies.

What sets me apart, I believe, is my genuine depth of care for my clients. I have never been a “superficial” person, and being able to connect with people on a deeper level to care for the whole person is a huge blessing for me. Was it easy? Heck no, but it has been worth all of the ups and downs. Overcoming doubt was a big challenge for me, but again, the support I have received from the people around me has been incredible. I think one of the biggest lessons I have learned throughout this journey has been that you can depend on the support system you create. Being yourself and being consistent, being present and willing to be “uncomfortable” is huge opportunity for growth. This also comes with being willing to put yourself out there and be vulnerable, which I think that is challenging for anyone, but it is about being real. I am passionate about whole person care and a team approach to inspire people achieve their wellness goals.

I was taught by my dad to do whatever work you have well and respect anyone who is doing the same. He taught me about integrity and hard work, which I am grateful for. I strive to teach and learn from my clients every day and feel like I leave a little bit of myself with them. I am still so excited about this field and helping as many people as I can work through pain to performance. Feeling gratitude and joy grounds me. It’s a great way to live life.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Oh my – if my best friend were visiting, as native Coloradans we would be going to secret places for some peace and solitude in the mountains…if I were taking someone who isn’t from Colorado around, we would definitely hit Rocky Mountain National Park for some hiking, some local breweries and distilleries, Red Rocks for a concert, and honestly, my back porch for a campfire and some wine or whiskey. =) I think some great places to visit include Cheese Importers in Longmont, Celestial Seasonings for a tour and some tea, Acreage in Lafayette for some cider, Salt and Acres in Ft. Lupton for a different wine experience. So many places to visit and mention….growing up in Nederland, Colorado gave me a deep appreciation for what this state has to offer and a heart for the mountains. Firm believer that you can take the girl out of the mountains, but never the mountains out of the girl.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My success and journey is supported by so many individuals! Dr. Joel Lindeman, who forwarded my name to Shoutout, has my gratitude and thanks for his continued support. Early in my career having the opportunity to work with and learn from manual therapy giants in the Denver area – Joanna McCreight-Goldin, and Patty Pennell, who helped to develop a love of critical thinking with human movement were instrumental. Moving to mid-career mentors – Patti Marquardt, Pam Bohling, and Liz Greenberg who helped to shape my approach to manual therapy and client connection. As I am now in year 38, many, many people have had an influence and I give credit to their mentoring for helping me shape my career. As I connect with clients and begin to work with them, all of these individuals come into my mind on some level and I am so grateful for that. On a personal level, my family has been and continues to be my biggest source of inspiration. Dear friends that I have been lucky enough to know since elementary school are huge pillars for me, and friends that I have made as an adult encouraged me to step into my experience and start this journey. They have supported me through all of the ups and downs that growing, learning and becoming who you were meant to be can present. I can’t thank them enough and without them all, I would not be the person I am today.

Linkedin: Cathy McDuff

Other: Contact via phone or email is preferred.

coloradoposturegal@gmail.com
303-525-9074

Image Credits
Personal photo credit to Lena Hall (Axt)