Meet Dr. Jen Reed | Physical Therapist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Jen Reed and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Jen, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
Most people don’t realize how much physical therapy has evolved, or how underutilized it still is. Physical therapists are trained at the doctoral level to be movement experts. We assess the body as an interconnected system, identify root causes of dysfunction, and create personalized treatment plans that include hands-on techniques, modalities like dry needling, and exercises that fit your lifestyle and goals.

However, PT is still often viewed as something you do after surgery, or a box to check before getting imaging. The traditional insurance-based model reinforces this by limiting time with patients and encouraging cookie-cutter care. No wonder people feel like PT “didn’t work.”

Thankfully, the field is shifting. More therapists are moving to cash-based models, which allow for truly personalized care and can often end up being more cost-effective in the long run. We’re not just focused on rehab, but helping people optimize performance, prevent injury, and stay ahead of issues before they become bigger problems.

In my own practice, I see patients valuing this kind of care more than ever. They’re reaching out earlier, asking insightful questions, and seeing PT as an investment in longevity and performance, not just recovery. I hope to see physical therapists continue to evolve into the standard primary care providers that we truly are. You don’t need a referral to see us, we can help coordinate care with other providers and refer out if needed, and even order imaging if indicated.

Ultimately, not all PT is equal. But when done well, having a solid PT in your corner is one of the most powerful tools for long-term health, movement, and function.

What should our readers know about your business?
What truly differentiates my practice isn’t just the one on one care. It’s the combination of clinical expertise, lived experience, and a lifestyle that mirrors the people I work with. I’ve personally navigated multiple injuries, including three ACL reconstructions, so I understand what it feels like to be sidelined, frustrated, or overlooked in our healthcare system. That perspective shapes how I show up for my clients, not just as a provider, but as someone who genuinely understands their journey.

I also live the lifestyle my clients live. I run, cycle, ski, and climb; so when someone tells me they haven’t been consistent with their PT homework because they’ve been busy skiing powder, I get it! I meet people where they are, and will do whatever I can to help keep you doing what you love even while in PT. Both can coexist – it just takes the right approach.

This blend of personal experience, empathy, and shared lifestyle helps me build strong, trusting relationships with my clients. I’m invested in their success, not just in healing pain or injury, but in helping them feel like themselves again: capable, strong, and confident.

While it definitely hasn’t been easy, I’ve found the most success by being myself, prioritizing fun in the PT experience, and believing there’s always another way. Every client experience is unique, and it’s rewarding to see someone finally feel heard and supported in a way that fits sustainably into their lifestyle. I’ve had sessions outdoors with clients running, cycling, and skiing, celebrating and supporting their return to their sport in real time. I’ve learned there’s no single way to do things, and getting creative can make all the difference.

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.
Personally, I would take them on an amazing adventure! With great food of course. Some tried and true options include:

Cycle up to Gold Hill, get a warm chocolate chip cookie at the Gold Hill General Store, then fly down Sunshine Canyon and get a burger and fries at Snarfburger.

Early cycle up to Ward or Jamestown and hit the Peak to Peak Highway. Eat at the Village Cafe in Boulder before they close for the afternoon.

Cycle up Lookout Mountain in Golden and hit D’Deli for whatever their sandwich special is.

Trail run in El Dorado Canyon and head to 4 Noses in Broomfield for a flight and food truck meal.

Climb in Boulder Canyon and eat at Busaba Thai.

Get the pizza & salad bar at Woody’s in Golden and go to a show at Red Rocks.

Ski at Loveland and get their chili in a bread bowl.

Backcountry ski at Jones Pass and get a milkshake at the Empire Dairy King.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First, I want to shoutout the close friends and mentors I have made through this experience, especially those running service-based businesses. It’s so helpful to have people you trust to bounce ideas off of and have genuine support from who understand the ups and downs of running a small business.

Second, the clients I’ve had over the past almost 5 years in business have been crucial in my development as a clinician, person, and business owner. Many have worked with and trusted me at a time where they were at their lowest, and it has been a privilege to be a part of their journey. Their dedication to a challenging process has always been inspiring to me, and reinforces why I do what I do.

Website: https://www.madestrongpt.com

Instagram: @madestrongpt