Meet Elissa Jacob | Doctor of Physical Therapy & Personal Trainer

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

Hi Elissa, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
1) The variety of tools Physical Therapists are educated in to provide pain-relief, improve mobility, recovery, and overall function. 2) How well Physical Therapy and Personal Training go together to help clients reach the best version of themselves both in everyday life and in their individual pursuit of health and fitness.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Before I went back to graduate school for my DPT I worked as a personal trainer. I have always been athletic, was raised spending time outdoors and hiking, and continue to challenge myself to be healthy, fit, and strong. It has always brought me sheer joy. After going back to school for my DPT I had the constant drive to work with patients beyond their functional goals into their fitness goals, which was not possible through the traditional insurance healthcare model. The patients that thrived in physical therapy were the ones that had some level of appreciation and routine for movement in their daily lives. They might have needed some guidance and knowledge but they were eager to work towards maintaining their mobility and independence as long as possible and took ownership of this. This is the fuel that drives the passion of my business. I love showing people that things don’t start “going downhill” at a certain point unless that point is giving up on trying. This is the safest practice to address issues before they become injuries and to enter into your fitness goals without fear of hurting yourself or limiting yourself. I have run triathlons including 2 Ironman races, the full Spartan trifecta (obstacle racing), and have settled most recently into CrossFit, which unfortunately often is misunderstood/ misconstrued. I was previously ACE certified as a personal trainer and am now a CrossFit level-1 trainer. This coupled with the professional DPT education and experience is by far superior to safely address functional and fitness goals.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First and foremost Rocky Mountain National Park! I often have to pinch myself that I can look up from my home and see this amazing mountain range and within a short drive can be in Estes Park to see elk, sheep, and moose. Nature is my therapy so this would be top on my list. Second would have to be my CrossFit gym. The community and environment is so encouraging, welcoming, and fun! Some of the most wonderful people I know own and work and workout at this place, it is my second home.
Third, downtown Loveland, Longmont, or Fort Collins for food, food, food! It’s hard to pick where to go since there is an endless list of amazing restaurants.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’ve had several great mentors in my professional career, PTs are a special group of people in my opinion, and are usually so encouraging to develop your skills as an individual vs following mainstream thought at all times. My previous boss, Dr. TIm Kerestes, DPT, and co-worker, Dr. Chris Boroch, DPT, are some of the most genuine, intelligent, and kind PTs I have ever had the privilege to work with and our working relationship always included an understanding that we were stronger by learning from each other and our individual perspectives. We have all had different paths in life, played different sports, have had different injuries, and in general have seen numerous patients, diagnoses, and varying treatments that work. We used this to our advantage to always keep each other on our toes and to always keep trying new things.
Mostly I have to thank my mother, who has always pushed me to be an independent and successful woman in a career that uses the talents God has blessed me with.
Lastly, I have to thank my husband, who supported me through graduate school while we raised 2 young boys and put up with my many hours of studying. He also was the encouragement to start my own business.

Website: Www.empowerphysicaltherapy.org

Instagram: Empower_dpt

Facebook: Facebook.com/empowerphysicaltherapyllc/