Hidden Gems: Meet Stephany Tritt of Foothill Physical Therapy

Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephany Tritt.

Hi Stephany, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’ve been a physical therapist for almost 25 years. I’ve always had a fascination with the human body and movement. Being able to transfer that passion into helping others is rewarding. I started out my career working in a hospital based program for those suffering from chronic pain. Being that it was an interdisciplinary program including mental health professionals, I was able to collaborate with them and better understand the emotional and psychological implications pain has on us. Working in this hospital also allowed me to expand my experience and work with neurological as well as orthopedic diagnoses. While I was there, the need arose for more pelvic health physical therapists – fifteen years ago there were less pelvic floor therapists, but just as high of a need for services – so I agreed and started learning all I could regarding assessment and treatment of pelvic floor.
Throughout the fifteen years of treating pelvic floor, the research and profession has greatly expanded beyond giving everyone Kegels (pelvic floor muscle strengthening exercises) for urinary incontinence. Pelvic floor physical therapists can treat pregnancy/postpartum related ailments, but also complex pelvic pain conditions like painful intimacy, vulvodynia, vaginismus, endometriosis, pelvic congestion syndrome, painful bladder syndrome to gut issues like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). My previous experience in working with people with orthopedic and chronic pain conditions places me in a unique position to educate and treat people experiencing pelvic floor dysfunction as they often have overlapping physical and emotional impairments. I am able to educate them on the complexity of the physiology of the pain experience while also lending a compassionate ear. Research shows that merely understanding the physiology of pain helps people minimize their perception of pain. This education, combined with guidance on other behavioral strategies, hands-on techniques and tailored exercises all help to regain control towards a more fulfilling life.
After years of working and learning in other clinics, I reached a point in my professional and personal life that I was ready to create my own clinic. I am a mother to a high schooler and middle schooler – now that they are more grown I am able to contribute the time it takes to build a business and market myself.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I wouldn’t call it so much of a struggle, but definitely a learning curve. I will admit was what was holding me back in the past was the discomfort of learning the business aspect of owning my own clinic. I know I’m a good physical therapist, but creating and maintaining a business is another thing entirely – they don’t teach you this in PT school! I’ve had to do a lot of my own homework, get out of my comfort zone and ask for help from other colleagues and friends. I’m also still learning how to best market myself. I’m so ready for this challenge though – I’m at a stage in my life where I want to learn more, expand more – not only as a physical therapist, but as a business owner. It’s stimulating and challenging all at once. There are definitely days where I’m anxious about whether I’m doing things right or efficiently – but ultimately it will all be mine – both the failures and successes. You can’t have success without trying!

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Foothill Physical Therapy?
I am a solopreneur Physical Therapist specializing in pelvic floor and orthopedic conditions.

Urinary Problems – incontinence, urgency, frequency
Bowel Problems – incontinence, urgency, constipation
Intimacy Problems – pain with intimacy, erectile dysfunction
Pregnancy discomforts
Birth preparation
Postpartum wellness checks and treatment
Mastitis
Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Vulvodynia/Vaginismus
Genitourinary Syndrome of Lactation/Menopause
Persistent Pelvic Pain
Coccydynia (tailbone pain)
Low Back Pain
Hip Pain
Shoulder/Neck Pain

Because I am the only therapist at Foothill PT – you get personalized attention to your needs along with 20+ years of experience treating persistent pain, pelvic floor dysfunction and other orthopedic symptoms that frequently coincide with pelvic floor issues. I strive for creating a safe, calming and nurturing space where you can truly be yourself and work towards a better, pain free “you.” I’m not here to be a talking head telling you what to do, but a partner guiding you in your journey to wellness.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
It’s not impossible! It takes time, effort and money – but it’s fun to create something and watch it grow.

Pricing:

• $330 for 85 minute evaluation/treatment
• $220 55 minute follow up sessions

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.foothillpt.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foothillphysicaltherapy/profilecard/?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573366084527&mibextid=ZbWKwL
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephany-tritt-053a5b33
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/foothill-physical-therapy-pasadena

Image Credits
Stephany Tritt
Ingrid Sanchez