Today we’d like to introduce you to Suzie Lewis, PT.
Suzie, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I have been a Physical Therapist, since 1993. I used my education and experience to seek out methods to deal with chronic pain issues which troubled me since childhood (migraines, neck pain and knee issues, thoracic outlet syndrome, scoliosis).
I had been a dancer and felt movement must be a relevant way to improve my issues vs. passive treatments which only seemed to exacerbate things. In 1999, I found out about Gyrotonic® and instantly knew this was for me. I began working with 2 very talented teachers out of Long Beach, (Alicia Head and Donna Place) who helped me find relief.
They encouraged me to begin the process toward becoming a teacher, and then a Master Trainer. I established Balance in Form in 2000 to provide rehabilitation through movement. My studio now houses 4 pulley towers, an Archway, a Ladder and a sliding jumping board.
I am now in the throes of a post professional doctoral program through the international Spine and Pain Institute. Pain Science is my focus of attention. We are finding out so much about Neuroplasticity and how moving thoughtfully can make chemical changes in the brain that alters the experience we call pain. I use these techniques with my clients for their overall wellbeing. Pain Science is a burgeoning field that is thoroughly exciting and gets me out of bed in the morning eager to learn more.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
My path is very, very clear. From the moment I discovered academia, I knew learning and teaching would be the biggest part of my life. It is my passion and drives me completely. The difficulty that comes with having a clear vision is making sure loved ones don’t become obscured. I have learned to turn the devices off at dinner time and not turn them back on until morning, although that may frustrate clients who would like to change an appointment time. I have to keep in mind that I own my business, and it doesn’t own me. At the same time, it isn’t uncommon for my husband to stroll into the studio, or for our little dog to be spending the day with me. There are lots of overlaps, and my main purpose in life is to guide my clients in their wellbeing, but family is first.
Another heartbreak of mine comes each time I guide a talented teacher from student to apprentice, to well skilled practitioner and watch them leave the nest. Although they always come back, expressing love and appreciation, it can be a painful process.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Balance in Form – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
For decades, rehab professionals focus on specific tissues as the source of pain. We do surgeries, offer drugs, injections and implantation to alleviate the suffering of the “patient.” It is clear through multiple studies that surgery often leads to another surgery and may not change pain or function for the better; prescription medications are killing people at alarming rates; injections and implantation offer temporary relief, if they work at all. I am proud that I am one of only a few Physical Therapists who work with clients on a one on one basis; offer Pain Neuroscience Education; and provide movement as a source of pleasure and conditioning. I am one of less than 200 people in the world to become a Master Trainer in Gyrotonic®, and belong to an even more select group as one of only a handful of PT’s offering this movement technique. My space is warm and inviting, allowing those with chronic pain issues a space to relax, enjoy movement and learn about themselves in a judgement freeway. I am known among Pilates, Gyrotonic®, Dance and Yoga teachers as a space where they can bring a client for an assessment, and walk away confident that they can handle the challenge this client has brought to them. I am grateful every day that I can bring out the best in the local teachers of every movement technique.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I am quite frustrated by the current trend of pain management via the medical industrialized complex. I look forward to the revolution of pain rehabilitation through neuroscience education and movement. There are many studies pointing to the positive effects and showing that this method is as effective or better than medications and surgery. I look forward to a day when I can say that Balance in Form is the home of several PT’s who provide this treatment.
Pricing:
- Private Gyrotonic sessions $95
- Gyrotonic with Suzie Lewis, PT $120
- Group (3 students max.) Gyrotonic class $45
- Group mat class $20 (6 students)
Contact Info:
- Address: Balance in Form
1001 W. 17th Street,
Suite R, Costa Mesa, CA 92627 - Website: www.balanceinform.com
- Phone: 949.929.1055
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/balance_inform/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/balance.form
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
