Today we’d like to introduce you to Ivonne Gonzales.
Hi Ivonne, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I was born and raised in the Rio Grande Valley and have called Austin home for eight years and counting. When I was in high school, I was in the dance team and every time I did a leap, my left knee would hurt to the point I couldn’t fully extend my leg all the way or land on it safely. This is where my first encounter with Physical Therapy comes in. I was referred to PT by my doctor, I remember that in simple terms my PT described the nature of my knee pain. He said that there were muscular imbalances that were not supporting the way I was moving and that the exercises he would give would help increase my strength in order to dance pain-free again. He discussed the importance of remaining diligent with my home program to maximize my benefits. I kept myself accountable and after a few sessions I was pain-free during my leaps again! How did he figure this out and know what exercises my body needed to get rid of my pain? I was hooked and ever since I wanted to learn more about the human body.
Getting into PT school is hard, and after a few tries of not getting accepted, I decided to continue my studies in Exercise Physiology in order to learn more about the way the body works and gain more experience along the way. With this, I received a Master of Exercise Science and was hired to work with a Cardiac Rehabilitation program here in Austin. My experience with Cardiac Rehab has been completely invaluable for me and enhanced not only my clinical knowledge but also in my ability to demonstrate compassion. Working in a hospital setting is hard work due to the multidisciplinary approach required to ensure patients get the best care as they are healing. I decided I wanted to help people to a greater extent and thought it was time to try to apply to PT school again. This time, I got accepted!
I was accepted to a flex program where lectures were held online during the week and lab sessions all day on weekends. I also remained in my full-time role with Cardiac Rehab, and taught a couple of fitness classes after work. This was my life for roughly four years. It was hard, and as one of my classmates would say, “it takes an army to get through PT school”. I was very fortunate to have a full army consisting of extremely supportive friends, family, and classmates that made my dream of becoming a PT a reality.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
I would have to say that COVID has been the greatest struggle. I graduated summer 2020 and the last few months were extremely stressful during the uncertainty of class resuming as well as us getting back into our internships we were scheduled to complete in order to prevent delays in graduation. It was also such a big mental struggle not being able to be with classmates to study for our final and board exam or simply gathering in groups to let off some much needed steam. I have been very lucky, but to this day it is frustrating to have events canceled due to COVID surges and anxieties about gathering in groups again or getting sick and having to be off until you are better and noncontagious.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Mind Body Physiotherapy focuses on connecting both entities (mind and body) in order to prevent or get rid of musculoskeletal pain. I specialize in TMJ disorders, (cervicogenic) headaches, and breathing irregularities which may contribute to musculoskeletal pain and can also treat general orthopedic conditions. Functional dry needling is heavily used within my treatments as well as manual therapy and therapeutic exercise. For those suffering from migraines, I focus on breathing techniques and yoga to relax an overactive nervous system.
Using a holistic approach, I use Functional Dry Needling to help calm down tight muscles and those with trigger points, I also provide education on the proper use of our respiratory muscles and ensure there is proper rib mobility in order to do so. Along with this, a personalized plan of care is established to target muscular imbalances in order to help you move and live pain-free.
I take pride in my experience during my work with Cardiac Rehab where I learned that mental health and nutrition are important factors to consider. I have a dream team of practitioners and know when it is appropriate to refer out so my patients have the best outcomes. I believe that this is what sets me apart from others and am very proud that my brand as the name says it, we aim to combine the mind and the body to help you heal as a whole and not just treating symptoms.
Most importantly, all treatments are 1 on 1 to ensure you get undivided attention and personalized care.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
The most important lessons I have learned during this pandemic is to remain human, be respectful, and more importantly be kind to everyone despite their opinions and choices. Offer a helping hand when needed and if you are in a position to do so or figure out a way in which you can be of service to others.
Pricing:
- 75 minute evaluation – $175
- 50 minute treatment – $150 – 160
- 15 minute phone consultation – FREE
Contact Info:
- Email: ivonne@mindbody-
physiotherapy.com - Website: https://www.mindbody-
physiotherapy.com/ - Instagram: @mind_bodyphysio
