Today we’d like to introduce you to Laurel Boyd.
Hi Laurel, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I knew I wanted to be a physical therapist when I experienced the motivation, reassurance, and guidance that my own PT provided me when I had knee surgery at 16. My dream for becoming a PT grew even more while studying kinesiology and playing soccer at the University of Texas at Tyler, where I developed a passion for sports, health, and fitness. I attended Texas State University Physical Therapy School and earned my Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2019. I worked in sports and orthopedics in Lakeway, Texas until January of 2022 when I decided to start my own practice.
Prior to starting Athletes’ Edge Physical Therapy, I started experiencing a widely known phenomenon in the PT world we refer to as “PT burnout”. Many PTs in the outpatient setting eventually begin to feel overwhelmed by the volume of patients and never-ending documentation that comes with seeing more patients. The reason PTs have to see so many patients is because the large insurance companies continue to cut reimbursement for physical therapy services. Solution? See more patients.
My dream of attending to people’s needs and helping them get out of pain turned into me just trying to keep afloat as I juggled 2-3 patients at a time. I didn’t feel I could give each patient enough of my time and energy to help them to the best of my abilities because of being torn in so many directions all the time. I also felt like I wasn’t using my skills or knowledge as much as I should have to treat complex cases. Handing off my patients to a PT tech to help juggle while only seeing each patient for 10 minutes wasn’t my idea of quality care. It no longer felt like my dream and something had to change.
I formed Athletes’ Edge Physical Therapy, a cash pay performance-based PT practice in Austin dedicated to giving patients the care they require and deserve. Each of my clients receives a 1-hour session every appointment that is one-on-one. Being out of network with insurance companies allows me to give patients the time and energy they deserve. Patients still have the option to submit their claims to their insurance company if they have out of network coverage- sometimes they get nearly the same amount of coverage as if they went somewhere in-network. Since starting Athletes’ Edge, I have seen better and much faster results in my patients. I love that!
Athletes’ Edge PT specializes in helping athletes and active individuals of all ages get out of pain, improve function and performance, and get back to doing what they love.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
All in all, this journey has been full of non-stop blessings. Just when I start to doubt myself, God surprises me with another open door.
Of course, there have been challenges- the main one being my lack of business experience. However, I’m lucky enough to be a part of an organization of other PTs and health professionals that are starting and growing their cash pay practices, just like I am. The resources available in “PT Biz” have allowed me, someone who never thought they would start their own PT practice, realize my capability. It’s amazing to see so many like-minded people come together and support each other.
As you know, we’re big fans of Athletes’ Edge Physical Therapy. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Physical therapists are movement system experts. We watch you move, assess your joints, muscles, nerves, soft tissues, and more to determine the issue.
Athletes’ Edge PT is performance-based PT practice in Austin helping athletes and active individuals of all ages get out of pain, improve function and performance, and get back to doing what they love without limitations. Individuals will receive 0ne-on-one care with a doctor of physical therapy for an hour each session. Patients often get back to doing what they love faster and with better long-term results. With more individualized care patients find they often can avoid things like expensive MRIs, injections, and even surgeries!
At Athletes’ Edge, clients receive individualized plans of care. Some treatments clients can expect at Athletes’ Edge include manual therapy, soft tissue mobilization, and dry needling, among others. Athletes’ Edge places a heavy emphasis on specific exercises for achieving and maintaining long-term results.
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?
I learned to be more grateful for those close to me and in my community because life is precious! I also learned not to take anything for granted because you never know what can happen. Enjoy and appreciate the relationships you’ve built.
Contact Info:
- Website: athletesedgephysicaltherapy.com
- Instagram: @athletesedgephysicaltherapy
- Facebook: @athletesedgephysicaltherapy
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCxGAs2fQeBry2sjMAEWPiQ
