Today we’d like to introduce you to Alyssa O’Krent
Hi Alyssa, 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 grew up in San Antonio, Texas, spending most of my free time running, playing tennis, and nurturing a deep passion for music. I pursued my undergraduate studies at St. Edward’s University, majoring in Spanish and Psychology. During my junior year, I immersed myself in the vibrant culture of Argentina, becoming fluent in Spanish and adept at navigating the myriad uncertainties that accompany life and travel. While at St. Edward’s, I founded the university’s first Jewish student group, the Hillel Toppers, which continues to thrive today.
While attending college, my dad introduced me to a holistic chiropractor, sparking my interest in helping people heal physically. I began taking the prerequisites for physical therapy and was accepted to the University of Texas Medical Branch, where I earned my Doctorate in Physical Therapy. During graduate school, I took up swimming and biking, and a few friends and I completed our first triathlon. This experience solidified my desire to work with athletes, leading me to eventually specialize in orthopedics.
My first job after PT school was with Memorial Hermann Sports Medicine in Houston, Texas. There, I studied for my Orthopedic Certification and completed additional coursework to become an Orthopedic Certified Specialist, a designation held by only 6% of physical therapists nationwide.
Over the next nine years, I worked in various orthopedic sports medicine practices across Texas, California, Arizona, and Colorado. I returned to Austin in 2019 and started AOK Physical Therapy 2022.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
If my life’s journey were a trail, it would be rated green: moderately challenging, mostly on established paths, but with stretches of technical terrain. Navigating life as a gay-identifying woman presented many obstacles, yet these challenges have deepened my self-understanding and appreciation. In Austin, I discovered a vibrant community and am profoundly grateful for the resources that supported me along the way. Life is an ongoing voyage of self-discovery, particularly for those in the gay community. I am proud of who I am and of those who have also struggled to find their true selves.
I started AOK PT to find a more effective approach to patient care, as the traditional PT model proved unsustainable for me. Treating 2-3 patients simultaneously posed numerous challenges, and I felt my patients never received the level of care they truly deserved. Now, dedicating one-on-one time to each patient, I witness remarkable results. I revel in the art of problem-solving, viewing our bodies as incredible puzzles. Owning my business allows me to tackle these challenges in innovative and exciting ways.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
AOK Physical Therapy is an orthopedic and sports performance PT clinic with two locations in South and Central Austin. We specialize in helping runners, climbers, and triathletes get out of pain and back to doing what they love. We work to not only rehabilitate injuries, but enhance strength and mobility in order to stay injury-free and optimize performance. All of our services are one-on-one with a Doctor of Physical Therapy. Our cash-based, out-of-network model allows us to spend more time with our clients to ensure they have the education and support they need to reach their goals. Our clients start with a free discovery call. If we are a good fit for each other, then we will schedule an initial evaluation. Initial evaluations are 60 minutes and include discussing goals, concerns, and begin treatment same-day.
Our patients work on-on-one with us with ongoing support from their PT and our very own AOK PT app to carry out their individualized exercises and programming. Most of our patients transition into a monthly performance program to continue their progress. Our goal is to help people optimize their fitness throughout their lifespan. We offer free workshops and injury screens throughout Austin, so check out our website or social media to learn more.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
For those embarking on opening a PT practice, my advice is to concentrate on the patient population you are most passionate about and strive to become an expert through intentional learning. Personally, I find great excitement in working with endurance athletes. It’s incredibly rewarding to see their “aha” moments as we unravel their unique puzzles, examining movement patterns, strengths, and weaknesses. I continually attend courses, read literature, and practice diligently to better serve the endurance athlete community. In Austin, with its vibrant athletic community, you can find a niche and delve deeply into it. I would advise to focus your efforts narrowly and aim to become the best in your specific area of interest.
Pricing:
- In-person and Virtual Initial Evaluations are $249
- After the evaluation, rates vary depending on whether you purchase single sessions or a package/membership. Each session ranges from $160 to $220, depending on your goals and what works best for you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.aokpt.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aok_pt/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aokpt
Image Credits
Weston Carls, Matt Langbehn, Adriana Jamet, Sophie Goodwin
