Today we’d like to introduce you to Leanne Reed.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I first got interested in physical therapy after being a patient as a teenager for various issues including having surgery on both my knees. I had always thought about pursuing something in the medical field and loved working with my hands so physical therapy seemed like a good fit. I feel very fortunate that I have had no regrets and love what I do. I graduated from Northeastern University in Boston, MA in 1999 with my degree in physical therapy. During my last year of school, things came full circle when I had the opportunity to do one of my clinical internships at the clinic where I had been a patient.
After college, I moved to Denver. While in Denver, I worked for a small therapist owned clinic that was only a year old. The owner of that clinic became my mentor. I was his first full-time employee and helped grow the practice, receiving invaluable hands-on experience not only with patients but also from the business side of things. During my time in Denver, I also received my massage certificate and had the opportunity to take many manual therapy classes from a world-renowned therapist that happened to be based out of Denver. I completed his year-long manipulation certification just before moving to the Chicago area.
I met my husband in shortly after moving to Denver and we eventually moved to the Chicago area. In 2006 the time was right to go off on my own and I started Still Water, In the beginning, it was just me doing everything. Fast forward and this June will officially mark Still Water’s 12th anniversary. I am proud of the team of professionals and complimentary services now available at Still Water.
I credit most of my success as a physical therapist to being a lifelong student. I love to learn and stay up to date with new and proven treatment and evaluation techniques by regularly participating in continuing education seminars. I believe that comprehensive knowledge in addition to working together with my patients, other healthcare professionals, and wellness experts is crucial in attaining optimal results. Over the years, I have attended over 50 continuing education and training courses including many manual therapy courses in areas like spinal manipulation, myofascial release, motor control retraining and Intramuscular Stimulation (Trigger Point Dry Needling). I completed my manual therapy certification from The Manual Therapy Institute in February 2015 and received my Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Rosalind Franklin University in 2017. In addition, I become a certified Kinetic Control Movement Therapist (KCMT) in 2017. I have found having many tools in my toolbox invaluable since every patient is different and requires individualized care for optimal results.
Has it been a smooth road?
As I’m sure with most businesses it has not always been a smooth road. For me, most of my struggles have revolved around keeping the business running without sacrificing the quality of care I want to provide. Unfortunately, insurance reimbursement keeps decreasing and insurance companies are more and more difficult to work with every year. When you only see one patient at a time and don’t use aides it can be challenging to generate enough income. I am blessed that we have been able to make it work so far without changing my business model.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Still Water Physical Therapy and Wellness – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
At Still Water we work with chronic pain patients, athletes, elderly and everybody in between. What probably sets us apart the most though is that we often see chronic, complicated cases and people that have often failed with more traditional therapy. We specialize in manual and orthopedic therapies and place a high priority on quality, individual attention with one on one sessions. A big emphasis is placed on professional development and our therapists routinely take continuing educations courses allowing us to provide cutting-edge treatments to our clients. In addition, Still Water periodically organizes and hosts courses as an approved CEU sponsor for the state of Illinois. Our treatment philosophy emphasizes comprehensive assessments in order to find and treat the underlying problem for long-term results. Furthermore, not only do we help people with their current episode or problem we also develop long-term relationships with our patients to help them manage chronic conditions, restore and rebuild physical health and promote long-term wellness.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Chicago has so many wonderful things to offer but I would have to say I like the more laid back energy and kindness of the people of Chicago the most. I still remember my first time in Chicago when visiting my sister who was attending school in Milwaukee. We had taken the train to Chicago to hang out for the day and were using a map to find our way around. People walking by kept stopping and asking if we needed help or directions. Being from Boston this is unheard of so we were a little freaked out at first, lol. However, in the end, it was a nice change from the higher intensity hustle and bustle of the east coast and remains a fond memory I think of when asked about Chicago. I would have to say the thing I like the least about Chicago is the traffic.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2333 Waukegan Rd. Ste 120
Bannockburn, IL 60015 - Website: www.stilwaterphysicaltherapy.com
- Phone: 847-405-7611
- Email: info@stillwaterphysicaltherapy.com
Image credit:
Alissa Behn
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