By / Physical TherapyPhysical therapy is often misunderstood as something you only do after surgery or when pain gets severe. Here are five of the most common myths about PT, debunked. A lot of people have heard of physical therapy, but not everyone knows what it actually includes. For some, it still brings up the image of a
Transgender youth in Texas are important parts of our families, schools, and future. Just like their cisgender counterparts, they deserve support and care. Yet waves of recent legislation are targeting young LGBTQ+ people at a national and state level. Meanwhile, public health guidance is clear: discrimination and social rejection are linked with worse health outcomes
At its core, Valentine’s Day is a reminder to show love on purpose – through attention, care, and follow-through. That’s also the heart of holistic community healthcare. This type of care is especially important for marginalized folks, who often experience higher rates of medical mistrust and barriers to accessing care. Holistic community healthcare isn’t one
Fitness spaces should foster joy, strength, healing, and community. Yet people often come to me with experiences of feeling watched, measured, or left out when trying to access the care their body needs. Marginalized folks feel these impacts the most – and it’s why decolonizing societal norms and practices around health is essential for wellness
For many people, the holidays are framed as a time of closeness, tradition, and togetherness. For others, this season can bring up grief, stress, or feelings of ostracization. We see this especially in queer and trans folks, people with chronic illness or disability, and anyone who’s experienced exclusion or harm from their family of origin.
Chosen Family: Finding Belonging, Care, and Connection Read More »
By / Inclusive WellnessIf you’ve lived with chronic illness, you’ve probably been told to “push through” or “no pain, no gain.” That mindset might work for fitness influencers, but it’s not a great fit for bodies managing symptoms, meds, sleep swings, or flares. I’ve coached and treated folks with CIDP, ME/CFS, POTS, autoimmune disease, and long-standing pain. What
Personal Training for Chronic Illness: Autonomy, Pacing, and Strength Read More »
Netflix’s new docuseries about The Biggest Loser stirred up a lot of feelings — especially for those of us who work at the intersection of movement, metabolism, body image, and real-world health. As I watched, one detail stuck with me: when people undergo massive weight-loss, chest contouring and skin-removal often leave scars that look a
By / Inclusive WellnessWhy Single Stall Restrooms in Austin Matter In Austin, safety and accessibility go hand in hand. For queer and trans folks, parents with kids, and people with disabilities, single stall restrooms provide privacy, safety, and comfort. Since 2014, Austin city code has required all single user restrooms in commercial buildings to use gender neutral signage
The Best Places in Austin With Single Stall Restrooms Read More »
By Syd Young (pictured right), PT, DPT, CSCS, FAAOMPT I trained to be a physical therapist here in Texas. From day one, my professors drilled two things into us: evidence and empathy. Evidence tells you what to do. Empathy helps you figure out how to do it for the actual human in front of you.
How Texas Tech’s Trans Rules Undercut Health Care Training Read More »
By / Inclusive WellnessI can’t stop thinking about the image: Lady Gaga stepping out with assistive devices, then belting “Born This Way” in a gown with a rainbow train that stretched across the stage. It wasn’t a “brave despite” story; it was a “powerful and because” story. The devices weren’t hidden, apologized for, or photoshopped out of the
Lady Gaga, Assistive Devices & the Power of Representation Read More »
