Colleen Rapp & Tami Struessel- Patient's Perspective on PT & University of Colorado DPT Program

Dr. Tami Struessel (Assistant Professor at the University of Colorado DPT Program) & Colleen Rapp (Journeyman and press operator at The Denver Post & Tami's former patient in PT) come onto HET Podcast to chat about Colleen's perspective on PT from the patient's perspective, details about the University of Colorado's DPT Program, and an upcoming fundraising opportunity for scholarship for University of Colorado DPT Students.   Resources Mentioned:   On September 5 I’m having a concert and a lot of you can’t come so I am making it a Giving day. Like a Pt-a-Thon.  I will have a live stream on The Hazel Miller Concert page on Facebook that night!    If you know people or friends or yourselves that cant go . Please pass the word you can buy a ticket    Concert Details: Live on Thursday, September 5th at 7:30PM (Mountain Time) Doors open at 6:30 PM MT  at the Soiled Dove Underground 7401 E. 1st Ave  Denver, CO Concert will also be streamed through Facebook Live Here   Venue Website   Purchase Hazel Miller Concert Tickets Here   Hazel Miller Band Website   University of Colorado DPT Program Donation Website for Scholarship       Biography:  Tami's Biography Page on the University of Colorado Website Colleen's Background & Story   Colleen Rapp has worked as a journeyman and press operator at The Denver Post for more than 30 years. Colleen noted, “I'm very proud to be a woman working in a ‘man's world’ where the work is difficult, but rewarding.”    Decades of physically demanding work plagued her with back, shoulder and knee injuries as well as significant chronic pain, ultimately requiring surgery on her shoulder. Starting in 2014, she turned to physical therapist and University of Colorado faculty member Tami Struessel, PT, DPT, OCS, MTC for care. They currently work together at PhysioPro in Denver.   After being introduced to and working with Tami for her series of injuries, Colleen’s outlook on maintaining a healthy lifestyle began to shift.   “For years, I viewed my work as my exercise,” she said. Through the help of Tami, Colleen lost 30 pounds, has better eating habits and consistently exercises 5-6 days a week. “I feel like a whole new person and I have a newfound appreciation for exercise and for keeping my body strong,” Colleen added. “Tami really wants to see her patients succeed, it matters to her.”     Colleen reflected, “Life-changing care, to me, is defined as care that influences great changes in self.” From the beginning, Tami approached Colleen’s treatment from the whole-person perspective. “In addition to my treatment, Tami showed me online anatomy classes so I could learn muscle groups and have a better understanding of my body,” she said. Additionally, Tami introduced her to things like stress reduction, breathing and meditation, in an effort to reduce the toll of injury on her physical and mental health. They have also worked together to reduce Colleen’s risk of injury at work. “Tami has taught me the concept of working smarter, not harder,” said Colleen.   Tami noted, “Colleen is one of those patients who truly embraces the idea of becoming stronger and healthier, and is a huge believer in physical therapy.”   Admittedly, Colleen wasn’t fully aware of physical therapy and its importance when she was first referred. She learned to move, exercise, and work differently and realizes now that there were many elements of physical therapy beyond what she initially thought. “I realized that physical therapy was the most important thing in between the points of injury and health,” she said.    While every day presents challenges to stay on a good path of nutrition, exercise and the willingness to strengthen her physical fitness, Colleen is greatly appreciative of Tami’s influence and care in her life.    “Through her hard work, Colleen has transformed herself into a much healthier and more resilient person,” said Tami. “To me, that is what being a physical therapist is all about!”   Colleen’s experience and Tami’s impact was so life-changing that Colleen felt inclined to give back. Tami is a Professor for the University of Colorado Physical Therapy Program, so Colleen felt the best way to honor her was to support funding for student scholarships. Colleen initiated a fundraising campaign for the Physical Therapy Student Scholarship Endowment, supporting future leaders in physical therapy. “I not only personally donated, but I’ve run multiple online auctions where I have sold sports and music memorabilia,” she said.    Colleen is not only motivated to improve herself and her quality of life, but strives to ensure the availability of funds to help the next generation of physical therapists impact their own patients.    “I know that my efforts will impact a student’s life just like Dr. Struessel has impacted mine,” added Colleen. “She’s far more than my physical therapist, she’s a teacher, an influencer, and my friend. Contact information: Colleen's Email: [email protected]   Colleen's Twitter Page: @ColleenRapp3 Tami's Email: [email protected]         The PT Hustle Website Schedule an Appointment with Kyle Rice HET LITE Tool Anywhere Healthcare (code: HET)