Today we’d like to introduce you to Whitney Costello.
Hi Whitney, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas, I was involved in a variety of sports and activities from a young age. However, it was dance that captured my heart and was my constant passion. I danced both competitively at a studio and on my high school drill team, which led me to pursue a dream of trying out for the Kilgore College Rangerettes. I was fortunate enough to be selected as a member for the 73rd line of the World-Famous Kilgore College Rangerettes. During my time as a Rangerette, I experienced a transformative journey that left lasting impressions. The Rangerettes instilled valuable lessons in discipline, resilience, teamwork, and the pursuit of excellence, shaping not only my personal character but also my professional aspirations.
Transitioning from Kilgore College to Texas State University for my undergraduate education, I found myself drawn to the medical field, uncertain of the path to take. Shadowing various medical professions, my love for movement and exercise guided me towards Physical Therapy. I worked as a physical therapy technician at a local outpatient physical therapy clinic in San Marcos and was encouraged and inspired by my colleagues to pursue this field. After graduating with a Bachelor’s in Exercise and Sports Science with a concentration in Pre-Physical Therapy, I was then accepted into Texas State’s Physical Therapy program. After three years of relentless dedication, I proudly graduated with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2021.
My career began at Premier Rehab in Keller, Texas, where I also completed my first clinical rotation as a student. I was mentored and guided into this role and was able to hone my skills and passion for helping others recover and gain independence and confidence back into their lives. After three fulfilling years, I transitioned to Elevation Athletics, a performance-based, cash-pay physical therapy clinic. In this new setting I have the privilege of working with CrossFit athletes, coaches, and active individuals, empowering them to move confidently and comfortably as they participate in their sport. I serve as a guide in their long-term health and wellness journey, leveraging my expertise and knowledge to support their goals and aspirations.
Each step of my journey, from Kilgore College to my career in Physical Therapy, has shaped me into the person and professional I am today. I am grateful for the experiences, lessons, friendships, and relationships made along the way that continue to enrich my path forward.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I’ve been fortunate to traverse a relatively smooth path to reach where I stand today. At every phase of my journey, I’ve been surrounded by the unwavering support of friends and family. Opportunities have consistently emerged at precisely the opportune moments, aligning seamlessly with the rhythm of my life. An unexpected and unpredictable challenge occurred as my clinical rotations began amidst the global pandemic of COVID-19. Despite the world shutting down, I was fortunate to find clinics that welcomed me as a student. I was guided by exceptional clinical instructors, who adeptly navigated the ever-changing and uncertain landscape of a medical crisis and provided valuable learning opportunities that continue to impact me in my practice today.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We are all doctor-level physical therapists who also hold our CrossFit L1 and specializes in sports performance and wellness. We strive to educate and empower our community to lead more fulfilling lives. We want to reinvent healthcare and set the standard of physical therapy. We hope to show every person that their health is a priority.
We work 1 on 1 in an out-of-network, cash-pay clinic where the client receives personalized and individualized care that is specific to their goals. There is no templated list of exercises, nor is there a technician taking the client through exercises. The patient is with the physical therapist for an entire hour, addressing the root cause of their pain and limitations. We push for high-level strength training to make the person stronger and more resilient than when they started with us.
We elevate the healthcare experience by focusing on long-term health and wellness goals. We work with our clients to reduce pain and promote positive health changes. We strive to create and promote an active lifestyle in our clients’ lives so they can enjoy life to the fullest while fostering a generational ripple effect for active living and functional wellness.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Starting a career in physical therapy is an exciting journey filled with opportunities for growth and impact. Learn as much as you can from your colleagues and mentors, be a sponge for knowledge. The more open-minded you can be, the more you will grow. Embrace continued learning; the field is ever-changing and evolving. Never stop improving communication with your co-workers, boss, and, most importantly, your patients. The more transparent you can be, the better and more trusting the patient-therapist relationship will be. People are complex and have many added stressors outside of their injury that you are unaware of. As at PT you must be flexible in your approach and adaptable with your techniques to best serve the patients needs. Take care of yourself. This field is emotionally, mentally, and physically demanding. You must take care of yourself before you can care for others to the best of your abilities. Remember your why. Give your best with every person, every day, and know that you are making a lasting impact on every person you work with. You just may be the first person that has actually taken the time with them to listen to their concerns, validate their feelings and make them feel heard, and the simple act of listening is extremely powerful.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.elevationathleticspt.com
- Instagram: @elevationathleticspt
