Today we’d like to introduce you to Martin Schmidt.
Hi Martin, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
It all started while playing hockey as a kid and wondering why some people were faster than others or had a better shot even if they weren’t apparently stronger; this movement and biomechanical curiosity has always been present. Then at 15 years old, I had my first orthopedic injury which required multiple surgeries and lots of physical therapy over a two year period. That is when I learned about this fantastic profession. Fast forward to today, and I have been able to join the team at Kayser Fitness and Physical Therapy, and getting to truly practice this craft in the way I always envisioned.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
In my early 20s after a wide range of jobs and volunteering, I knew I needed to pursue a PT career and started with a Bachelors in kinesiology at Texas Wesleyan University. Then after a year of long distance with my wife, I joined her in New Orleans and completed my Doctorate of Physical Therapy at LSUHSC. However, the most challenging moment was right after graduation, my father was diagnosed with neuroinvasive West Nile Virus. This required a month in the neuro ICU and extensive rehab. But with every challenge is a victory, and after 6 weeks on a ventilator I was finally able to hear him speak again- it was him wishing me well the day before my PT board exam. Considering what he had just been through, hearing him say that took away all the stress of the exam.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I genuinely find everything in physical therapy interesting. When it comes to orthopedics, I’m most passionate about treating conditions of the shoulders, spine, hips and knees, and this is what my training was focused on while in PT school. After graduating I focused on neuro rehab, which was inspired by my father’s journey. So it’s always an honor when I get to work with someone who is recovering from a stroke, TBI, or other neurologic injury. However, anyone trying to move better amidst the wide range of complicating comorbidites, is a puzzle I always love helping people solve. Many significant gains in function or performance can occur if we figure out how to use the strength we have more efficiently. Then when we do build strength, so much can be accomplished!
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
When I was growing up I was in to all the extreme sports (shout out to anyone that remembers Eisenburgs and Freestyle skatepark). My main focus was Ice Hockey, which I was fortunate enough to get to play in tournaments all over the USA and Canada. Beyond that, I feel what was most meaningful is that I always wanted to help people feel welcome and connected in the spaces we shared. I believe this plays a key role in creating an empowering therapeutic environment- one that fosters learning, identifying solutions, and enables someone to confidently navigate each stage of their recovery.
Pricing:
- none
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kayserfitness.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kayserfitness
