Today we’d like to introduce you to Lia Palomino.
Hi Lia, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
It all started back in undergrad when I had no idea what I wanted to do for a career. I took many classes unsure what I really liked until I took my first health science class. I immediately fell in love with it and found physical therapy as my direction. I really was drawn to the carryover with patient care and relationship on a regular basis. However, after PT grad school I started working in outpatient orthopedic physical therapy setting and I felt sort of empty in any passion. I wasn’t finding satisfaction in my daily routine, I liked working with people but something was missing. I said if I’m not entirely passionate about working in physical therapy after 5 years I’m going back to school—then comes pelvic floor. I was encouraged to learn about this area from my previous co workers and right away I knew that’s where I needed to be. It was the clients that deserved to feel heard and safe in a space when they weren’t getting that elsewhere. It was about providing a space where patients could talk about personal things that other providers didn’t make or have time for. It was a a space where I wasn’t just helping people get back to their weekend exercise but a space where they could have quality of life in our most basic functions. I always say the ability to poop, pee and have sex are the vital functions we must do in order to survive so it should be a major priority when they aren’t functioning optimal. After a few years working for a physical therapy company where care was getting affected by insurance reimbursement and quality wasn’t maintained I decided to open my own physical therapy business dedicated to pelvic health. My husband (who is also a PT) and I then wanted to move back to northern Michigan to be closer to family so we picked up everything and started the business over in Traverse City, Michigan. It has been an amazing community to be a part of and providing care to the community that everyone deserves.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Opening your own business always has some struggles. Leaving the comfort of a regular paycheck and having confidence in yourself can be scary and wondering if it will work out. It was difficult also to move to a new community where we had to start almost over with our relationships and referral system. But with consistency, hardwork and passion you will thrive.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
At Palomino PT we specialize in personal one and one care with a very hands on manual therapy treatment approach. My husband and I both are specialized in bodywork, dry needling and other forms of myofascial treatments. I, then also specialize in pelvic floor physical therapy which is my focus in the MI Pelvic Rehab part of the business.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
My advice for networking and mentorship is be true to who you are. You will find so many areas you can network in but some may not serve or support your ethos. Always stay true to yourself, you vision and your clients and you’ll find where you belong.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.Palominopt.com and www.mipelvicrehab.com
- Instagram: @mipelvicrehab @palominopt
- Facebook: @mipelvicrehab @palominopt
