Dr. Elizabeth Swanson, PT, DPT, COMT, Physical Therapist/Clinic Manager
Elizabeth graduated from St. Ambrose University with a B.S. in Exercise Science with minor in biology and Doctor of Physical Therapy.
What Elizabeth Has to Say
What aspect of movement do you find the most fascinating? Why?
I find the human body fascinating because it was designed so perfectly, that we are able to heal following injuries. How the brain controls the body, how compensatory patterns occur with injury to allow us to still function, and how the body is fluid and can change over time with the proper stimulus for healing.
List 3-5 specialty areas. What is one specialty area that makes you stand out?
I specialize in Manual Orthopedics, Vestibular Rehab/Balance Training, Post Concussion Rehab, Pre/Post Operative, and Sports Medicine.
Which patients are your favorite to work with?
I love a patient with a goal, a person who has the desire to get back to doing something but feels limited or unsure how to progress back to that level. I like the variety I see in outpatient orthopedics, I love my high school athletes, but I also love my elderly patients concerned about balance safety.
What are your values and how did they influence your career?
I believe that helping others is one of the most important things we do as humans. I was blessed to come from a strong sports family, but I have also seen how physical disability can impact a family unit and a community. I believe that “teamwork makes the dream work.” By sharing my education and passion for physical rehabilitation, I can help others get back to a pain free life they enjoy. “To health and happiness, everything else is details”, as my Dad would say.
Why do you work for Body Gears?
I chose CORA/BodyGears because I wanted to be able to offer individualized care at a personal level. I wanted to be able to give my patients the attention and education they need reach their goals.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I enjoy boating on the lake, yoga, rollerblading, listening to all types of music, cooking, spending quality time with my family and friends, and I always want to learn new things (both in the physical therapy world and in every day life from neuroscience, to mechanical things, to psychology. Knowledge is power.)
How do you stay active?
My favorite mode of exercise is yoga (hot vinyasa is my favorite). I also enjoy circuit training, rollerblading, water activities when able, and staying active by always taking the stairs and walking when I can to get my steps in.