PYTI: “A dream come true” for physical therapist

March 26th, 2015

The following is a testimonial from Katie Estridge, PT. For Katie, Ginger’s program became much more than a continuing education course. She learned not only how to heal her patients, but how to heal herself.

What does the PYTI program mean to me? Let me start from the beginning…

In PT school (11+ years ago) a teacher asked “who knows exactly what they want to do with their physical therapy degree?” I was one of the few, if not the only one who raised their hand, to which I responded: “I would like to create a practice that combines physical therapy and yoga.” My response was not received with much enthusiasm or understanding, and as a result, I did not feel that my dreams in PT school were realistic.

After graduation, I proceeded to get several physical therapy jobs mainly in acute care over the years. I did look into yoga therapy training but it didn’t seem to fit me. I worked in “traditional” physical therapist settings , enjoying them but also experiencing increasing pain from heavy lifting.I increasingly felt discouraged with the current medical model, working in mainstream healthcare. I was getting burned out, especially after having children. Thankfully my yoga practice of 14 years helped me to calm my hurried mind, but I would soon learn that this yoga practice was doing much for my hurting body.

I Had No Idea

When I heard of Ginger’s program I thought it really made sense to combine my two passions- yoga and physical therapy.

I had no idea it would also deepen my spirituality AND heal my 9 month long headache. I had seen many specialists about my headache and felt bounced around like a ping pong ball. But I never got an answer or relief until attending Module 8.

I had a cervical headache referring intense pain to my sinuses. Through Module 8, I quickly learned my old yoga practice was making my headaches worse, in many ways, not least of all through reversing my spinal curves. Ginger’s precepts showed me I had been focusing on mobility above stability.

In the past few days since leaving module 8 I have felt so much better. I feel equipped to practice yoga safely on my own and to teach others how to safely practice yoga.

Physical Healing Opens The Way For A Greater Awakening

One of the final evenings, I took a walk on the beach at sunset.

I found myself falling into a typical pattern – of overthinking things about my work/life balance.

Katie captured a quick shot of what she considered to be an affirmation of her new path

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Katie captured a quick shot of the sign she considers to be an affirmation of her new path

I looked up to the sky and, staying true to my belief system, I asked God aloud to point me in the right direction. A couple seconds later in the middle of the fast moving clouds a hole appeared that, to me, looked like an arrow pointing directly to heaven. (The picture isn’t very clear because it was dark and it had started to fade by the time I got the photo.)

But, for me, that sign from God affirmed that I am doing the right thing by training with Ginger. Her method makes so much sense. It is derived from a solid evidence-based practice. The PYTI program is helping me accomplish my dreams. It is an absolute privilege to be a part of it.