Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashton Dover.
Hi Ashton, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My interest in the human body and physical sciences truly started in an old, dark weight room in Louisburg, KS. First as a high school athlete, but later as a volunteer strength and conditioning coach while finishing my degree at the University of Kansas. As a young athlete, I fell in love with the process of improving my work ethic, fitness and athleticism. As a coach, I fell in love guiding and supporting individuals in their own process.
After obtaining my degree in exercise science and becoming a certified strength and conditioning specialist, I eventually made my way to Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, for physical therapy school. On top of receiving an excellent education, the proximity to great clinicians and exposure to complex medical cases was invaluable for my development early in my career.
After graduating from physical therapy school, my wife and I were married in Kansas City before moving to Denver, CO, to start my career. As someone who has spent nearly every winter traveling West to ski, it was always a dream of mine to work with winter and outdoor athletes. In Colorado, I primarily specialized in post-surgical cases and complex lower leg fractures. I got my wish and helped many winter and outdoor athletes return to the sports they love. And as much as we loved Colorado, we chose to move back to home to Kansas City around friends and family.
Around the time we moved to Colorado, my youngest sister needed physical therapy after a hip injury. That’s when I was first introduced to Alli at Empowered Physical Therapy. I think it goes without saying that as a physical therapist (and older brother) I was very particular about the care I sought for my sister. Empowered gave my sister the time and attention needed to heal and more. So when I made my decision to move back to Kansas City, Alli was one of the first people I contacted. A little over a year later, I’m helping to provide that same time of care my sister received.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The transition from Denver to Kansas City has definitely had its challenges. In Colorado, I was surrounded by a patient population who wanted to get better and pursue their recreational sport despite devastating injuries or complex surgical recoveries. Fast, furious, and high-octane. The job demand was high, and building relationships and community was not the focus. I felt constrained by the care I could provide to my patients due to available resources and a high-volume caseload.
In my new physical therapy role, I care for individuals who have been dealing with chronic pain or injuries, as well as those looking for long-term, comprehensive care. This requires me to change my mindset from a place of delivering quick, high value content and knowledge for the patient to take with them, to a place of implementing a comprehensive approach to patient care, in and out of the clinic. Turning the volume down on that speed and pace has been more difficult than I initially thought, but turned into a very rewarding pace this past year.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Empowered Physical Therapy?
At Empowered Physical Therapy, we’re reimagining what health care should look like. As a private-pay, out-of-network clinic, we believe care should be defined by people, not insurance codes. This model gives us the freedom to spend meaningful time with each patient, addressing root causes instead of just symptoms.
We specialize in orthopedic and pelvic health PT, but our true focus is bridging the gap between rehab and long-term performance. With our movement as medicine approach, we’re just as equipped to guide someone through recovery after surgery as we are to help a recreational athlete return to training or a new mom rebuild strength and confidence.
What sets us apart is how we treat. Every patient works one-on-one with a doctor of physical therapy who designs a plan around their goals and potential. We believe healing and performance are tied to identity, confidence, and longevity, so our care is always personal and future-focused.
Most of all, we’re proud of the community we’ve built. Empowered has become more than a clinic – it’s a place where people feel seen, supported, and challenged to reach beyond what they thought possible.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I am so thankful and lucky to have grown up in the communities of Bucyrus and Louisburg, Kansas. I was able to participate in multiple clubs, sports and other activities because we had great school programs and recreational groups. I spent nights out playing pick-up basketball or sitting around the campfire with friends because we had safe places to go. And I was able to pursue my academic and life interests because I had great teachers and people who supported me. Mostly, I’m a product of a family of hard-working, loving, and incredible people.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.empoweredpt-kc.com/
