Meet Lizzie Kieffer of Doc Lizzie Physical Therapy

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lizzie Kieffer.

Lizzie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
The year 2020 was a big shift for the majority of us. And for me, it was a shift into a whole new world. This is when the idea of starting my own business was born and 3 months later, the doors were open.

In March of 2020, during a family dinner, I threw out the idea of opening my own practice, not really too serious about it. But then my husband took it and ran with it and urged me to just look into it and see what it would look like to start a private practice. Once I started diving into cash-based physical therapy, I couldn’t look back. I was in it. And 3 months later, I was seeing clients in my new space, being my own boss, owning my own private practice.

One of the biggest reasons I started my own practice was to be able to offer a holistic approach and truly tune into my empathetic and caregiving side. Being cash-based, there are no rules from insurance to tell me how long I can work with someone and what will and won’t be covered. I can simply just treat. Having this practice has allowed me to give my full energy and capabilities to my clients, to truly serve the community at my highest potential, and offer a boutique-like service where the client feels heard and hopeful of healing.

I never could have dreamt of where I am today. In the past couple of years, so much has changed. I have a practice that fulfills me, I have met incredible providers in the community who share similar mindsets, I have been able to have a work-life balance that I always hoped I would have. I truly feel so lucky to be able to be in this position.

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?
It hasn’t always been smooth sailing, as most new businesses aren’t! I was completely new to running a business, so trial and error was the name of the game at first. And don’t be fooled, there is still trial and error going on! It isn’t just the fun and games of getting to treat clients and send them on their merry way.

There is back-end bookwork, marketing, connecting with other providers, ordering supplies, managing the budget, giving time to social media, the list goes on. Being a sole owner and provider, it is also hard to “shut off” and set boundaries. When it’s 9 pm at night and I think of something I forgot to do, you’ll find me doing it.

The biggest hurdle so far has been the shift in my branding. At the end of 2021, I ended up having to change my business name, hone in on a more specific niche, and rebrand my website. Talk about an overtaking!

All these “to-do”s and speed bumps are just that, the universe giving you signs to check yourself and see where growth or stability needs to take place. I am excited for the changes ahead and to push my business further.

No matter the struggles, starting this business was the best decision I have ever made! I wouldn’t change it for the world and I would encourage other entrepreneurs to just keep going. To take the lemons and make them into the most delicious, fresh-squeezed, sweet, lemonade you have ever tasted.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Doc Lizzie Physical Therapy?
Doc Lizzie Physical Therapy is a place where I want you to feel heard, understood, hopeful, and empowered. To feel good from within…because it’s in there! This is what my practice is all about. Your personal journey through healing.

My practice is focused on women’s health with a specific niche into postpartum, pelvic floor, and fertility. To expand on this, each person who walks into my office is individualized. There is no cookie-cutter approach to this care. Your needs are unique and specific. Functional movement should be of utmost importance when working through corrective exercises. When you come to me postpartum, you won’t be doing 3×20 Kegels on the table. You will be learning how to incorporate proper relaxation and engagement of these muscles through functional movements related to your goals. Plain and simple!

Fertility is something I am very passionate about. It is so much more than just timing your cycle. Your mental state, physical state, emotional state, and spiritual state all play a huge role. With Mercier Therapy, I am able to work through the physical state with deep visceral manipulation that ultimately helps to improve the movement of the uterus and ovaries and improves blood flow and neurological response to these areas.

Through a collaborative approach, we are able to dig deep into the root of the issues (physical, mental, spiritual). It is such a beautiful therapy to offer to those looking for something more natural and holistic or prior to going down the medicated route. If you’re looking for a provider who offers a holistic and compassionate approach for women’s health, pelvic floor rehab, postpartum recovery, or fertility, then this might be just what you need!

I’m happy to chat about the options or if you have any questions!

Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Mostly, I just want readers to know that there are options out there! Physical therapy isn’t just about doing band exercises or stretching, no matter if it’s shoulder rehab or postpartum recovery.

It should be all-encompassing and your injury/issue should be looked at from many different angles (mind, body, and soul). I am here to offer one on one care to give you the best results in the quickest amount of time the body will allow.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/doclizziedpt
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/doclizziedpt
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpH9UisnqYUzeCaZY1ymNIw

Image Credits
Beth Grimm Photography and Vickie Rondeau Photography