Elizabeth Schuessler PT, DPT

Elizabeth is a graduate from Marquette University. She is originally from the western suburbs of Chicago but has grown to enjoy and love the city of Milwaukee. She has been with Health in Balance ever since graduating PT school at Marquette University. She is familiar with treating various orthopedic conditions, neurological deficits, work, and sports-related injuries. She loves treating conditions from head-to-toe and enjoys figuring out the ‘why’ of her patient’s conditions. She focuses on treating the whole patient rather than the deficit or injury presented and focuses on patient-centered treatment to get her patients back to doing what is most important to them. 

 Question and Answer with Elizabeth

What have been the highlights along your professional journey thus far?

A professional highlight for me is always when patients report back after discharge that they are back to doing what they want to be doing. Hearing that someone is hiking and golfing again, playing with their grandchildren, or simply walking without pain reminds me why I chose this profession. These moments, no matter how big or small, reaffirm that the care I provide has a tangible impact on someone’s quality of life. It’s in these stories of regained independence and personal triumph that I find the most meaning in my work.

What can a patient expect from a physical therapy session with you?

Something I am diligent about is listening to my patients and ensuring that they feel heard and understood. During your first PT session, and subsequent follow-up treatment sessions, I take the time to get to know each patient and what is important to them in their recovery and daily lives. In the world of PT, we are given the gift of time to spend with each patient that few other healthcare professions are given. With this time, I focus on working alongside the patient to collectively progress towards achieving goals that are important to the patient. Additionally, I believe that education is a key factor to success, as it gives what we do a purpose. I spend time educating each patient on what is happening in their body, why it might be happening, and what changes we can make. 

What do you do to stay healthy and well?

I am a believer in variety being the spice of life. I enjoy a balance of strength training, cardio, and stretching; and find that my body feels it’s best when I am best able to balance all three into a workout, or throughout my week. I am a fan of formal exercise classes particularly spin, yoga, and group strength training; but also appreciate time to myself to work on whatever my body is telling me it needs. I am also an avid cook and appreciate a homemade meal. That way I can make sure what I am eating is fresh and healthy!

What are your favorite hobbies/things to do?

In my free time, you can find me exploring all that Milwaukee has to offer! I also spend a lot of my time outdoors doing things like bike riding, hiking, going for a walk, skiing, or simply relaxing outside. I am a big sports fan, I take pride in cooking a well-balanced meal, and enjoy unwinding by spending time with my family and friends.