Today we’d like to introduce you to Taylor Summers
Hi Taylor, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am a St. Louis native who specializes in ACL rehab and has a passion for the weightlifting/crossfit/fitness community as well as bridging the gap between rehab and performance for high school and college athletes.
I tore my ACL my junior year of high school, initially sparking my interest in becoming a physical therapist after a long and gruesome rehab process that allowed me to continue to play college soccer at Quincy University.
After playing 4 years of college soccer, I went on to Washington University in St. Louis to earn my Doctorate in Physical Therapy. I have extensive training in ACL return to play, video jumping and running analysis, dry needling, and ASTYM (soft tissue mobilization).
I started Optimal Movement Rehabilitation and Performance in 2021. I am surrounding myself with only the best DPTs and have added Ed Pilgrim and Mandy Birk to the team. Our goal with Optimal Movement is and has always been to provide exceptional care to clients and patients while helping them achieve all of their goals. We believe in a true holistic rehab process, and we are passionate about providing clients with the education and tools necessary to move smarter, perform better, and live optimally. We have over 20 years of experience, and our team prioritizes continuing education and evidence-based practice to stay at the forefront of physical therapy. We work with all phases of rehab, are certified in Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) and Dry Needling, and understand that active populations require high level, individualized training to return to competition.
In January of 2024 we opened a brand new, 6,000 square foot facility that boasts 75 feet of turf, a state-of-the-art weight room, medicine ball wall, cardio equipment, cold plunge, and sauna. We use VALD force plates and dynamometers to gather objective data and identify your deficits as well as track your progress over time. We have everything you need to achieve your goals!
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?
It most certainly has not been an easy road, the challenges of opening a primarily in person business during COVID while also dealing with a sick father was one of the hardest, but most rewarding challenges of my career. I learned more than I could have ever imagined and grew more personally and professionally during this time. Although, times were tough, I am grateful to be given the stress and ability to grow a local STL business during challenging times for our community.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
At Optimal Movement, we are dedicated to enhancing your physical well-being and performance through specialized physical therapy services. Our mission is to empower individuals to achieve their optimal movement potential, whether it’s returning to sport after an injury or enhancing overall performance.
Our team of highly skilled and experienced Doctors of Physical Therapy specialize in performance physical therapy, focusing on movement analysis and re-education, manual therapy, and performance training to develop personalized treatment plans tailored to your unique needs. We understand that every individual and every injury is different, which is why we prioritize a comprehensive assessment to identify the root cause of your issues. We believe in treating the body as a whole!
Whether you’re an athlete looking to return to sport or someone seeking to improve daily function, our holistic approach to rehabilitation ensures that we address not only the symptoms but also the underlying factors contributing to your condition. We utilize cutting-edge techniques and evidence-based practices to optimize your movement patterns, prevent re-injury, and promote long-term health and performance.
At Optimal Movement, we believe in empowering our clients with the knowledge and tools they need to take control of their health and reach their goals. Our goal is not just to help you recover from injury but also to equip you with the skills to move better, perform at your best, and live life to the fullest.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
My favorite podcasts are The Ed Mylette Show and RealAF by Andy Frisella. Some of my favorite books are: How to Win Friends and Influence People, The Power of One More, Relentless and Winning by Tim Grover. These have all helped me professionally and personally!
Pricing:
- Initial Evaluation (1 hour 1:1) – $175
- Follow Up Physical Therapy Sessions (1 hour 1:1) – $145
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.optimalmovement.net
- Instagram: @optimal.movementstl
- Other: Instagram – @taylorsummersdpt
Image Credits
Chris Nast @chris.nash.jr
