It isn’t unusual for physical therapists to have interests outside of work that are… well… physical. Ask a random sampling of PTs their hobbies, and odds are basketball, golf, softball and swimming will come up on more than one occasion.
One physical hobby that may not come up quite as often is ballroom dancing, despite the fact that it is just as (if not more) physical. But that didn’t stop Concordia of Monroeville Physical Therapist Amanda Evers from pursuing it.
And it turns out, she’s really good.
Amanda, 29, has been dancing since childhood – mainly ballet, jazz and modern. It wasn’t until two years ago that she decided to try ballroom dancing. After a year of practice, she decided to start competing.
“I have always been passionate about my dancing, but I wanted to challenge myself by taking it to the next level through competition,” she said. “It has been a rewarding sport physically, mentally, emotionally and socially.”
She entered a celebrated annual ballroom dancing competition in Orlando, FL known as the United States Dance Championships, where it’s fair to say she cleaned up.
In the United States National Pro/Am Rhythm Five Dance Scholarship she placed 5th. She received three 1st place medals in Waltz, Tango, and Viennese Waltz and a 3rd place in Foxtrot in the Smooth single dance events. In the single dance events for American Rhythm, she received four 3rd place medals in Rumba, East Coast Swing, Bolero and Mambo.
“It felt amazing to do so well at such a large competition among so many talented dancers,” she said. “I felt like my dedication and hours of practice had paid off.”
Dancing is a big part of Amanda’s career as a physical therapist. Among other things, she said it has heightened her awareness of how the body responds through movement and physical connection.
“Dancing has helped me be able to better explain how to use muscle groups, improve posture, and body mechanics to patients through my understanding of how everything is connected,” she said. “Dancing also helps me maintain the flexibility, balance and strength required in this line of work. Plus, it’s a great conversation piece I can use with my patients.”
Amanda has been a physical therapist for five years, since graduating with her doctorate in physical therapy from Chatham University. Her approach to rehabilitation is to treat each person as an individual, with specific needs, preferences and motivators. Consistency, motivation, a positive mentality, effort and active participation in their program are other key components to success.
“I love being a physical therapist because it gives me the opportunity to meet amazing individuals and make a difference in their lives by helping them achieve their goals,” she said. “Often, while I am working with and teaching my patients, I learn as much from them through hearing about their life experiences, careers, and passions.”
Concordia offers short-term rehabilitation in Pittsburgh, Monroeville, Cabot, Allison Park and Copley, OH. Each location is unique and offer slightly differing services and amenities. Visit the Concordia Short-Term Rehabilitation page for more information, and please don’t hesitate to call any of our locations today with any questions you may have or to arrange for a personal tour.
