Community Partner Spotlight
Susan McLaughlin, PT with ALIGN
ALIGN is a private physical therapy practice. Susan McLaughlin specializes in the management of pelvic pain, pelvic floor dysfunction, and orthopedic dysfunctions.
What is your background and how did you develop the skills to start your business?
“I have been practicing physical therapy since 2001. Going into physical therapy school I knew that I wanted to have my own business one day. I have always had an interest in approaching the body holistically and I believe in the body/mind connection for health and wellbeing. In 2012 I made the decision to leave the traditional medical model of physical therapy to start my own private practice, ALIGN integration | movement. I am a self-proclaimed continuing education junkie and I love to learn, so I have woven and integrated that education into my practice.”
What inspires your work and what sets you apart from everyone else?
“Our capacity for healing and growth is limitless. I have a deep respect for our nervous system and an understanding that when our system is under stress (due to day to day living, mental/emotional/spiritual incongruences, developmental or shock traumas, etc.) healing is compromised. In working with clients my intention is to create an environment within the body where the innate healing capacity can be restored. I bring many different levels of learning outside of typical physical therapy practices for additional growth and healing.”
What do you enjoy most about what you do?
“Being able to tap into human potential, growth and change. I love it!”
What’s the nicest thing a customer has ever said to you about your service?
“I had a client who came to me with pain and nerve tingling down both arms and legs. Her doctor wanted her to get checked for MS. As a hairdresser she couldn’t lift her arms to cut or blow dry hair. She couldn’t do her job or workout for exercise because of the pain. She sent me a letter of thank you saying that working with me was ‘life altering;’ she can now do her job, sleep and was even able to complete a Hot Fusion Fitness certification. Without my help, she felt that she would have lost hope and had been talked into surgery. So yeah, nicest thing: ‘Working with you was life altering!”
What do you enjoy most about your partnership with the UDA?
“Doulas are amazing! I love the community, support and compassion that I feel in the UDA. I am so grateful that women have support to birth their own way. Thank you!”