Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelsey Zamoyski.
Kelsey, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
When I was in high school, I was diagnosed with a genetic joint disorder. I was told nothing could help, I needed to protect and preserve my joints, and that I should consider a career that was low-impact. Refusing to accept the negative outlook from doctors and frustrated by the lack of help from multiple therapists, I decided when I was in college to learn everything I could about the body and rehabilitate myself. I switched my major from architecture (a low-impact career!) to occupational therapy. Armed with this knowledge, I rehabilitated myself. Now, more than a decade later, I continue to shock the doctors with the tasks I can complete including hands-on manual therapy of my clients and the sports I can play. I am an example of the power of thoughtful and customized care. Surgery and pain pills are not the only option. I have helped people drastically change their lives for the better. My passion is inspiring people to understand that age and diagnosis are not limitations. I created a place where this is possible and this place is Defy Therapy & Wellness.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
There’s definitely been ups and downs during the process of establishing a small business. The biggest challenge of all was work-life balance. Especially because of my genetic joint disorder, I need to exercise regularly to maintain mobility. In the beginning, I dedicated more time to building the business from finding the right location to marketing door-to-door at local doctors’ offices than following my exercise regimen. While I couldn’t complete a full workout, I tried to put in at least 30 minutes per day to stretching and meditation. Time management and setting apart some “Me Time” were important factors that kept me calm through the tough periods.
Defy Therapy and Wellness – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I grew up in Buffalo and attended school at SUNY (State University of New York) University at Buffalo College, graduating with a Masters Degree in Occupational Therapy (MOT). Additionally, I am a National Board Certified Occupational Therapist (NBCOT), Certified Hand Therapist (CHT), and Certified Ergonomic Assessment Specialist (CEAS-I). I specialize in treating shoulder, elbow, and hand dysfunction and also develop programs designed to improve clients’ posture.
Working in numerous outpatient clinics and hospitals I realized I was unable to truly provide the value of therapy that I wanted. The focus was on quantity not quality of client care. I wanted to have a full hour dedicated to the client, to listen, and to provide the hands-on care they needed. I wanted this each and every visit. I wanted to create a place that I had looked for when I needed help when I questioned what would happen to me after my diagnosis and how could I live with it. My father always says, “if you can’t find something you want or need then go create it.” Taking his advice, Defy Therapy & Wellness was born.
We provide clients with one-on-one care with the same therapist in a quiet boutique clinic. No clients are double booked. This allows us time to locate and target the problem so we are not just treating the symptoms. We are able to sit down and discuss a plan, discuss what worked and didn’t in the past, and evaluate to determine where the problem is. For clients with busy schedules, we also offer concierge therapy and massage in home or office for convenience.
Through a customized therapy program, I help people avoid surgery, get off pain medications, and return to pre-injury activity levels. This leads directly to increased energy and renewed enjoyment of clients’ favorite activities! Age and diagnosis do not matter – I have helped clients of all ages (even 92!) achieve results beyond their expectations and understand the amazing things their bodies can and will do. My job is not only amazing but truly rewarding.
Contact Info:
- Address: 15807 Biscayne Blvd. #113
North Miami Beach, FL 33160 - Website: https://www.defytherapyandwellness.com/
- Phone: 786.955.6912
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/defytherapy
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/defytherapy
- Other: http://linkedin.com/company/defy-therapy-and-wellness
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