Get To Know Your Physical Therapist Assistant – Erin Mumby, PTA
Therapydia Denver physical therapist assistant Erin Mumby, PTA, takes some time to talk about her own experience with injury, why she loves Colorado, and her continuing education focus on pelvic floor for male and female patients.
When did you know that you wanted to be a physical therapist assistant?
I was always active and knew I wanted a profession which would nurture this part of me. I injured my knee and hip during varsity cross country and received PT which started me down this path.
What’s your favorite song to get you motivated?
Morning Sun. It’s very repetitive but I love it.
What is the biggest challenge involved in being a PTA?
Being a PTA has a few unique challenges. PTA’s have to be able to form their own personalized treatment style while at the same time, learn each PT’s treatment style to maintain congruency with pt treatment plans. We also face the issue of patients thinking we have no formal education. So patient education is important for us to gain trust.
How do you like to stay active?
I love the activities that Colorado has to offer. I rock climb, backpack, hike, and ski. I’d much rather be outside than in a gym.
What surprised you the most about the physical therapist profession?
The most surprising aspect of PT to me is the fact that I still run into people, physicians, surgeons who don’t utilize PT or are unsure of how we can help as a profession.
Are you currently pursuing any further education/Certifications?
I’ve spent my continuing education with pelvic floor focus for male and female patient’s along with becoming certified in the Selective Functional Movement Assessment and Functional Movement Screen. I am a certified clinical instructor. I am currently searching for a gait/running analysis course.
What’s your go-to breakfast?
Bagels, breakfast tacos, oat meal…I love breakfast!
What do you wish everyone knew about physical therapy? / What is the biggest misconception you hear from new patients?
I just wish the general pubic as a whole knew more about how PT can help so that people didn’t suffer with pain for so long prior to seeking treatment.
What is the most important personality trait that a therapist must have?
Simply just caring about the profession. This is what drives us to continue with our education and put in the effort to spend time researching to find more effective treatment plans.
What do you do to de-stress/unwind?
Working out and reading both help me to de-stress in the evenings.
Finish this sentence: On Saturday mornings, you can usually find me…in the mountains!
What is your favorite piece of wellness advice to offer?
I think the medical profession as a whole needs to give more focus on nutrition and how poor/good nutrition has affects on our system globally.
