Get to Know Your PT: Cami Hatch, DPT

Therapydia Denver physical therapist Cami Hatch takes some time to talk pelvic health PT, the importance of being a good listener and changing up her workout routine.

“It’s important to challenge the body in different ways. Try new things and be adventurous!”

When did you know that you wanted to be a physical therapist?

I took some time off after I graduated from undergraduate and got a job working as a PT aide. I really enjoyed the environment and working with people and I liked that I could stay active throughout the day while still challenging my mind.

What is the biggest challenge involved in being a PT?

I would probably say dealing with the healthcare system. It’s challenging to have to consider how the patient’s insurance will affect their treatment.

How do you like to stay active?

A little bit of everything; running, yoga, hiking, weights. I recently started biking a little more too. I like snow sports in the winter. I snowboard mostly but I am trying to get into cross country skiing.

What’s your favorite song to get you motivated?

I could never pick just one, it varies monthly. Right now I have a lot of 90s hip hop on my running playlists. I’m also a big fan of the 60s and 70s.

What surprised you the most about the physical therapy profession?

The plethora of different theories and beliefs that PTs have. There are so many different treatment options and programs that sometimes it can get a little overwhelming. I try to learn from all the different approaches and take what I can from each one.

Are you currently pursuing any further education/certifications?

I try to take continuing education courses as often as I can. I think eventually I will consider getting a women’s health certification.

What do you wish everyone knew about PT?

From a women’s health/pelvic floor perspective, I wish people knew more about what Pelvic Floor PT is in general. People are often told that medication or surgery is the only option when in fact there are other things we can try. I also wish more women would come in after childbirth. I think people assume that since the female body is designed to give birth, everything will be fine but in reality it is a trauma and it’s important to make sure the muscles and tissues recover fully to regain strength and function.

What is the most important personality trait that a PT must have?

I think it’s really important to be a good listener. Listening to how a patient feels and what their thoughts are about their pain/recovery helps to determine how to approach treatment. I think this is especially important with my women’s health/pelvic floor patients because their pain/issues may have more of an impact on their psychosocial health and personal relationships. It’s important to consider the patient as a whole person rather than just an injury/diagnosis.

What’s your go-to breakfast?

Sprouted wheat bagel with peanut butter and coffee.

What do you do to de-stress/unwind?

It depends on the day. Sometimes I like to go for a run, it helps to organize my thoughts and get out my energy. Other times I enjoy reading, yoga and meditation.

Finish this sentence: On Saturday mornings, you can usually find me…

Well every other Saturday I am working. Otherwise probably sleeping in and trying to convince my boyfriend to go trail running with me.

What is your favorite piece of wellness advice?

Change it up. I think it’s easy to get into a specific routine and to do the same things all the time but it’s important to challenge the body in different ways. Try new things and be adventurous!

Click here to learn more about Cami and the other physical therapists at Therapydia Denver.