Grass Roots Private Practice Volunteers Make PT "First Choice"

Early this year, thirty-one of the nation's most successful private practice owners and clinicians banded together to convince patients and referral sources everywhere to Try PT First!®. They chose the name "Dream Team" for the group, not because they consider themselves "special", but because they have a dream and are determined to make it a reality.

Suzanne Balistreri, M.S. P.T. stated the purpose of the group is to "elevate the level of awareness of the general public and referral sources in the healthcare community of their option to directly pursue physical therapy as a drug-free first step solution to a physical problem."

Balistreri is the owner of seven very successful clinics in Wisconsin. She is joined in the group by thirty other accomplished private practice owners and clinicians from all parts of the country who have agreed to give something back to the profession they love by doing public speaking, writing professional articles, mentoring and hosting events that drive home the Try PT First message.

An example of the great work being done is a recent seminar hosted by network board member and multiple clinic owner, Christina Panetta, PT. Christina and her staff hosted a Try PT First event with a large group of Podiatrists in her home town on Long Island. The enthusiastic crowd "got the message" how and why PT was indispensable to their patients and two of them scheduled for their own evaluations and therapy following the event!

Similar public education workshops are underway with physician groups and medical students. In addition, patients across the country are being invited to a public education series entitled "Helping You Help Yourself™", which gives real-world health and fitness tips from both PTs and high-profile advocates of PT from the Healthcare and Fitness professions.

"For too long," says Balistreri, "PT has not had a clear position in the minds of patients and referral sources. We are being out-promoted by those with major financial backing like the drug companies, large physician groups and hospitals."

She continued, "It's time everyone in our profession banded together to drive home a clear and true message, that PT should be the First Choice. After all, we are the experts in human function. Can you name another form of pain relief with 'side effects' that include improved function and well-being?"

Practice owners wishing to find out more about the network, to get their help, or to learn more about their programs can call 800-377-6619 or email DreamTeam@yahoo.com or fill out their information on this site.