Name:
Lizz vanWilgen Smith
Company:
Lizz vanWilgen Smith Physical Therapy
Contact info:
Email: lizzvw@me.com, ph: 212-675-9355, website: www.LizzvSmithPT.com
How many years have you been in business in NYC?
I have been practicing physical therapy in NYC for 23 years, have been seeing patients privately for 20 years and opened this office in November 2016.
How did you get your start and what was your initial inspiration?
I spent my childhood in a ballet studio, studying dance seriously, surrounded by professional ballet dancers. I have always been health-minded and saw how intense and unhealthy the lifestyle of a professional dancer can be, which was a big turn off. When I stopped dancing I went on a mission to find an alternate career that utilized my fascination for the body and movement; physical therapy seemed like a natural fit. I spent a decade at Hospital for Special Surgery, where I started specializing in orthopedics.
What do you feel differentiates you from others in your field?
I am treating clients 1:1, mainly hands-on with a wellness approach, in an environment where I can collaborate with other like-minded professionals (chiropracter, accupuncturist, Thai massage therapist, Rolfer.) Most sessions combine cupping (moving and stationary), Active Release Technique (ART) and Aromatherapy in a beautiful, relaxing space.
What do you feel gives you longevity in this big city with so many options?
My breadth of knowledge and experience instils trust in my clients. I am also always looking for new ways to help my clients. My next endeavors will be to learn Gua sha and sound therapy. There are so many things that excite and keep me interested, which keeps my clients interested too.
How do you positively impact your clientele?
Making people feel better, more relaxed, and knowledgeable about their bodies is very powerful for them.
What is your favorite part of your job?
Meeting amazing New Yorkers
What is your favorite secret NYC spot?
Enfluerage, a tiny but special essential oil shop in the West Village.
How do you benefit mamas?
I treat my sessions (especially with moms) as a precious time when they can be cared for, since most of their time is spent taking care of others. Fitting PT in is hard, I try to make it worth it.
What is the most memorable feedback a client has given you?
“…I feel like a weight has been lifted off me…”
Pay it forward and name your top colleagues in the same field or related field:
Liz Moran (PT for uptown home visits), Dr. Vincent Portera (chiropractor), Shari Auth (accupuncturist), Lauralee Kelly (massage therapist)
What is the best advice anyone's ever given you? Or what is your "mantra" / words to live by?
My mother has always given me great advice, here are a few of her best: don’t cut your cuticles, don’t overpluck your eyebrows and the safest place for your jewelry is on your body. If one of my kids has a bad day, I tell them before they go to sleep "...tomorrow's a new day..." We hit the reset button in my home a lot and always give lots of kisses and hugs and "I love you's" before we turn out the lights.
As moms, the day can escape us, what is your best time-saving trick?
Having vegetables washed, cut and bagged in the fridge as well as pasta and grains in containers ready to go when you get home. Also Foodkick and Amazon save my life on a weekly basis.