In this episode, Dr. David Hanscom talks with Stephanie Carter Kelley – an orthopedic physical therapist. She shares her personal experience of turning to yoga for relief after experiencing physical discomfort following her first pregnancy. She describes how she found hope and persistence in yoga, and how it eventually led her to integrate yoga into her life. She discusses the multifaceted benefits of yoga, including its ability to calm the nervous system, which she finds particularly interesting given her background as a physical therapist. She also explores the idea of separating one's identity from stress physiology as a crucial step in the healing process, emphasizing the importance of feeling safe.

After 30 years of practicing orthopedic physical therapy combined with 20 years of teaching in physical therapy, publishing research, and leading quality improvement efforts, Dr. Stephanie left the security of the academic medical institution to start an integrative practice blending yoga with physical therapy.  She sees clients one-on-one, teaches group classes, and provides online programs using yoga as the primary intervention for healing chronic musculoskeletal pain. As a person who has also suffered with her own chronic pain, she now considers herself a teacher, guide and coach on a mission to empower other mature women with chronic low back pain to not be held back and to consistently and confidently engage in an active lifestyle. For more information, visit https://www.stephaniecarterkelley.com/