Today we’d like to introduce you to Tim Blackley

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?

Sure! I am a career changer, so my first job out of college was for a startup company doing sales. One day, I remember having an epiphany and realizing that this was not what I wanted the next 40 years of my life to look like. I knew I had to make a change. I decided to take the leap, but I didn’t know what I wanted to do. After that, my first job was as a personal trainer since I always had a passion for science and athletics. I got a job at a local Equinox and did that for a few months before realizing that I could do it better on my own. I made a few profiles on independent trainer websites and began booking my first few clients. While doing this, I got into a Master’s program in Sports Science with a concentration in Strength and Conditioning. This program was my first introduction to a formal education in the space I am in today. During that time, I interned for a Physical Therapist and loved the work that he did. He took me under his wing for the next few years and got me a job at NYU as a PT Technician. This experience cemented my decision and I knew this was what I would devote my career to. I worked there for several years while wrapping up my prerequisites for PT school, and eventually was accepted to Columbia University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. I spent the next three years completing that program and doing clinical rotations in various settings. Given my background and passions, I devoted my attention to sports orthopedics. I was fortunate to learn from some gifted and talented people in this space. This eventually landed me where I am today at Pillar Performance in NYC.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?

The road was filled with its ups and downs. Deciding to reroute my life and completely change my career path was certainly daunting. I knew there were years of work and uncertainty ahead. Throughout the journey, I saw many of my friends’ careers blossom and take off before mine even began. I would be lying if I didn’t say it was demoralizing at times. It was hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel initially, but I just tried to keep the bigger picture in mind and take each day one step at a time. I also could not have done it without the support of my wife, friends, family, and other Physical Therapists that I have crossed paths with over the years.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?

I currently work as a Doctor of Physical Therapy at a private outpatient orthopedic clinic called Pillar Performance. The clinic specializes in one-on-one 60-minute treatment sessions, which is rare in the industry. We operate out of a private gym called SkyHealth. This gym operates similarly to a WeWork, where physical therapists and personal trainers can rent space to treat their clients or patients in the gym.

My specialties are orthopedics and sports performance. Many of the patients I work with are looking to return to some level of activity. A large percentage of my patients continue to work with me even after their rehabilitation is finished to work toward specific goals they may have in their given activity or sport.

I am most proud of the work I do with my patients. Many of the people I see have tried physical therapy elsewhere with little to no results. I see this as an exciting opportunity to help show them that physical therapy can be more than they originally thought. Many people I see come in vulnerable states, so being able to help them heal and get back to doing what they love leaves me with a sense of pride and fulfillment.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?

My advice would be to take risks sooner rather than later. When I initially decided to take the leap and change careers, I was motivated to make the jump as soon as possible. The road was filled with uncertainty, but I knew I had the work ethic and determination to follow through and put myself in the best position to succeed.

The field of physical therapy is filled with so many different specializations and niches. The industry is changing rapidly. People are beginning to realize that there is a demand for things to be done differently than they traditionally have. My advice would be to push yourself to grow (academically and professionally) as a clinician and seek an environment that helps foster that growth.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.pillarperformanceny.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.timblackley/