We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Julia Connor a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Julia , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you share a story about the kindest thing someone has done for you and why it mattered so much or was so meaningful to you?

The kindest thing anyone has ever done for me happened during grad school, at a time when my life was turned upside down. My dad had just been diagnosed with cancer, and I was already working hard to manage the demands of doctorate-level coursework. As his health declined, it became an incredibly overwhelming period in my life. Despite everything, my dad was adamant that I continue pursuing my dream of becoming a physical therapist.

What made this time bearable, and even transformative, was the incredible support I received from my classmates and professors. When they learned about my situation, they stepped up in ways that left me deeply humbled and profoundly grateful.

One classmate organized a bake sale, gathering donations to help ease my family’s financial burden. It was a thoughtful gesture that went far beyond anything I could have expected. One of my professors offered to communicate with my other professors and the university administration if I needed to leave school to be with my father. This support became invaluable when I had to return home unexpectedly, as it became clear that my dad’s time was running out.

My classmates rallied around me with unwavering kindness. They checked in regularly—not just to offer words of encouragement, but also to provide practical help. They offered to study with me, shared notes, and simply listened when I needed to vent or cry. When my father passed away, their compassion didn’t waver. I was deeply touched by the flowers, notes, and gestures of care they extended during my time of grief.

What made these acts so impactful was not just their generosity but their active effort to ease my burden. They gave me the space to grieve while helping me stay on track with my studies, ensuring I never felt alone or like I was failing—either as a student or as a daughter facing an immense loss.

I will never forget how these acts of kindness carried me through one of the hardest times in my life. The sense of community, compassion, and understanding from my classmates and professors was a lifeline. It reminded me that, even in our darkest moments, there are people who will show up, lifting you when you feel like you’re about to fall apart. Their selflessness left an indelible mark on me, and I am forever grateful for their support.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’ve always had a passion for movement, anatomy, and biomechanics, which led me to major in Exercise and Sports Science at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. After college, I worked as a physical therapist technician, where I assisted a wonderful physical therapist who showed me the transformative power of hands-on treatment and exercise. Her mentorship solidified my decision to pursue a career in physical therapy.

After earning my Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Saint Augustine for Health Sciences, I focused on treating patients with orthopedic conditions such as rotator cuff injuries, ankle sprains, and low back pain. I also expanded my expertise with advanced certification in vestibular physical therapy, specializing in helping patients with vertigo and balance issues.

Over time, however, I noticed that some patients with low back, tailbone, and hip pain weren’t improving as expected. I realized I was missing a critical piece of the puzzle—the pelvic floor. This led me to explore postgraduate training in pelvic health physical therapy, a field I became more passionate about after experiencing pregnancy and postpartum challenges myself.

This journey inspired me to open Connect Physical Therapy Pelvic Health & Wellness, where I focus on providing one-on-one care to women, helping them address pelvic floor conditions, orthopedic issues, and overall wellness concerns. My goal is to ensure that every patient feels safe, understood, and cared for, with an individualized treatment plan tailored to their unique needs and goals.

At Connect Physical Therapy, we specialize in health and orthopedic physical therapy with a focus on personalized, holistic care. We offer extended appointment times, strong patient-therapist relationships, hands-on treatment, and convenient mobile services right at your door. I wanted to create a practice where my patients receive the time and attention they deserve—our first visit is 90 minutes, with follow-up appointments lasting 60 minutes. Most importantly, every visit is one-on-one with the same physical therapist, ensuring continuity and personalized care. Our patients are never shuffled to aides or left to work alone on machines.

What sets us apart is our commitment to addressing the root causes of pain, not just relieving symptoms. I work closely with each patient to prevent recurring issues and ensure long-term wellness. I’m deeply proud of the relationships I’ve built with my patients and the difference we’ve made in their lives, helping them achieve lasting health and well-being.

At Connect Physical Therapy, I want potential clients to know that they’ll receive personalized, compassionate care that is as unique as they are. My priority is to empower my patients to reach their full potential, and I’m here to support them every step of the way.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

In addition to training and knowledge, I believe the most important qualities for succeeding in the field of physical therapy are empathy, communication, and adaptability.

Empathy allows us to truly connect with our patients, understanding not just their physical issues, but also the emotional and mental challenges they may be facing during their rehabilitation journey. When patients feel understood and supported, they are more likely to trust their therapist and fully engage in their treatment.

Communication is equally crucial. As physical therapists, we need to clearly explain treatment plans, exercises, and goals to our patients, ensuring they feel informed and confident in the process. It also involves actively listening to their concerns and feedback, so we can adjust their care accordingly.

Lastly, adaptability is key. Every patient is different, and their needs can change over time. The ability to adjust treatment plans, try new approaches, and think creatively to solve problems is essential for achieving the best outcomes.

Together, these qualities help build strong patient relationships, foster trust, and ensure that patients stay motivated and committed to their recovery. They’re just as important as technical expertise in helping physical therapists succeed and make a real difference in their patients’ lives.

If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?

If I could go back, I would absolutely choose physical therapy again. From the very beginning, I’ve been passionate about learning about the human body and helping people improve their quality of life. Physical therapy gives me the opportunity to combine these interests with a deeply rewarding career where I can make a real difference in people’s lives.

What I love most about physical therapy is the ability to address not just symptoms but the root causes of a patient’s pain or dysfunction. Every patient’s journey is unique, and being able to develop individualized treatment plans that help them heal, regain strength, and achieve their goals is incredibly fulfilling.

I’ve also been fortunate to specialize in areas like orthopedic and pelvic health physical therapy, which have allowed me to expand my knowledge and expertise. Over the years, I’ve seen how effective physical therapy can be, not only in recovering from injury but also in improving overall wellness.

The connection I form with my patients, watching them progress and knowing that I’m helping them lead healthier, happier lives, is truly what makes this profession so rewarding. So, without a doubt, I would choose this path again if I had the chance.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://connectpelvictherapy.com
• Instagram: connectphysicaltherapy
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066590503676
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/connect-pelvic-therapy/
• Other: https://nextdoor.com/pages/connect-physical-therapy-orlando-fl/?init_source=org_pages&utm_campaign=1734308758922