We were lucky to catch up with Isabel Northington recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Isabel thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.
I don’t regret how I grew up.
Our home was small, our struggles were real, but it was filled with love – and that made it rich in ways money can’t measure.
When I was a year old, my mom got very sick.
My dad worked two jobs for most of his life to cover her medical bills.
Our trailer had water damage and no working water heater for years.
We warmed our bathwater on the stove…
until the pipes finally gave out, and even that stopped being an option.
Cockroaches came — drawn to the glue inside our trailer’s walls.
They crawled on me in my sleep.
I was scared, embarrassed, and teased for being “poor.” I wore the same clothes for years and went to school with kids
from one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in Sugarland.
They had luxury. I had a dream of something more…
AND I also had love – and two parents who believed in me.
Who told me I could do anything if I worked hard.
So I did. I dreamed
I sketched floorplans in notebooks. I imagined a life beyond survival. For my 8th birthday I called a realtor and asked her to show me a house in Pecan Grove. Knowing my parents couldn’t afford that, she honored my birthday wish and showed me anyway.
And I promised myself: One day, l’ll have a house and a home I can be proud of.
When I graduated with my doctorate, I bought my first home — a foreclosure, the ugliest one on the block – but it was mine.
And that day… that closing day… was one of the best days of my life.
It wasn’t perfect, but it was a start.
Over time, I saved.
I upgraded.
And eventually… I built my dream home from scratch.
Now, I have a home in Texas and a home in Colorado.
My kids have space. Stability. Showers that work
We’re not in a crowded trailer anymore.
But I carry the lessons from it with me every single day.
Ilove my parents.
They gave me what they could.
And that love became my foundation.
I wouldn’t change my story.
It made me who I am.
If I can achieve my dreams — so can you.
Don’t give up.
Your past doesn’t define your future – your persistence does.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Founder of Bellah Therapies & The Wellness Institute
Dr. Northington (“Bellah”) is a dedicated and compassionate physical therapist, entrepreneur, and healer whose life’s mission is rooted in service, resilience, and hope. She is the founder of Bellah Therapies, an outpatient physical therapy clinic in Texas, and The Wellness Institute, an educational and community-based private practice whose initiative is focused on whole-body healing, education, and mentorship.
Bellah’s journey into physical therapy began long before her formal education—shaped by personal experience, deep empathy, and a lifelong calling to help others. Her mother became seriously ill when Bellah was just a year old, exposing her early on to the physical and emotional toll that chronic illness and pain can have—not only on the individual, but on the entire family. Growing up in that environment planted a seed of compassion and a powerful drive to become a source of relief, comfort, and healing for others.
That seed grew into a profound passion for physical therapy. Bellah found joy in helping people feel better in their bodies, regain their independence, and rediscover hope—even in their most difficult moments. For her, this work is not just a career—it’s a calling. Every session is an opportunity to lift someone out of pain and walk alongside them in their journey back to wellness.
At Bellah Therapies, Bellah has created more than a clinic—she’s built a sanctuary for healing. Patients are met with compassion, expertise, and a personalized approach to care. The practice specializes in advanced manual therapy, neuromuscular re-education, orthopedics, and chronic pain management, while also fostering a supportive and nurturing atmosphere where patients feel seen and empowered.
Expanding on that vision, The Wellness Institute was born out of Bellah’s desire to educate, inspire, and equip other providers with the tools they need to treat more holistically and meaningfully. The Institute offers professional development, mentorship, and continuing education for those in the healing professions—ensuring that the ripple effect of care goes beyond individual sessions and into the broader healthcare system. In addition, this is a second clinic she created which is located in Colorado.
Bellah’s work is a testament to the belief that healing is possible, and that every person deserves to be cared for with dignity, purpose, and skill. Whether through hands-on treatment or the education of fellow therapists, Bellah continues to live out her purpose daily: to bring hope, reduce pain, and remind others that they are not alone.
Bellah Therapies – Physical Therapy Services
Orthopedic physical therapy
Neurological rehabilitation
Pediatric physical therapy
Chronic pain management
Post-surgical rehabilitation
Women’s health physical therapy
Postpartum recovery
Pain management during pregnancy
Manual therapy techniques
Joint mobilization
Myofascial release
Trigger point therapy
Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)
Dry needling
Spinal and extremity manipulation
Neuromuscular re-education (NMR)
Vestibular rehabilitation
Dizziness, BPPV, and balance disorders
Concussion rehabilitation
Concussive disorders and post-concussive symptoms
Functional movement training
Gait and balance training
Postural correction and ergonomic assessments
Orthotics evaluation and referrals
Diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSKUS)
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The Wellness Institute – Education & Professional Development
Continuing education for physical therapists and rehab professionals as well as a private practice clinic treating patients
Dry needling
Spinal and extremity manipulation
IASTM and manual therapy
NMR and movement-based therapy
Diagnostic ultrasound education (MSKUS interpretation and integration)
Clinical mentorship and supervision
Complex case review and peer collaboration
Pain management
Concussion management training
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
Our practices are rooted in the belief that one-on-one, hands-on care—between provider and patient—is where the deepest transformation happens. We take the time to truly listen, understand your story, and work collaboratively to uncover the root cause of your condition, rather than rushing through symptoms or delivering a one-size-fits-all approach.
Our passion is in problem-solving each patient’s unique situation, tailoring treatment plans that evolve as you do—because no two bodies or recoveries are the same.
Unfortunately, the current insurance-driven model of healthcare does not support this level of care. Many insurance companies do not cover certain highly effective treatment interventions, and they especially don’t compensate for the additional time and expertise it takes to provide thorough, individualized care. This creates a financial strain for providers who choose to go above and beyond however it produces amazing patient outcomes.
We choose to make that sacrifice—because patient’s recovery and quality of life matter more than a billing code. While we continue to advocate for a more patient-centered healthcare model, we remain committed to delivering the highest level of care, even when the system doesn’t make it easy.
We’d appreciate any insights you can share with us about selling a business.
I successfully navigated a business acquisition and merger, a journey that pushed me to evolve not only as a clinician but also as a business leader. Recognizing the complexity and weight of such a transition, I sought out some of the most knowledgeable experts in the field—surrounding myself with trusted advisors, consultants, and professionals who specialize in healthcare business development and valuation.
To deepen my understanding and confidently lead through change, I enrolled in Harvard’s online business courses and immersed myself in countless books covering entrepreneurship, finance, and strategic growth. Through this hands-on education, I learned to interpret key financial metrics, understand valuation models, and make informed decisions rooted in both data and values. This season of transformation strengthened my passion for sustainable, integrity-driven care—and affirmed my belief that business and healing can go hand-in-hand when guided with purpose.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bellahtherapies.com. https://www.wellnessinstitute.health/landing
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.wellnessinstitute/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Wellness-Institute-of-Colorado-Springs/100093961893827/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-isabel-northington-pt-dpt-faaompt-dip-osteopractic-cert-smt-dn-vcs-46907612/
Image Credits
Crimson Peak Studios- Khai Creates