We recently connected with Kelly Ruther and have shared our conversation below.
Kelly, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What was the most important lesson/experience you had in a job that has helped you in your professional career?
Life has a way of throwing unexpected curveballs. One day, I was comfortably employed; the next, I found myself furloughed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Needing to find work, I took a role at the hospital swabbing noses for COVID tests.
The transition wasn’t easy. I went from my familiar job to the frontlines of a global health crisis.
What I didn’t anticipate was the personal toll. Many family members and friends initially avoided me, fearing the risk of exposure. This isolation was difficult, but it gave me time to reflect on my career and life choices.
Through this experience, I learned two vital lessons. First, no job is truly safe. The pandemic had upended my ‘stable’ position overnight. Second, and perhaps more importantly, I realized that taking risks – like starting my own practice – wasn’t as daunting as it once seemed. The previous warnings from well-meaning family and friends didn’t hold the same merit. Opening my own practice now seemed like a calculated risk worth taking.
This journey from furloughed employee to frontline worker to entrepreneur taught me that sometimes, the greatest opportunities arise from the most unexpected circumstances.
Kelly, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My path to founding Ruther Health + Wellness began at Midwestern University, where I earned my Doctorate of Physical Therapy. For six years, I honed my skills at insurance-based practices, discovering the profound interconnectedness of the human body. This experience laid the groundwork for my future approach to patient care.
In December 2021, armed with years of experience and a fresh outlook, I took a bold step. I opened Ruther Health + Wellness, an out-of-network practice specializing in orthopedics and pelvic floor therapy. This venture allowed me to fully implement my holistic approach to patient care, free from the constraints of insurance companies. In just a few years, my team and I have treated thousands of clients, helping them achieve optimal health and wellness. But our impact extends far beyond the walls of our practice.
Recognizing the power of education in healthcare, I’ve leveraged social media and online courses to share valuable content about physical therapy, orthopedics, and pelvic health. Our engaging and informative posts have reached millions, democratizing access to crucial health information.
Education is a powerful tool in healthcare, and I’m passionate about making that information accessible to everyone.
From my early days as a physical therapy student to my current role as a practice owner and online educator, my journey exemplifies the power of adaptability, continuous learning, and a holistic approach to health. I hope my story inspires healthcare professionals and patients alike, showcasing how challenges can become catalysts for positive change in both personal career paths and the broader landscape of patient care.
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 the same profession and specialty. I truly believe God led me every step of the way and wouldn’t change anything. Every challenge, setback, or accomplishment happened exactly how it should have.
My journey in physical therapy, specializing in orthopedics and pelvic floor health, has been more than a career—it’s been a calling. Each experience has shaped me into the practitioner I am today. The challenges taught me resilience, the setbacks led to growth, and the accomplishments have been incredibly rewarding.
This path has allowed me to combine my passion for healing with my desire to educate and empower others. It’s given me the opportunity to make a real difference, both in our clinic and through our online content. I’m grateful for the chance to do meaningful, impactful work every day.
I believe every part of my journey has been essential in bringing me to where I am today, fulfilling my purpose in helping others achieve optimal health and wellness. I’m exactly where I’m meant to be, doing exactly what I’m meant to do.
Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?
The journey of Ruther Health + Wellness has been shaped by three core principles: hard work, curiosity, and critical listening. From my early days at Midwestern University through my current role, these traits have guided our approach to patient care. Hard work ensures we consistently deliver the highest quality of treatment, while curiosity drives us to explore innovative techniques and holistic approaches. Perhaps most importantly, critical listening allows us to truly understand our clients’ needs. We believe that every patient deserves to be heard, and this commitment to attentive care has been fundamental to our practice’s growth. By combining these principles with a focus on education, we’ve been able to extend our impact beyond our clinic, reaching millions through online content. Our success is ultimately a reflection of our patients’ trust and the dedication of our entire team to improving lives through comprehensive, personalized care.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://rutherhealth.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellyrutherpt/
Image Credits
Hannah Ziegler