Today we’d like to introduce you to Jaime Huestis

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?

I first started my path in Sports Medicine as an undergrad in an internship program at Adams State University in Alamosa, Colorado. I was exposed to the world of action sports during this time, began working as an intern, and then as a part of the medical staff for the ESPN X Games. Through the X Games, I have had many opportunities (international and nationally) and still work events present day . Eventually, I landed at Montana State University in Bozeman, MT where I completed my masters of science degree and stayed in the Bobcat Sport Medicine department for a decade working with division I athletes.

I then started a family, put my career on hold, and dedicated my time to my children at home. When both my children were in school, I knew I wanted to return to my love of sports medicine and injury evaluation and treatment, but wasn’t entirely sure who would hire me from 9am-3pm with summers off so I could remain a support to my children how I wanted. I had a friend speak the words “why don’t you just do your own thing?” and that quite literally changed the course of my life.

Out of that suggestion, True North Athletic Therapy was born. I turned to more holistic approaches of injury treatment, and through research and furthering my education, I developed my own spin on a systems based approach to evaluating and treating injury. After working in the more traditional avenues of western medicine sports medicine practices, I felt free to support how my brain works and develop my own unique skills in private practice.

I’ve been so grateful for all my experiences in sports medicine, however True North Athletic Therapy has been my favorite and where I’ve flourished. It has allowed me flexibility with both my time and my continued pursuit of learning.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?

Definitely not. Starting a private practice was a huge learning curve for me. I do not have a business background, and found out very quickly much of the gig wasn’t simply being a practitioner. I’ve enjoyed learning the other sides of the job outside of being a practitioner, but I most definitely am not naturally good at that aspect of things. There are many things I would have worked at early on to set myself up for better success. The main one finding a business coach from the very beginning. I am blessed to have a talented individual filling this role now, and my only regret is not hiring her sooner.

Along with the business aspect, I had not anticipated backlash from other medical providers. I had an experience with a physical therapist who decided to file a claim against me to my state board over dry needling. That was a process where I learned a great deal, however ended up being a positive thing for my business. Also, I should state the claim was immediately dropped at the hearing, but it did eat up a lot of time and brain space!

The constant evolving changes in business and my practice can be challenging to keep up with, but I surround myself with like minded practitioners and business professionals who help keep me sharp and current. My business has also had a few location moves, which presents challenges as well.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?

My tagline for my business when explaining it to others is that I offer an alternative approach to evaluating and treating injuries. By this I mean I don’t follow the typical western medicine progression of treatment that typically looks like a 15 minute doctor visit, imaging of multiple varieties, medications, injections, and traditional PT for months on end. The common result of this that I see is minimal improvement of issues and lots of money spent and time lost. I prefer to identify the root cause of the problem which can come in the form of many underlying issues ranging from nutrition, mobility restrictions, old injuries, etc.

I am known for the time I take with my clients to help them with their injuries, whether they are acute or chronic. I truly care about the goals my clients have and want them to continue to increase their fitness and performance. I am also an athlete myself, so I believe it helps my clients to feel understood and gives my words credibility when I’m in the trenches with them.

I believe what sets me apart is that I am dedicated to honing skillsets and knowledge that help my clients. I love learning and continuing my education in this always evolving profession.

What’s next?

My practice is located within an incredible gym community, Dialed Fitness Company, in Bozeman Montana. We are growing rapidly, and will be moving to a larger location very soon. Hopefully by the time this is in print! It is a very exciting time for us, and the staff meetings have been so incredible with the ideas and motivation we have to be the best we can be. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working alongside an outstanding gym owner with decades of experience. True North Athletic Therapy has been a wonderful fit within this community, and I believe we are just getting started. I will constantly be seeking personal growth to better help my clients, and am excited to continue that with Dialed Fitness.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.truenorthathletictherapy.com
• Instagram: @truenorthathletictherapy @jmachuestis

Image Credits
Matt Ehnes Photography