Laura Nelson

I was born and raised in a little city south of Milwaukee that no one has heard of ... Chicago. I moved to Milwaukee to attend Marquette University, where I completed my Bachelors of Science in exercise physiology with a minor in psychology in 2010, followed by my Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 2012. 

I began my career as a PT at a local hospital system in the ICU setting, and later transitioned to inpatient rehab and acute oncology. I developed a passion for neurologic and oncologic rehab. I loved helping people improve their movement quality, balance, strength, and confidence – while reducing dizziness and pain.

In my role, I strived to find ways to make movement feel safe and comfortable, even for the most medically frail people. I approached each person with deep caring and dedication to helping them reach their goals in a way that felt right for them. Being in the hospital is not easy for patients. It was important for me to make space for my patients’ emotional and spiritual wellness, as I’m a firm believer that our physical health is deeply connected to our emotional and spiritual well-being. My mentality, and what I would often say to patients, is that under different circumstances I could be the one in the hospital bed and you could be the one in scrubs standing before me. This mindset helps me to stay curious and motivated, seek out new learning, and think outside the box. 

Through this work, I came to recognize that most, if not all, of my patients were previously dealing with orthopedic injuries, aches, and pains before their hospitalization. Those things didn’t just disappear when they had a stroke or were diagnosed with cancer. If anything, the stress of their new diagnosis and the inherent discomfort of being hospitalized only heightened their pain experience. I began pursuing continuing education through the Institute of Physical Art (IPA) to enhance my manual therapy skills in order to help people move better with less pain. I saw the benefits immediately.

As a lifelong athlete and competitive ultimate frisbee player who has experienced her fair share of sports injuries, I sought out an IPA-trained PT for my own rehab. By some power beyond luck, I was introduced to Jes Davies (who now practices at the Wauwatosa West Body Renovation clinic). Jes introduced me to a whole new world of PT. As Jes’ patient, I experienced dry needling for the first time, as well as pelvic floor PT. I was inspired by her treatment approach and began my training in these areas. To find an entire clinic dedicated to these fundamentals is truly an amazing, and unique, resource.

In 2022, I transitioned to the home care setting, providing PT services and case management to people in their own homes. I supported patients with lifestyle modification, healthy food choices, exercise, sleep hygiene, and stress management to help them meet their goals. Utilizing my training in therapeutic neuroscience education through Evidence in Motion, I also worked with patients suffering from chronic pain conditions who struggled to leave their home due to pain. 

I am so excited to begin this new chapter of my practice with Body Renovation. I believe in the body’s ability to heal and in the agency we have to make positive changes in our lives. I look forward to being a caring, positive, sometimes goofy, guide to support your healing. 

See Me For: Orthopedic injuries, chronic pain, sports-specific training, vestibular/vertigo, balance, post-stroke, cancer rehabilitation, concussion, dry needling, kinesiotaping

Why I chose to become a PT: In high school, I volunteered and later worked for an adaptive sports camp for kids with physical disabilities, Caring for Kids, through the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. While I had always played sports and had seen a PT once or twice as a young athlete, it was working at this camp, meeting these amazing kids and learning creative adaptations to make sports accessible to all people that sparked my interest in becoming a movement professional.

Worst injury I ever suffered: 3 way tie between rotator cuff tear, lumbar disc herniation and concussion

Craziest injury I have treated: I don’t have one example in particular that stands out. Working in a hospital setting, I helped people rehab from spinal cord injury, stroke, amputation, brain injury, organ transplant, brain tumors ... you name it. I’ve seen people at their sickest and I’ve had the privilege of being part of the team that helped these same people heal and return to life. 

My favorite food to cook/bake: Homemade ramen or anything with vegetables

If I could visit anywhere in the world: Anywhere. I love seeing the world, exploring the outdoors, trying new foods, and experiencing other cultures. 

When I’m not at work, I am: Making pottery, growing veggies in my garden, riding my bike, hiking, rock climbing, being outdoors in any capacity, open water swimming, learning about fermented foods and herbalism, playing with my kitten Bucatini, playing DND, being grateful for all the good things in my life.

Bucket list confession: I grew up on the same block as my grandparents, 3 sets of aunt/uncles/cousins, and my mom’s cousin and his family. I had the privilege of living so close to my family and having lots of friends my age on the block. In my dream world, I would live more communally with friends and family. There would definitely be chickens involved too. 

Best advice I’ve ever received: Our thoughts are our reality.