Ascending to a Higher Perspective: Lessons from India with Heather Felde

Heather Felde is physical therapist, athlete, and world traveler who owns and operates Ascend Physical Therapy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Her unique focus in manual therapy centers on an individualized approach that gets to the root of the problem and has taken her across the world to teach, train, and practice. 

Motivated by the opportunity to gain a new perspective, Heather stepped away from a new and growing practice for 6 months to experience life and practice in the Far East. This leap of faith took her to Delhi, India where she treated patients, taught manual therapy techniques, and explored the rich landscape and culture of Nepal and India. 

From the summit of Mount Everest to the foot of Pikes Peak, Heather has worked tirelessly to provide the Colorado Springs community with opportunity to Ascend to new heights of health and human performance. 

We discuss: 

• Why Heather saw a need for a patient-centered approach to physical therapy in our community 

• How her unique focus led to international opportunity 

• How being overwhelmed in a foreign land led to a mindfulness practice

 • The unique experience of being a minority in a new and unfamiliar culture 

• Tips for optimal sleep and why it is important for tissue repair and overall well-being 

Heather and I also provide a brief “behind the scenes” look into the values, perspectives, and business aspects of going into solo practice. This candid part of the conversation explores the real-world sacrifices and challenges that go into providing high quality care with integrity and a patient-centered approach. 

Heather shares some very insightful perspectives from her time in India that I think you’ll find not only interesting, but thought provoking. 

Resources: • https://www.ascend-physicaltherapy.com/ 

• 719.266.1710 

• [e-mail] 

• https://walkwithadoc.org/our-locations/colorado-springs-colorado-2/?fbclid=IwAR3G0InhdyJYZKZsazhkHfwe-riSbrBaNvRksZiwRpf8cEt0vj2kZkZT4R4 

• https://www.facebook.com/Ascend-Physical-Therapy-364310537094284/