At Renew Physical Therapy in Seattle’s Hillman City neighborhood, the days are bustling with activity and filled with the rewarding work of helping patients on their journeys to recovery. Today, we dive into a day in the life of Marissa (Missy) Garvin, a devoted physical therapist at Renew Physical Therapy.
Since joining Renew Physical Therapy, Missy has achieved a certification in orthopedic manual therapy (COMT) and a certification in dry needling (Cert. DN). She also completed the APTA Pelvic Health Level 1-3 training courses and will be completing the final report for her Certificate of Achievement in Pelvic Health Physical Therapy (CAPP-Pelvic) in the fall. These highly skilled designations allow Missy to improve her quality of care and keep her up to date on the latest techniques, research, and education. Her expertise spans from treating bladder and bowel dysfunction to assisting individuals recovering from orthopedic surgeries and addressing vertigo and balance issues.
Missy’s day typically starts mid-morning and extends into the evening, with a diverse patient load split between orthopedic, pelvic health, and balance/dizziness cases. She often enjoys a cup of tea while she prepares her treatment rooms and organizes patient charts to ensure a smooth day ahead. While documentation and coordinating with outside providers can be challenging, the joy of seeing patients regain their mobility and quality of life makes it all worthwhile.
Recently, Missy mentored a physical therapy student, an experience that deepened her appreciation for teaching and learning. Articulating her clinical reasoning and staying updated with evidence-based practices shared by her student enriched her own practice. Balancing guidance with allowing the student room to grow was a fulfilling challenge.
Outside of work, Missy enjoys reading cozy murder mystery novels, pub trivia, and solving puzzles during Seattle’s rainy days. When the weather is nice, she loves hiking, camping, and foraging for mushrooms with her partner Cameron and their dog Charlie. Additionally, she enjoys scuba diving in tropical locations whenever she gets the chance.
Through dedication, expertise, and a genuine love for helping others, Missy Garvin exemplifies the spirit of Renew Physical Therapy, making a positive impact on her patients’ lives every day.
