At Renew Physical Therapy, our team is made up of passionate clinicians who bring unique skills and experiences to patient care. In this A Day in the Life feature, we highlight Caitlin Cooney, a physical therapist at the Renton clinic, as she shares insight into her daily routine, passion for bike fitting, and what keeps her motivated.
Caitlin joined Renew Physical Therapy in early 2024 after moving to the Renton area. Along with treating patients, she mentors physical therapy students as a part-time clinical instructor, embodying the team’s commitment to developing future leaders. Her day begins with a quick stop at the office to settle in. She checks her computer, chats with coworkers and students, and sips on green tea while preparing for the day ahead—thinking about patient goals or what a student might want to focus on.
Throughout the day, Caitlin balances patient care with documentation. As an instructor, she also discusses treatment concepts, provides feedback, and explores different approaches with students. She typically starts her mornings with overnight oats and grabs a coffee whenever she gets a break.
A long-time cyclist, Caitlin developed a passion for bike fitting during physical therapy school. Cycling became her way to relieve stress and explore new places, eventually sparking her curiosity about bike mechanics. Many cyclists experience discomfort, such as neck, back, wrist, or knee pain, often caused by bike setup, strength, mobility, or endurance issues. Caitlin enjoys assessing these factors and making adjustments to help riders feel more comfortable and perform better.
Before joining the Renton clinic, Caitlin worked in home health as a traveling physical therapist. That experience allowed her to work in different settings without long-term commitments. Home health, she explains, is different from clinic-based physical therapy, focusing more on general strength, mobility, and balance—often with older adults.
Adapting to different home environments was a challenge she enjoyed, as well as the opportunity to connect with patients on a personal level. Being welcomed into a patient’s home created a unique dynamic, allowing her to interact with families and see glimpses of their lives in a way that clinic-based care doesn’t always offer.
Outside of work, Caitlin enjoys weightlifting, walking, biking, and hiking. She also practices meditation, journals, listens to calming music, and burns incense to relax. Baking, cleaning, playing with her dog, and spending time with her partner and friends bring her joy.
What Caitlin appreciates most about her job is the trust and respect among her coworkers. She values the supportive, calm atmosphere of the clinic and the relationships she builds with her patients. Each day brings the opportunity to connect with new people and help them feel better.
Caitlin’s dedication to her patients and passion for movement shine through in her work. Whether she’s helping an athlete build strength or ensuring a cyclist rides pain-free, she brings thoughtfulness and expertise to every session.
