Hi, BLS Family! I am so thrilled to be here launching our new blog series.
As we celebrate Physical Therapy Month this October, it feels only fitting to introduce myself to those who don’t know me yet and to share the story of how I became a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT). My name is Dr. Brittany Nardone, and I’m passionate about working with children, and helping them achieve their potential through physical therapy. My journey into the profession wasn’t a straight path, but I couldn’t be more grateful for where it’s led me.
It all started when I was 16 and deeply involved in sports—volleyball, to be specific. One day, during a game, I tore multiple ligaments in my ankle, which meant I had to spend a significant amount of time in physical therapy. At the time, I remember thinking, “this seems like a fun job.” I imagined myself chatting with people all day, helping them recover, and most importantly, doing something that didn’t feel like work. It sounded like a win-win!
Back then, my heart was set on working with athletes like me. I knew that physical therapy would be a way to stay connected to the sports world, and I envisioned a future where I’d be helping fellow athletes get back to the court or field. But to apply for physical therapy school, we had to complete observation hours in a variety of settings. One of these settings was hospital-based physical therapy, and luckily, I had a connection at Valley Hospital in New Jersey where I was able to observe pediatric therapy.
To be completely honest, I wasn’t too keen on working with kids. My mind was still focused on sports and athletes, and I had some doubts about how much I’d enjoy working with children. Despite my hesitation, I went in with an open mind, ready to see what pediatric therapy was all about. Little did I know that experience would change the course of my career.
Over the next month, I observed pediatric physical therapists working with a range of children—both neurotypical and neurodivergent. What struck me most was that these therapists weren’t just helping kids recover from injuries or build strength like I thought PT was all about. They were giving these children the tools and confidence they needed to engage in activities they once found difficult. Watching the therapists work, I saw kids learning how to walk, play, and participate in everyday life with newfound ease. It wasn’t just about their physical development; it was about improving their overall quality of life.
In that short time, I realized the incredible impact that pediatric physical therapy can have. These therapists were helping children be children—whether that meant learning to run for the first time or being able to keep up with their peers on the playground. I began to see that physical therapy wasn’t just about muscles and joints; it was about giving kids the freedom to enjoy their childhood to the fullest.
This is when my focus shifted. I no longer wanted to work exclusively with athletes. I wanted to dedicate my career to helping children overcome physical challenges and grow into confident, capable individuals. I saw firsthand how pediatric physical therapy could change the trajectory of a child’s life, and I knew that was the kind of impact I wanted to make.
Now, as a Doctor of Physical Therapy, I specialize in pediatric care. I’ve never looked back on my decision to shift from sports to pediatrics. There’s something truly special about working with children. They are resilient, full of potential, and every day brings new challenges and rewards. My goal is to help these kids not only meet their motor milestones but also gain the confidence to participate fully in life’s activities.
Today, I am fortunate to work with children both in traditional therapy settings and through aquatic therapy, which I’m incredibly passionate about. Aquatic therapy offers a unique environment where kids can move more freely and often experience breakthroughs they wouldn’t on land. It’s a fantastic tool for helping kids with a variety of physical and sensory challenges.
Beyond individual therapy, I also lead group classes focused on motor skills and sensory integration. These classes are designed to be inclusive spaces where children can practice and refine the skills they need for everyday life, all while building confidence and friendships. Whether it’s one-on-one therapy or a group setting, my goal is always the same: to help as many children as possible reach their full potential.
Physical therapy is more than just my career—it’s my passion. I wake up every day excited to make a difference in the lives of the children I work with. There’s something magical about watching a child achieve a goal they’ve worked so hard for and knowing that you played a part in that journey.
As we celebrate Physical Therapy Month, I want to say thank you for following along with my journey. I look forward to continuing to help children not only in my local community here in New Jersey but also through my virtual presence on Instagram, where I share tips and resources with families all over. My mission is simple: to help as many children as possible be kids, improve their quality of life, and enjoy all that childhood has to offer.
Happy PT Month, and I can’t wait to connect with more of you in the future!
Until next time,
Dr. Brittany Nardone, DPT
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