Tanya Tracy, MPT
Physical therapy has been one of my passions since graduating from University of Missouri-Columbia in 2003. My natural curiosity and love of learning new things allows me to continually grow from my strong base of orthopedic physical therapy and athletic training courses. I enjoy seeking out information when things present outside the box.
My career truly began at the Naval Medical Center in San Diego working in outpatient orthopedics as one of only two civilian PT contractors. I also provided patient care in the breast health clinic.
I sought out learning as many treatment techniques as possible from the many PTs around me. I attended many continuing education courses, guided by my own interests and my patients. Those courses included multiple courses on running injury/form assessment and rehabilitation, a Back To Golf course, multiple manual therapy courses, foot/ankle rehabilitation, and advanced shoulder rehabilitation courses.
In 2007, I became head physical therapist of the outpatient clinic at Marine Corp Air Station Miramar. I treated active duty military personnel alongside a chiropractor (who happened to be a former cycling coach for USC), and cycled with active duty Marines on my lunch hour. I also began racing in triathlons. My love of body mechanics led me to learn proper bike fit, swimming and cycling technique, and cycling injury rehabilitation.
My path turned towards Pilates in 2009, working in a practice that was a combined physical therapy clinic and Pilates studio. It was unique in that only physical therapists (no aides or technicians) worked with patients, and appointments were an hour long, instead of the standard every 30 minutes overlapping patients. It was clear that adequate treatment time and one-on-one care was integral to successful therapy outcomes.
By 2010, I completed my comprehensive training in Pilates by Balanced Body University. Seeing the value of Pilates in rehab, I integrated it into my physical therapy practice from that point on. I also taught private Pilates sessions and a group seniors’ class.
Next stop was Connecticut for two and a half years where I brought Pilates to the two clinics I worked. Eventually, my own pregnancy led me to women’s health, specifically prenatal and postpartum rehabilitation and Pilates. I learned prenatal and postpartum Pilates, prenatal yoga as rehab, and prenatal and postpartum conditions.
The path finally led to Asheville in 2015. Following my own interests and life phase, I learned pelvic floor physical therapy; a missing piece to some of my orthopedic patients’ problems, I feel. My love of running and mountain biking has deepened living in Western NC, and I happily geek out on running and biking mechanics.
I love living in the mountains with my husband, 2 kids, 3 cats, and 7 chickens! Asheville is my happy home for running (road and trail), biking (mostly mountain biking), climbing, swimming, and soon stand up paddleboarding. I also enjoy knitting, sewing, reading, and have a serious gardening problem.
I’m happy to bring physical therapy with Pilates to Asheville. Thank you for taking the time to learn about me. I hope to get to learn about you!
The best PT around! Tanya helped me get back in shape after my bike accident and I feel better than ever!”
-Arianna G