What is your name?
Aaron Christiansen
What is your role at DPT – Ankeny?
Clinic Director
How long have you been a PT?
27 years
Where are you from?
Early, Iowa
Where did you go to school?
B.S. – Iowa State University, then M.S.P.T. – Des Moines University.
Who or what inspired you to get into the physical therapy space?
I played many sports in high school, then underwent significant rehab that kept me from participating in a few seasons. I identified with my physical therapist as an educator, motivator and critical role player on the health care team and they inspired me to work hard and achieve my goals. It was powerful and I wanted to join that team.
What do you like most about your work at DPT?
I enjoy the collaboration more than anything. We have a lot of resources in our company – those extra steps that help a patient get back to work safely, meet the specific needs of a referral source, help coordinate a return to play decision with our sports medicine team at the 2 high schools we cover in Ankeny, meeting those needs are what drive me to get after it every day.
What is one thing you wish everyone knew about the body or physical therapy?
Physical therapists are educators at our core. A significant part of rehab is empowering patients to better understand their body’s interactions, why it breaks down, and developing long-term strategies to prevent loss of function. We are uniquely positioned in today’s healthcare marketplace in that our services are readily accessible, highly educational and interactive, and provide significant return on investment over time when compared to other medical options.
Are you involved with any outside organizations? If so, what?
My family and I are members of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ankeny. I also enjoy volunteering sports medicine coverage at various Ankeny youth organizations and Ankeny Community School District sporting events.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I root for my children at their sporting events year-round. I enjoy as much time in the outdoors as possible, sporting events, hiking, hunting, vacations in national parks and beaches!
What is your favorite quote or saying?
“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” –Maya Angelou
Favorite Sports Team?
Pittsburgh Steelers
Iowa State Cyclones
Beach or mountains?
A week in the mountains, a day at the beach.
Go out or stay in?
Stay in.
