Shilpa Vivek Nayak, PT, DPT

Growing up in Mumbai, India, the path to becoming a physical therapist was a clear calling for me, a decision I wholeheartedly embraced. My Bachelor's degree in Physical Therapy, completed in 2012, laid the foundation for a fulfilling career that I cannot imagine trading for any other field. My initial years involved valuable experiences working in diverse outpatient clinics and providing home health care in Mumbai. During this time, I actively sought opportunities for professional development, earning certifications and completing courses in areas like Kinesio Taping and McKenzie. Driven by a desire for further growth within the PT field, I pursued and completed my Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Loma Linda University in 2018.

Since then, I have dedicated over six years to working in a skilled nursing home, where I have had the privilege of treating patients with a wide array of conditions, always keeping the ultimate goal of improving their quality of life at the forefront of my practice. Witnessing the tangible improvements my patients achieve through targeted exercises and movements remains my greatest professional drive. I fondly recall my time working in a spine clinic in India, where the functional gains my patients experienced were incredibly rewarding. Even today, hearing from former patients about their accomplishments, whether it's completing a marathon, tackling a challenging hike, or managing their desk job pain-free, fills me with immense satisfaction. My inherent curiosity and desire to expand my knowledge led me to attend a pelvic health course, which sparked a deep interest in this specialized area. I was fascinated by the profound impact I could have as a PT in this field and feel fortunate to have found a supportive environment where women can feel safe to talk, connect, and heal.

Outside of my professional life, I enjoy dancing, listening to music, finding solace and knowledge in audiobooks, spending time playing with my dog, organizing, creating DIY home décor, and exploring new places and food with my husband.