Get To Know Your PT: Marylyn Presutti, PT, DPT, OCS, MTC

Therapydia DC physical therapist Marylyn Presutti, PT, DPT, OCS, MTC takes some time to share a bit about herself, what first got her interested in physical therapy as a profession, her favorite Saturday routine and her plans for future education.

Find an activity that you really enjoy doing and you will never dread doing it.

When did you know that you wanted to be a physical therapist?

I grew up knowing that I wanted to do something with sports (I thought I was going to be the orthopedic surgeon for the Chicago Cubs), but when I was a senior in high school I fractured my L5 vertebrae (a spondylolisthesis). I was sent to physical therapy in an attempt to avoid surgery. The entire experience made me realize how effective exercise as medicine is, and it shifted my focus to physical therapy as a career.

What’s your favorite song to get you motivated?

‘Don’t Stop Me Now’ by Queen. It can amp me up to do just about anything.

What is the biggest challenge involved in being a PT?

The non-patient care tasks. A lot of times the stress of paperwork and insurance concerns and visit limits can become exhausting to deal with. Often times this leads to a lot of additional work, and it can be a real bummer

How do you like to stay active?

I enjoy everything from going on walks with my dog to boxing to pilates and everything in between. I recently found out that you get an amazing workout from doing demolition and renovations to your house (hello new bathroom).

What surprised you the most about the physical therapist profession?

I am always surprised by how few people know that physical therapy is a treatment option and that we are highly trained healthcare care providers.

Are you currently pursuing any further education/certifications?

Not currently, but earlier in 2019 I passed the boards to become an Orthopedic Certified Specialist. I hope that my next challenge will either be a pilates certification or concussion management

What’s your go-to breakfast?

Coffee and a granola bar or overnight oats

What do you wish everyone knew about physical therapy?

I wish more people knew that physical therapists can see patients through Direct Access, meaning they do not need to see a physician before coming to physical therapy. We can serve as a first point of contact for your aches and pains, and we are trained in differential diagnosis, so if we see something that does not appear musculoskeletal in nature, we can refer to another provider as needed.

What is the most important personality trait that a therapist must have?

I think physical therapists need to be curious people. We have to ask a lot of questions and do a lot of critical thinking to assist patients, and there is a high level of curiosity that has to occur to obtain a solution.

What do you do to de-stress/unwind?

Getting outside, going to the gym, or, more recently, trying to learn how to cross stitch.

Finish this sentence: On Saturday mornings, you can usually find me…

Walking with my husband and dog to a coffee shop. We have this tradition of getting ‘fancy coffee’ once a week, and our Saturday morning routine is one of my favorite things.

What is your favorite piece of wellness advice to offer?

Exercise should not feel like a punishment, so if find an activity that you really enjoy doing, you will never dread doing it.

Learn more about Marylyn and the other Therapydia DC physical therapists.