Get to Know Your PT: Rob Rogacki, Therapydia DC Physical Therapist

Therapydia DC physical therapist Rob Rogacki takes some time to talk about his always-changing music taste, the importance of being personable and what he wishes everyone knew about PT.

“One of my old mentors always says “motion is lotion.” Find something you enjoy doing and stay active!”

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

I originally wanted to go to business school but thanks to an internship during my freshman year of college, I realized that this field was NOT for me. I started shadowing people in other professions, including my high school soccer coach who was a physical therapist. Seeing the positive impact PTs can have on people in such a meaningful way resonated with me, and the rest is history.

How do you like to stay active?

Even though I live in D.C., I love being a tourist! There’s always a monument or a museum to walk or run to.

What is the biggest challenge involved in being a PT?

Probably everything outside of the actual evaluation and treatment of patients itself, or what I call the “extracurriculars” of working as a PT. From paperwork to scheduling to dealing with insurance, it can all become a distraction if too many things get in the way.

What’s your favorite song to get you motivated?

“Whole Lotta Love” by Led Zeppelin. Ask me again next week though, it will probably change!

What surprised you the most about the physical therapy profession?

Honestly, it was a pleasant surprise to learn just how much information physical therapists can obtain from a simple evaluation. From differentiating between different types of injuries to determining where exactly in your back that nagging pain is coming from, PTs can learn a lot just by listening to your story and watching you move.

Are you currently pursuing any further education/certifications?

I just finished my McKenzie certification and will be getting my dry needling certification soon. I also plan on becoming an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist and am always looking to improve my manual skills through different continuing education courses.

What do you wish everyone know about PT?

I wish more people knew how helpful PTs can be when healthy, not just when a person is injured or in pain. Physical therapists are uniquely trained to assess a person’s overall musculoskeletal function and can often catch injuries or sources of pain before they become a problem.

What’s your go-to breakfast?

I’ll eat anything i can get my hands on during the week but on weekends I like to make a breakfast scramble with eggs, grilled onions, peppers and potatoes.

What is the most important personality trait that PT must have?

A good PT absolutely has to be personable and down to earth. Relating to people and creating good rapport with patients is crucial to the rehab process as it allows patients to relax and be more comfortable with their therapist and their injury.

What do you do to de-stress/unwind?

I’m somewhat of a homebody so hanging out with friends or watching movies would be on my to-do list. Bonus points if there’s food involved.

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

Relaxing at home with a hot cup of coffee. In the summer, it will be iced coffee and somewhere near a pool.

What is your favorite piece of wellness advice?

One of my old mentors always says “motion is lotion.” Find something you enjoy doing and stay active!

Click here to learn more about Rob and the other physical therapists at Therapydia DC.