Henderson finds physical therapy niche

Physical therapist Erin Henderson believes she has found her true niche right here in Brookings, practicing her healing arts at Southwest Physical Therapy and John Breuer Rehab.

Even in high school, Henderson was drawn toward helping and healing, teaching special needs children for two years and and shadowing a physical therapist during her sophomore year spring break.

She earned a degree in human physiology at University of Oregon, graduating with honors. She moved on to Regis University’s Doctorate of Physical Therapy in Denver, and was ready for real life healing when she graduated in 2009.

She shares her attraction to the medical field with, her husband Jay, whom she met when she was 14 years old. At that time she lived in Medford and he was from Roseburg, but they met in Mexico.

“We met in Mexico building houses,” she explained. “My group was ahead and his group was behind. At 14 we became friends and stayed friends.

“We started dating when I was a freshman in college.”

Actually, it was Jay who brought the couple, who were married in June, to Curry County.

“He graduated before I did, started looking for work and found a position with Curry County Home Health and Hospice in July.”

Erin started her physical therapy career in September, and she said she’s really happy with her new position. “It’s been a really good fit,” she said. “I like the one-on-one setting and making friends in the health care field.”

Erin said she is interested in continuing her studies to include a specialty in women’s health physical therapy, particularly with regard to pelvic floor pain and dysfunction, and pregnancy related conditions.

The Hendersons also like living on the coast. “We enjoy this community, and look forward to raising a family here in the future,” she said.

However, right now she’s enthusiastic about meeting and treating new therapy patients and making more friends in Brookings-Harbor.

Southwest Physical Therapy is located at 565 Fifth St., and the telephone number is 541-469-1062.