Trigger Warning: this episode contains discussion of eating disorders.
Dr. Theresa Larson (Dr. T) is the president of Movement RX, host of the “My New Normal” podcast, author of the book “Warrior: True Strength isn’t always what it looks like,” former Marine Corps Engineer Officer and combat veteran, physical therapist, Mobility WOD Speaker and a former All- American division-one softball player.
This conversation focuses a lot on transitions and finding your new normal after changing careers, having a big life change, or having a traumatic injury.
Dr. T went from playing softball straight into the Marine Corp, so her transition was one of elite physical activity to another form of high performing activity, but with much higher stakes. But the transition out of the Marine Corp wasn’t as easy.
During that transition, she felt like she lost her identity. Her whole life had been so wrapped up in physical performance, structure, and teamwork so the transition out of that was extremely difficult.
When Dr. T got out of the Marines, she was offered a position playing softball overseas in Italy. During that time, she actually broke her big toe and was sent to see a sports medicine doctor to help the healing process. In addition to the language barrier, Dr. T felt there was a level of disconnect between the doctors understanding of the injury and the path to actively healing.
Back then she didn’t know enough to develop her own program, but she knew what she was being taught and prescribed wasn’t right. And that she wanted to bridge the gap between strength and conditioning and medicine.
So, Dr. T decided to go back to school and design her own future.
This is an amazing episode and if you’ve ever considered a career change, or are struggling with finding a new normal, I’d highly encourage you to listen!
In this episode we’re talking about:
- What it was like for Theresa to participate in ROTC and Division 1 Softball while attending Villanova.
- Why the transition from the Marines to Civilian life was tough
- T’s unique approach to Physical Therapy
- How Dr. T was able to overcome disordered eating
- Why being a warrior means taking ownership of your health