Today we’d like to introduce you to Neil Toussaint.
Hi Neil, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I always knew I wanted to be in the medical field, but it wasn’t until my second year of high school that I started to narrow down exactly what I wanted to do. At that time, I had found out about an acrobatic art called ‘tricking’ while browsing the internet. Tricking uses skills from disciplines such as gymnastics, martial arts and dance to create a unique blend of acrobatic movement. For those having a hard time visualizing, it looks like something straight out of Street Fighter.
I stumbled upon tricking at a time when I was looking for something more fun and active to do. I became obsessed. I spent day and night learning tricking moves using online tutorials, makeshift mats and “spotters” – my high school friends that were just as clueless as I was. I had absolutely no background in sports, let alone acrobatics or martial arts. I joke that my movement background prior to tricking was “cocoa pebbles and video games”.
Long story short, we ended up learning some pretty cool moves but got some injuries along the way. I figured that the same way I learned how to trick, I could learn how to feel better, move better and become a better athlete. Given my interest in medicine, I started researching information on athletic performance and recovery. It didn’t take long to discover that I was very interested in physical therapy – first as a concept and eventually as a career path. Through my research, I became better able to help myself and those around me with aches and pains from sports and daily life.
I eventually learned about performing arts physical therapy, an area I wanted to specialize in before I even got into college. Mainstream sports like basketball, football and soccer often have access to coaches, nutritionists, trainers and medical staff. I felt that the performing arts community was underserved – especially tricking athletes. I wanted to help those like me who historically have had minimal care and guidance to optimize their movement and their health.
From personal experience, I knew it sucked being out of the game with no answers. I made it my goal to help others get back to doing what they love. I eventually graduated with my Bachelor’s in Athletic Training and Doctorate in Physical Therapy and began treating clients in the performing arts industry. I felt that my unique perspective as a healthcare practitioner, artist and athlete allowed me to relate to my clients on a deep level. This inspired me to create TrickStrong, with the goal of helping athletes and artists perform without limitations. Between our online and in-person offerings, it keeps me occupied!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I wouldn’t say that the road was smooth, but it was definitely natural. Each step forward came as a natural progression to the step before it. ‘Simple, but not easy’ is how I would put it. We often know what we need to do to reach the next level of our journey. The difficulty comes in fighting our own resistance to that next step. Whenever possible, I try to limit the time of ‘inaction’ – the pause between knowing something needs to be done and actually getting it done.
Resistance can come in the form of fear, self-doubt, others doubting you, laziness, lack of knowledge – the list is endless! I had a lot of resistance to going ‘all in’ with my business. The best cure I have found for resistance is committing to daily action. If I take a step forward today, I will be closer to my goal tomorrow. Taking things one step at a time helped me figure out how to create and design my physical therapy clinic, purchase equipment, build a clientele, create a WordPress website, develop our online strength and conditioning app and more.
We’ve been impressed with TrickStrong, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
TrickStrong helps athletes and artists perform without limitations. We offer physical therapy, athletic training, exercise programming, health and wellness solutions both in-person and online. We also have a mobile fitness app called TrickStrong RX. RX offers functional, movement-based programs to help boost athletic performance and recovery. We help our members get out of pain and back to what they love to do, educating and empowering them with tools to prevent injury and improve performance. Some of the content available to members includes full training programs, at-home workouts, workshops, exercise tutorials, podcast interviews, newsletters, Live Q&As and a community forum.
As for my in-person services, I am located in Midtown right off of the beltline! About 90% of my clientele consists of stunt performers, actors, tricking athletes, parkour athletes, dancers, gymnasts, cirque performers and martial artists.
A typical session begins with an interview and exam related to the client’s issues. Based off of our history, exam findings and goals, we came up with a plan that includes exercise programming, hands-on care and wellness recommendations. I often use a combination of dry needling, cupping, scraping and other manual techniques to improve a client’s pain and movement quality. Based on the client’s issue, I may recommend postural or lifestyle changes to reduce stress on their problem area and create an optimal healing environment. I find that this combined approach gets the best results for my clients.
Identifying what I can control and what I can’t has been very important in achieving my personal goals, as well as building the brand. I can’t control how a client feels when they walk into my office, but I can play an important role in helping them through their difficult situation. Identifying my role and staying centered in it helps me focus on providing the best care and resources for my community.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
The physical act of writing goals and putting them in a place you can see is a major catalyst for change. Write your goals as if you have already accomplished them, and set a time frame. By shifting your focus to showing up for your goals rather than the ‘chore’ of showing up, you’d be surprised by what you can accomplish.
Pricing:
- You can book an appointment with me at www.drneilpt.com
- You can try my app free for 7 days! Learn more at www.trickstrongrx.app
Contact Info:
- Website: Trickstrong.com
- Email: info@trickstrong.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/trickstrong
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TrickStrong
Image Credits
Zac Brannen (@zb.flips), Jessica Williams (@jess_vs_dworld)
