Tasha Stevens, DPT
Manager, Sports Medicine and Rehab Services
SSM Health – St. Mary’s Jefferson City
A Day in My Life at St. Mary’s
Today, I’m both a physical therapist and the manager of St. Mary’s Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Department. My days are busy — but in the best way.
I see patients one-on-one for 45-minute sessions, where I assess injuries, identify impairments like weakness or limited range of motion, and develop personalized treatment plans. These sessions might include guided exercises, posture and movement training, education, hands-on manual therapy, and home programs to support continued progress.
As a clinic manager, I also keep a close eye on financials, workflow efficiency and — most importantly — team morale. I work hard to make sure both our staff and our patients feel supported and valued.
What I Love Most About My Job
What I truly love is the opportunity to connect with people on a personal level. Every patient brings a unique story, and I get to walk alongside them on their path to recovery. It’s incredibly rewarding to help someone return to work, sport, or daily life with more strength, less pain, and renewed confidence.
One of my specialties is manual therapy, where I use hands-on techniques to relieve pain, restore alignment and encourage muscle activation. I’ve seen firsthand how much of a difference this approach can make. It’s one of the most effective tools I have.
The Challenges (And How I’ve Grown Through Them)
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced in my career is navigating the changes in insurance coverage and reimbursement for therapy services. When I started in 2014, the process was much simpler. Now, we often have to jump through multiple hoops just to get a few sessions approved.
To meet this challenge, my team and I have focused on being extremely diligent with our documentation, educating ourselves on insurance requirements, and creating streamlined systems so we can spend more time with patients and less time battling red tape.
Let’s Bust a Common Myth About PT
People love to joke that PT stands for “pain and torture.” I hear it all the time — and honestly, I get it. Physical therapy can be challenging, especially in the early stages of recovery.
But our actual goal is to reduce pain and improve function, not inflict pain. I always tell my patients: we don’t believe in “no pain, no gain.” We believe in smart, progressive care that helps you heal.
Looking Ahead: A Brighter Future for Physical Therapy
I’m excited for what’s ahead in this field. More and more research is proving the value of physical therapy for everything from post-op recovery to chronic pain management and neurological conditions.
Since Missouri passed direct access for PT, meaning patients can see us without a doctor’s referral, I’ve already seen a surge in people taking charge of their health and coming in early — before things get worse. That’s a trend I hope continues.
For Anyone Considering a Career in Health Care
If you’re thinking about a career in health care, know that it comes with both incredible rewards and some emotional challenges. You might help someone walk again, ease years of chronic pain, or restore independence after surgery — but you’ll also face hard days and tough outcomes.
Still, the wins outweigh the losses. You’ll grow, you’ll learn and you’ll make a real difference in people’s lives. My best advice? Be open to change and lifelong learning. The field is always evolving, and you can never have too much knowledge.
