What is your name?
Christopher Seidel, but you can call me Chris!
What is your role at ARC Physical Therapy+?
My role at ARC Physical Therapy+ is being a full-time Physical Therapist at our North Kansas City clinic.
Where are you from?
I was born and raised in Great Bend, Kansas. Smack dab in the center of the state.
Where did you go to school?
I went to The University of Kansas in Lawrence where I graduated with my Bachelor of Science in exercise science. I then went to The University of Kansas in Kansas City where I received my Doctorate of Physical Therapy. Rock Chalk!
Who or what inspired you to get into the physical therapy space?
I’ve always enjoyed science and biology growing up. I really enjoy sports so I wanted to get into sports medicine at first. After going through some physical therapy for a broken ankle in high school I thought that this could be a career path for me. I liked getting to know my physical therapist and I become interested in the process of my recovery. After working as a therapy tech in undergrad, I realized that I just enjoyed working with everyday people and doing what I can to help their recovery.
What do you like most about your work in the physical therapy space?
I enjoy the process of getting people better, and I enjoy even more seeing those people get better. I like getting to know the patient along the way, as well as working with other great therapists and admins. It helps when you go to work with great people.
What is one thing you wish everyone knew about the body or physical therapy?
One thing I wish everyone knew about physical therapy is that pain does not always equal gain. I’ve had a lot of patients who say the phrase “no pain no gain”, which more often than not the wrong answer in therapy. It’s good to listen to your body and not push yourself too hard, especially in the beginning phases of rehab. I always tell my patients, “You want to flirt with pain, but don’t take it on a date.”
What do you like to do in your free time? 
In my free time I like to stay active with exercise. I like the outdoors, any vacation I take will most likely be centered around hiking. I also enjoy playing video games, cooking/grilling, binge-watching shows and watching sports.
How do you like to celebrate a win or a good day?
Ice cream at Betty Rae’s and/or a glass of whiskey on the rocks.
What is your favorite quote or saying?
“Be curious, not judgmental.” – Ted Lasso
Favorite Sports Team?
Kansas Jayhawks, Kansas City Chiefs, Royals and Sporting KC
Sweet or salty?
Both!
Coffee or tea?
Coffee
Beach or mountains?
Mountains
Go out or stay in?
Go out at 6 and be back at 10.
What patients/diagnoses are you most excited about treating?
I like treating knee patients more than any other joint, with ankles a close second. They usually are less complex than shoulder patients.
Can you share a patient success story?
I had a patient that had been here for a while, even before I was hired. He had chronic pain after his injury and would perseverate on it constantly during therapy. He also was feeling really down on himself due to his injury as his pain was so severe.
I was able to sit him down and educate him on how pain works and why he was feeling the way he was feeling. I also was able to motivate him to not lose hope in his recovery, as if he were to continue with this mentality of pessimism it would not be of any benefit. After that bit of education and motivation the patient started to show improvements in his mobility as well as his pain, and made significant gains in therapy.
What inspires you?
Seeing my patients get better.
