Meet Dr. Emily Thoes, PT, DPT | Physical Therapist & Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Emily Thoes, PT, DPT and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Emily, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I never imagined I’d become a small business owner. For the first eight years of my career as a physical therapist, I worked in traditional outpatient clinics, following the rules dictated by insurance. Over time, three things became undeniably clear:

1. Active patients weren’t being fully supported. Most clinics lack the equipment needed—typically maxing out at 20 lb dumbbells—making it difficult to truly prepare athletes to return to sport or high-level activity.

2. Women with pelvic floor dysfunction were underserved. Traditional pelvic floor care often happens solely on a treatment table. These women also need guidance on how to safely return to exercise and daily activities, like lifting growing babies, without experiencing pelvic symptoms.

3. Insurance and the standard PT model set limitations. Low reimbursements mean physical therapists often have to juggle multiple patients at once. This compromises the quality of care and the outcomes patients deserve.

That’s why I founded Training Health Physical Therapy—to do things differently.

I practice out of Diesel Fitness in Uptown, where I have access to a full gym setup to deliver sport-specific, high-performance rehab. Whether you’re an athlete working toward peak performance or a new mom navigating pelvic floor issues, I focus on restoring strength, movement, and real-world function.

For my pelvic floor patients, I also offer in-home sessions at the start of care. This allows us to address the foundational work of pelvic floor and core activation before progressing to more advanced training in the gym.

As an out-of-network provider, I can give each patient my full attention during one-on-one, hour-long sessions—free from insurance constraints. No rushed appointments or one-size-fits-all protocols—just individualized, thoughtful care that empowers you to move better, feel stronger, and live with confidence.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Starting my own practice wasn’t scary—but building it has been. I call it the “messy middle”—the space where I’ve had to get used to being uncomfortable as I build something meaningful. While I consider myself an expert physical therapist, I’m learning every week about the things they don’t teach in PT school: marketing, branding, networking, and sales. It’s humbling, challenging, and ultimately empowering.

Over time, I’m building a strong, connected network of patients and providers across the Dallas area. I’m learning how to share my message and my vision—not just treat patients, but reach the people who truly need a different kind of care.

What I want the world to know is that physical therapy is more than just recovering from a sprained ankle or surgery. Truly great PT goes beyond basic rehab. It should include performance training, strength work, education on sleep and nutrition, and a clear path back to the things you love doing. That’s the foundation of Training Health Physical Therapy: evidence-based care in a real gym setting, combining clinical expertise with athletic performance. Pelvic floor therapy is an essential part of this approach—restoring strength, control, and confidence from the inside out. Whether you’re a runner, a lifter, or a new mom navigating pelvic floor symptoms, my goal is to help you move better, feel stronger, and return with confidence—not just to daily life, but to the things that make you feel like you again.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was visiting, we’d start with Ojeda’s on Maple for the best Tex-Mex in the city—you really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, and their skinny margaritas are top-tier. Over the course of the week, we’d make our way through all the different Dallas neighborhoods. I love grabbing tacos at Cuates in Oak Lawn, catching a game at Harwood Tavern downtown, and spending time on Lower Greenville to shop, eat, and explore the local spots. I’m always down for a beer and some food at The Old Monk, and to wrap up the weekend, brunch at Encina in Bishop Arts is a must.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’m incredibly grateful for the support I’ve received from my friends and family as I’ve started my own practice. Their encouragement and willingness to listen—especially during the tough moments—have meant everything.

A special shoutout to my boyfriend, Chris, who has been one of my biggest supporters. He’s cheered me on every step of the way, but also knows when to give me a nudge forward when I’m feeling stuck or frustrated. I truly couldn’t do this without the people in my corner.

Website: www. traininghealthpt.com

Instagram: @traininghealthpt