We Are Cortex | Theresa Notestine

If you ever become one of Theresa Notestine’s patients, among the first questions she’s likely to ask is this: What’s important to you?

As the manager of WashU Physical Therapy’s Cortex location, she’s seen plenty of patients facing long odds after suffering from strokes, traumatic brain injuries, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease and a range of related disorders.

“I love my job, and it's a little bit unique, actually,” Notestine said. “We get to be really a part of their journey. So we are a coach and cheerleader, helping to guide them on how to improve their strength, their mobility, and how to get back to doing the things that are most important for them.”

There was the patient involved in a motor vehicle accident with a severe brain injury who was told he’d never walk again — but that was his goal. There was another whose goal was to get back up on ice skates one day. Yet another was told he’d never stand again — and that, again, was his goal.

“When he stood for the first time, I was sobbing in the session,” Notestine said. It was a breakthrough for his personal goal, but it also opened new ways for him to engage with the world — moving to and from the bed or toilet, using a supported bike, getting in and out of a car. “There's just so many things we can use standing for. That became a huge change in his quality of life.”

Since her practice moved into Cortex about three years ago, she’s found that the ever-present vibe of innovation meshes well with how she views her work. “Innovation is at the crux of everything in physical therapy,” she said. “So much of it is looking at this individual in front of us. What is one goal that is so important for them?”

Notestine has even found ways to incorporate Cortex’s ramps, stairways, long hallways and grassy areas as challenges her patients can navigate on their road to recovery. 

“The grass is so beautifully cut, but I always joke with my patients that it was built for us because it's uneven,” she said. “It looks so perfect, and then we get these uneven spots and they have to practice their reactive balance.”

Notestine said being part of Cortex “was an incredible opportunity for us to combine our neurological and musculoskeletal clinical practices. We've made great connections with Move by BJC” — the Cortex-based fitness center. 

The proximity to so many related businesses and practices means patients can easily move back and forth as their needs change. Plus, she’s had the chance to host lunch-and-learn sessions around Cortex to spread educational information to other businesses in the district. “Just have this really great supportive environment — there's great opportunities for connection.”

We Are Cortex celebrates the individuals who power our vibrant district. Join us on Tuesday, October 28, for #WeAreCortex – an inspiring and interactive event highlighting the thinkers, builders, creators, and doers who are shaping the future of St. Louis and beyond. Click here to learn more and RSVP!