Elaine Houska recently joined the staff of Tidewater Physical Therapy, Inc., as a doctor of physical therapy. She works full-time as a physical therapist at the company’s office at Abingdon Office Park, Hayes.

Houska offers all types of physical and orthopedic therapy, serving clients from teens to seniors. The modern office is equipped with treatment areas as well as a therapy gym. "I help people to get better," she said.

Houska earned a DPT degree in December 2010 from the University of Iowa. She completed practical and coursework while working toward that advanced degree.

She decided to train in physical therapy after being a high school science teacher for 11 years in her native Iowa. She also coached basketball, volleyball, track and softball.

Houska said she wanted to become a physical therapist "because it envelops the same principles as teaching and coaching," but instead of large groups, PTs work on an individual basis.

Houska said she de...