Meet Lisa Cheek, PT, DPT

Hello! I’m a Doctor of Physical Therapy with a passion for tackling the “unfixable” cases—the ones that leave doctors puzzled and patients feeling lost in the complexities of the healthcare system. In a world where medicine often feels overly compartmentalized, I take pride in looking at the big picture. My goal is to help individuals with “complex,” “chronic,” or underserved conditions navigate the healthcare maze and develop sustainable, long-term plans for managing and maintaining their health. After all, you deserve to live comfortably in your body for as long as possible.

A little about me: I’m a proud generational daughter of Northern New Mexico. I grew up in Santa Fe and found my home in Taos in 2019. I earned both my undergraduate and graduate degrees from Regis University in Denver, CO, where I also met my partner and welcomed my son into the world. Before becoming a physical therapist, I spent over a decade in Denver’s restaurant industry—so I can talk food and hospitality for hours if you let me!

When I’m not working, you’ll find me gardening (with mixed results), preserving food, playing with my husband, son, and two rescue dogs, or diving into genealogy research.

Cirriculum Vitae

Education

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
Regis University, Rueckert-Hartman College for Health Professions – School of Physical Therapy

  • Excellence in Service Award

Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy
Regis University, Denver, CO

  • Magna Cum Laude

  • Francis J. Mellechek Award for Excellence in Philosophy

Professional Experience

Owner, Operator-Wise Ones Physio, Taos, NM

  • Establishing and operating a boutique physical therapy clinic specializing in chronic pain, pelvic health, and cancer rehabilitation, with an emphasis on making services accessible to underserved populations.

  • Developing and implementing community care programs to reduce health disparities in Northern New Mexico, increasing access to vital therapeutic services.

  • Building a patient-centered practice that integrates holistic approaches to healing, fostering trust while addressing both the physical and emotional needs of clients.

Staff Physical Therapist – End-of-Life Care
Red Willow Hospice, Taos, NM

  • Assisting in developing the physical therapy program for Taos’s first integrative care hospice, focusing on providing mobility support, caregiver education, and non-pharmaceutical pain management.

  • Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to enhance holistic care for hospice patients and their families, ensuring their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs are met.

  • Supporting patients and families during the end-of-life process through thoughtful interventions and collaborative care.

  • Presented “Finding Balance: The Link Between Fall Risk and Bladder Health” to promote safety and dignity for aging populations in the community

Staff Physical Therapist-Holy Cross Hospital, Taos, NM

  • Treated a diverse caseload focusing on oncology, lymphedema, and pelvic health.

  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to address complex patient needs, fostering a culture of integrated care.

  • Engaged in community education through events and media outreach, enhancing awareness of pelvic health and cancer rehabilitation.

Staff Physical Therapist- N2 Physical Therapy

  • Managed a diverse oncology caseload, developing expertise in addressing cancer-related pelvic floor dysfunction and the complexities of end-of-life care.

  • Supported patients and their families in navigating physical and emotional challenges associated with advanced illness, fostering understanding and comfort.

  • Conducted community education through workshops and blog posts to promote awareness of lymphedema, bladder health, and cancer rehabilitation.

Skills

  • Deep listening and interpersonal communication

  • Emotional and spiritual support for patients and families

  • Interdisciplinary teamwork and collaboration

  • Cultural competency in diverse populations

  • Public speaking and community education

  • Non-pharmaceutical pain management and holistic care

Continuing Education

  • Vagus Nerve: Balancing the Autonomic Nervous System, Institute of Physical Art 

  • International Lymphedema and Wound Training Institute Certified Wound Therapist

  • Physiologic Oncology Rehabilitation Institute Chemotoxicity & Cancer Exercise Management

  • Physiologic Oncology Rehabilitation Institute Foundation in Oncology Rehabilitation

  • Hermann and Wallace Bowel Pathology, Function, and Dysfunction

  • Barrall Institute Visceral Manipulation Abdomen

  • Myopain Seminars Trigger Point Dry Needling Level I & II

  • Rock Tape Functional Movement Technique

  • Klose Training Certified Lymphedema Therapist

  • APTA Academy of Pelvic Health- Pelvic Health Certification

Volunteer Work and Community Engagement

  • Cancer and the Pelvic Floor: Guest speaker for Young Survivors Support Group at Porter Hospital, Denver, CO.

  • Sex and Cancer Panel: Collaborated with Dr. Saketh Guntapalli and Colorado Ovarian Cancer Alliance to educate about intimacy and cancer care.

  • Providing Culturally Competent Care for Transgender Patients: Led staff training at Swedish Medical Center to promote inclusive practices.

Public Speaking and Presentations

  • “Finding Balance: The Link Between Fall Risk and Bladder Health”, May 2024, Taos, NM.

  • “Pelvic Floor and Core: Mom’s Edition” Dec 2021  Taos, NM

  • “Management of Lymphedema for Medical Professionals”, May 2018, Denver, CO.

  • “Urinary Incontinence and Fall Risk”, Sept 2016, Englewood, CO.