About Jodi

Posted by Jodi Jainchill PT, CFMT
My name is Jodi and I am a licensed Physical Therapist and Hula Hoop Dance Instructor. I received my degree in PT from the University of Florida, where I was a member of the gymnastics team. I have been practicing Physical Therapist (PT) here in Gainesville, Florida for about fourteen years. I began my career working with stroke patients. With a strong neurological background, I trained and received certification in Pilates Rehabilitation in 2003 through Polestar Pilates in Miami. Next, I got extensive advanced training in  Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitaion (PNF), through the Institute of Physical Art, became a Certified Functional Manual Therapist (CFMT), and graduated through the organization in 2006.

I have also been trained in pain management through David Butler courses and Visceral Manipulation through The Barral Institute.  I am always looking to expand my tool box and have found hoola hooping to also be a marvelous adjunct in my practice.

I began hoola hooping again after my friend, Stephanie Moses a certified hypnotherapist, noticed my spine had become stiff from the way I walk. I am visually impaired with tunnel vision and look down to compensate. It was amazing how quickly my spine became suppler once I began hooping again. This exercise was fun and beneficial! I have been hula hooping with passion and have taken my exercise program into a creative art form. Hula hooping has expanded me in all aspects of my Life.

In addition to my love for hula hooping, I also horse back ride. Due to my visual impairment, I had to give up driving many years ago. I was encouraged soon thereafter to start riding. I had the opportunity to compete in entry level dressage shows and trail ride with my horse at the time, Fergie. I have a sassy cat named, Sam, who is fearless of my hoola hooping, at times. I also play acoustic guitar. I primarily play bluegrass and Spiritual music. Finally, and most importantly, I practice Yoga and meditation daily.

I feel very blessed in my life. I love sensing and feeling movement in the human body. I feel that hula hooping helps me express myself at many levels. I feel grounded and like I am flying all at the same time. I love to share and teach movement and have found hoop dancing to be an excellent source to do so.