Today we’d like to introduce you to Nakinna Young, DPT, NCS.
Hi Dr. Young, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I grew up in Mississippi and knew early on that I wanted to work in healthcare. My father and mother, an electrician and physical education teacher respectively, both supported my childhood goal to pursue being a physician like my godfather. However, studying Biology at Tougaloo College as well as participating in associated pre- and post-college programming, allowed me to discover other areas of health and medicine that caught my interest. I went on to complete a Post-Baccalaureate Research Program at Tufts University, a master’s degree in Exercise Physiology at the University of Southern Mississippi and eventually received my Doctorate in Physical Therapy at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. After PT school, I initially worked as a travel PT in different settings such as hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and home health as a travel physical therapist, but I found my passion serving people with neurological problems in outpatient rehabilitation in Houston.
During my physical therapy internships, I found a love for providing aquatic therapy, which has become a large part of my work as a physical therapist and lead to me becoming a credentialed aquatic physical therapist through the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). When I relocated to Houston, I found a fitness family as I joined the boxing and kickboxing program at USA Fight Co. I also eventually pursued certifications in yoga and Pilates because of my affinity for holistic movement and self-care. I am now a board-certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist (NCS) and often use aquatic exercise, yoga, Pilates, and boxing to help patients with neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s Disease, multiple sclerosis, stroke, brain injuries, and spinal cord injuries. I love providing aquatic physical therapy sessions, teaching yoga & Pilates, and being a Rock Steady Boxing for Parkinson’s boxing coach.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Challenges have occurred at times, but I’ve always felt supported by an extended network of family and close friends and been able to pursue my personal and professional goals with fortitude, a trait valued by my sorority Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. Currently, getting the word out about some of my newly available services has been a challenge, but current clients love the programming, including one-on-one sessions and group classes. I’m enthusiastically exploring ways to engage our target audience further, especially for group activities like Rock Steady Boxing for Parkinson’s Disease and the weekly donation-based yoga classes. I’m thrilled to offer these incredible opportunities and can’t wait to welcome more participants.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next, you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Through Purple Fortitude, I’ve extended my practice as a physical therapist into a holistic hub for health, wellness, and fitness. It’s a platform where I share my extensive knowledge, offering a range of services, consults, and sessions focused on self-care and complementary therapies. Services span recovery and self-care sessions incorporating techniques like compression massage, vibration therapy, hot/cold contrast therapy, kinesiotaping, and assisted stretching as well as providing products for foot care and balance training. Regular engagement in practices like these can significantly assist in body maintenance, injury prevention, and pain management. The consultations, one-on-one sessions, group workshops, and fitness-centered programs offered are aimed at promoting holistic exercise, wellness, and even digital health all in an effort to benefit individuals not just physically but also mentally as well.
One of the key programs through Purple Fortitude is the Rock Steady Boxing (RSB) Houston Medical Center program. This initiative holds personal significance as it allows me to merge almost a decade of boxing/kickboxing training at USA Fight Co. with fitness training specifically tailored for individuals like those I commonly treat clinically: those affected by Parkinson’s Disease and associated conditions. The environment at USA Fight Co. is ideal for this program. The family-friendly environment is equipped with the essentials for a boxing program, and the gym has cushioned floors that prove beneficial in fall recovery training and floor-based exercises. This setup offers a safe space and facilitates tailored fitness programs for this specific demographic.
What matters most to you?
Being a trusted resource for my family, friends, patients, and clinical students is a privilege I deeply cherish. I’ve been able to leverage my expertise gained through my advanced physical therapy training along with certifications in yoga, Pilates, and various fitness disciplines to serve others. I am passionate about educating individuals about holistic wellness and comprehensive well-being practices. I am also honored that others often seek my advice to help navigate through some of their healthcare questions in and out of the clinic. I enjoy illuminating diverse paths in health, wellness, and fitness, empowering others to embrace these realms.
This passion led me to establish the Purple Fortitude Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to aiding minority and underserved communities through health promotion, literacy, and advocacy. Presently, my yoga classes operate on a donation basis, and I’m working on expanding our offerings to include other classes, workshops, and events. I envision the foundation eventually providing grants and scholarships. These resources would facilitate access to fitness and wellness programs and assist individuals pursuing careers in health and medicine within these communities.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.purplefortitude.com
- Instagram: @purplefortitude and @rocksteadyboxinghtxmed
- Other: www.rocksteadyboxinghoustonmedicalcenter.com
Image Credits
Nakinna Young, DPT
Lincoln Obie
Leonard Maclin, Jr.
Jeaniae Lawton
