On West 7th, nestled in Fort Worth’s Cultural District, you’ll find The Smart Institute—a female-owned center that offers not only orthopedic and sports therapy, but also neurotherapy, a type of program that isn’t offered just anywhere. Owner Gwen Hanson did a paper on Occupational Therapy in high school and was fascinated by the subject. She moved to DFW for college and decided to pursue a career in that very field. She bought The Smart Institute in 2007 and never looked back. “I love my job. It’s a lot of work, but seeing people recovering their motion, their work, their play, it’s very rewarding,” she says.
While speaking with Gwen about her passion for recovery and neurodevelopmental therapy, we learned a few things about the Smart Institute along the way. Here are 7 things you need to know about The Smart Institute.
1. There is a small but dedicated staff of 7.
Between the front office, the therapists, and the technicians, there is over 90 years of combined experience at The Smart Institute. According to Hanson, each staff member has been there for years, which leads to a family-like working environment. “Everybody loves everybody,” she says.
2. The Smart Institute offers occupational therapy.
It’s hard to find a physical therapy office that also offers OT. Normally, you’ll find one or the other, but according to Hanson, it’s almost like a one-stop shop. “Normally, you’d do one thing at a time, but here, you can get OT treatment and move on to other forms of treatment, all in the same space,” she says.
3. The Smart Institute also offers neurodevelopmental therapy.
This is a rare service to find. It involves dealing with brain injuries and lifelong disabilities such as cerebral palsy, so the adults who come in for therapy have often been patients for years. As Gwen is certified in NDT, she grew the neuro program at The Smart Institute when she became the owner.
4. The Smart Institute is a teaching facility.
Medical students from local universities such as UNT, Weatherford College, Texas Woman’s University, and even the University of Colorado come to The Smart Institute to further their degree. They stay anywhere between 8-12 weeks, depending on their program. It goes without saying that if students are being educated here, it’s a good place to start your recovery program because you’ll be working with the best.
5. You’ll get more than machine work when you come in for an appointment.
The team at The Smart Institute is very hands-on. You’ll get personalized care in the cozy gym space that has an uplifting vibe, whether you’re recovering from back pain, knee, shoulder, hip, or ankle surgery or receiving treatment for your vestibular system. “It's very upbeat, very playful. There’s always music and laughing, and the temperature’s just right,” says Hanson.
6. You’ll always be greeted with a smile.
The office administrator, Jennifer Sawyer, is known as “the sparkly one.” She’s the first face you’ll see when you walk in the door, and no matter the weather, she’ll have a smile ready for you.
7. The Smart Institute has a mascot!
Yes, that’s right, when you come to The Smart Institute, you’ll be treated to time with Penelope, the French Bulldog. She’s at the center every day, and she’s so in tune with patients that she knows what time of day regulars come in, she’ll get up and see them if she knows they need attention, or take a nap when she isn’t needed. Penelope has stolen so many hearts that she’s even been a feature pet in a local magazine.
To learn more about The Smart Institute or about how you can make an appointment, visit thesmartinstitute.com