Health Solutions alum fills community health gap with spine physical therapy clinic

College of Health Solutions alum Shane Sullivan has proven himself a devoted physical therapist. After 23 years of practice, he now holds multiple credentials and certifications, providing care as a Doctor of Physical Therapy, board certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist, Certified Athletic Trainer, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, Ergonomics Assessment Specialist, and a certified Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy provider.

Sullivan graduated from ASU in 1997 with a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science, at which time he was awarded the Outstanding Senior Award. After graduating, he developed an interest in physical therapy focused on the spine, which provided him the opportunity to learn from Robin McKenzie, the founder of the McKenzie Method.

Sullivan is the owner of SpineScottsdale physical therapy and specializes in treating spine disorders, orthopedic conditions, impaired balance, poor posture and osteoporosis. Currently, he is working on his first book on managing osteoporosis through exercise following his development of a specialized exercise program called SpineOsteoporosis.

How would you distill your career into three words? Why?

Chosen life work, profession and advancement, sustained work effort.

I chose a career that I’m passionate about that allows me to make a positive impact on others. My profession allows me to advance my clinical knowledge by pursuing post-graduate certifications. I believe having a sustained work effort requires a committed mindset and the willingness to persevere even when facing challenges.

Why did you choose to pursue Exercise Science?

I was interested in a career in athletic training and the Exercise Science degree provided me a foundation in human movement and physiology.

What drew you to the College of Health Solutions for your undergraduate program?

The strength of the faculty. Each professor made significant intellectual contributions in their area of interest. I was also interested in the educational opportunities the college offered. For example, I volunteered in the Biomechanics Lab and as a student athletic trainer in the athletic training department within the student-athlete facility at Sun Devil Stadium.

How did your time with the College of Health Solutions contribute to your success?

My time at the College of Health Solutions contributed to my success by providing me the educational coursework to begin my career as a certified athletic trainer and a certified strength and conditioning specialist in a clinical setting. This clinical experience laid the foundation for my continued education at the Arizona School of Health Sciences Physical Therapy program, where I earned my Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from A.T. Still University.

What is the impact of your work?

The impact of my work as a physical therapist is measured by providing a service that meets the needs of the community. I thought it was important to specialize in my profession just like we see specializations in other areas of health care. Therefore, I opened SpineScottsdale Physical Therapy [in 2009] to be the only clinic in the community that specializes in spine physical therapy.

What do you feel is your greatest accomplishment?

My greatest accomplishment is raising four wonderful kids and understanding the importance of putting “family first, then work.” I feel it’s important to prioritize your family’s needs and well-being to ensure they are not neglected due to professional demands.

What is the best advice, professionally or otherwise, you ever received and continue to carry with you?

“Live in the question.” I believe it’s important to focus on the process of inquiry rather than seeking immediate answers. By doing so, you accept that not knowing is part of the human experience, and this can lead to growth and discovery.