Three Generations of Care

LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 2, 2008) – The Nitz family has been providing physical therapy (PT) rehabilitation to patients since 1954. Now, the PT family legacy will continue with the newest physical therapist in the family – Melinda (Mindy) Nitz - graduating on Saturday, May 4, from the University of Kentucky with a Master of Science in Physical Therapy.

John Nitz, now a retired physical therapist living in Indiana, started the family trend. He was interested in the medical field and was training to become a coach when he took an interest in physical therapy. In 1954, John graduated from the University of Colorado with his PT degree and spent 40 years in the profession.

Arthur (Art) Nitz, John’s son and a full professor in the UK College of Health Sciences physical therapy program, later followed in his footsteps.

“My dad was always trying to tape us up,” said Art, who comes from an athletic family with six siblings. “He was always throwing around a football, playing baseball with us, or doing something active.”

As he grew up, Art began to admire the active role his father had played in their family and became more interested in a career as a PT.

“I liked the lifestyle that a physical therapy career allowed,” he said. “And I could see first-hand the value of rehabilitation principles through my own experience with sports and injuries.”

Art attended Baylor University and with the help of the U.S. Army, received his degree in physical therapy. He later was stationed at Fort Knox and soon became interested in scientific research. Art earned his Ph.D. in anatomy at the University of Kentucky. In addition to teaching, he is also the owner of ProActive Therapy in Frankfort and Versailles, KY, a physical therapy clinic that employs more than 35 people.

Like her father, Mindy is an athlete was also values family.

“I really like the relational side of physical therapy,” Mindy said. “You get to know your patients on a personal level and really help them get back to life – whether that is playing sports, gardening, or just living.”

Although some students might have a problem taking a class led by their father, Mindy was the opposite. In fact, the program at UK was the only one to which she applied.

“My mom homeschooled us and my dad taught us Latin at 6 a.m. two days a week,” she said. “I’ve always been used to learning from my parents,” said Mindy.

After graduation Mindy hopes to work in a sports medicine clinic.

Art and his wife, Jane, have five children and reside in Frankfort. Their youngest child is in eighth grade and plans to keep the family tradition going by working in hippotherapy, which focuses on the movements of a horse in therapy and rehabilitation techniques.

Mindy Nitz is graduating Saturday, May 4, with a Master of Science in Physical Therapy. Her father Art is a physical therapist and professor in the College of Health Sciences. Art's father John is a retired physical therapist, making Mindy a third PT in the family.

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