They say 'when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.' Well, life gave me migraines, and I made... a camera strap and a business.  Sounds a bit crazy? It kind of is.. and totally unexpected. Here's how I went from pain to purpose, and co-founded Nyack Exchange, a company dedicated to empowering others through movement with at-home physical therapy, fitness and wellness products.

As a professional photographer, I've always loved capturing life's beautiful moments. But for years, migraines and chronic neck pain overshadowed my passion. The weight of my camera equipment, coupled with long hours spent editing at my desk, took a toll on my body.

Desperate for relief, I took the first step and sought help from physical therapist Scott Ruta, MSPT. Scott, a professional with extensive experience and a genuine passion for helping his patients, recognized the complex nature of my case. "Amanda's case perfectly illustrated how seemingly unrelated factors can contribute to chronic pain," Scott recalls. "We needed to address not only the physical symptoms but also the underlying causes."

Scott's holistic approach to treatment was a revelation. He didn't just focus on my pain; he educated me about my body, its mechanics, and how to move in a way that promoted healing and prevented further injury. Through targeted exercises, postural adjustments, and a custom-designed camera strap we made that alleviated the strain on my neck, I finally found relief.

Nyack Exchange: A Partnership Born from Passion

My journey to recovery sparked a desire to pay it forward. Scott's expertise and my firsthand experience with chronic pain fueled our shared mission to empower others. Together, we founded Nyack Exchange, a company dedicated to providing innovative solutions for pain relief and physical well-being.

Our first product, the Stance Camera Harness, the very one we created for me during my treatment, was a testament to our collaborative approach. It seamlessly integrates into daily life and offers a tangible solution for photographers and outdoor enthusiasts struggling with neck pain, just like I was.

But our innovation didn't stop there. As Nyack Exchange grew, so did our determination to bring Scott's 25 years of physical therapy ideas to life, and to make the benefits of physical therapy accessible to everyone. The challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with Scott's recognition of the growing need for effective home-based solutions, inspired us to create PT IN A BOX®, a truly groundbreaking solution for at-home physical therapy and rehabilitation.

"We wanted to create a comprehensive, affordable, and user-friendly at-home physical therapy program," Scott explains. "We tailor each kit to a specific pain point, providing professional-grade tools, detailed instructions, and exclusive video tutorials that I guide users through every step of the rehabilitation process." Says Scott

From neck and back pain to headaches, shoulder and hip issues, PT IN A BOX® offers a range of solutions designed to empower individuals to take control of their health and well-being. We're not trying to replace physical therapists, Instead, we're providing a valuable tool that complements traditional therapy, making professional-level care more accessible and affordable, allowing people to experience the benefits of physical therapy in the comfort of their own homes, at their own pace.

A Mission to Empower

This commitment to accessibility and empowerment is at the core of everything we do at Nyack Exchange. For chronic pain sufferers, PT IN A BOX® offers a pathway to improved physical well-being. We want to provide a comprehensive program that is both effective and accessible, it’s about giving people the power to manage their health and improve their quality of life without the barriers of cost or inconvenience.

Scott recently retired from his practice in Whitefish, allowing us to fully dedicate ourselves to Nyack Exchange and its mission. With his decades of expertise, we're excited to innovate and expand our reach, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to experience the power of movement and the freedom of optimal physical health.

Scott and I believe that knowledge is just as important as the right tools. That's why we've created a wealth of resources on our website, nyackexchange.com and created a social community, to help you understand your body, your pain, and the power of movement. We offer informative articles, instructional videos, and expert advice to support you on your journey to better health. We would love for you to join us.

For me, the journey from patient to entrepreneur has been nothing short of transformative. I'm so grateful for the opportunity to help others. It's a privilege to work alongside Scott and witness the impact our collaboration is having on people's well-being."

Perhaps you're currently grappling with pain or simply want to improve your health. Or maybe this has sparked something within you because you have a dream you've been hesitant to pursue.  Remember, I'm just an average person, who took a step. We all have something to offer, we all have a mission, sometimes it's unexpected and not anything we thought was possible or for us. But here I am, proof that if you take that first step, you might be amazed at the incredible path that unfolds before you.

View original article published in 406 Woman Magazine