Tidewater Physical Therapy, Inc. and the dozens of Lymphedema patients helped by Laura Voss’ skill and care have Joe Theismann to thank.

“My family and I – especially my Dad – are huge Redskins fans. In November 1985, I was watching the Redskins-Giants game with my Dad. When Joe Theismann was sacked by Lawrence Taylor, which resulted in his infamous career-ending injury, I turned to my Dad – at 4-years-old – and said ‘Daddy, I want to help football players like Joe when they get hurt!”

Years later, after graduation from Bruton High school, Laura headed off to a college in the southwestern part of Virginia that offered a competitive Athletic Training program, Emory & Henry College.

“While working on my B.S., I was told that my massage techniques did wonders for the athletes.”

In 2003, Laura earned her B.S. in Athletic Training. In 2004, she graduated from the Virginia School of Massage, and went on to become a licensed, certified massage therapist.

Laura joined the Tidewater Physical Therapy team in 2005 and was “introduced to the world of Lymphedema. Right away, I knew this was what I was meant to do.”

In 2006, she attended the Norton School of Lymphatic Therapy, where she received her certification for Lymphedema treatment.

Today, Laura practices in Tidewater’s Norge Clinic. In a physical therapy clinic, while still interacting with athletes, Laura helps people manage Lymphedema, a chronic disorder where the natural drainage function of the lymphatic system is impaired, and improve their daily living.

“The first patient I ever treated was a breast cancer patient still going through chemotherapy when she developed Lymphedema,” Laura said. “She’d had a double mastectomy with several lymph nodes removed from one armpit.”

Laura will never forget that patient, or any others because she’s humbled to be a part of their treatment team.

“I think my bedside manner is one of compassion and humor.  I like to get to know my patients on both a medical and personal level.  I want each patient’s experience with Lymphedema treatment to be positive and enriching.”

But that first patient taught Laura about living.

“To make herself feel better about all of the health issues she had going on, she would take the extra time and energy to put on make-up and dress to the nines, complete with a stylish wig. One day, she arrived for treatment with no make-up or wig, wearing sweats. She took one look at me and said, ‘I’m tired of wasting my energy on something that just doesn’t matter in the long run…I’m balding from chemo and my skin is breaking out, but I am ALIVE!’”

When she’s not in the clinic, Laura helps educate the community about Lymphedema, enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and shopping.

“As a family, we like going to Busch Gardens, Yorktown beach, and watching/playing sports. Our 3-year-old son will sit down and watch sports with us, much like I did when I was his age!”