Redefining Health Through a More Inclusive Lens
Dr. Lisa Folden is a physical therapist and body image coach.
Supporting people in healing their bodies.
And their relationship with them.
Through her work, she helps individuals recover from injury.
While also guiding those in larger bodies and eating disorder recovery.
Toward a more compassionate, sustainable approach to health.
One rooted in joy.
Respect.
And self-trust.
Because health isn’t about shrinking yourself.
It’s about supporting yourself.
Healing Beyond the Physical Body
At the core of Lisa’s work is a deeper understanding of recovery.
That it’s not just physical.
It’s emotional.
Mental.
And deeply personal.
Using an anti-diet approach, she helps clients reconnect with movement.
Not as punishment.
But as something supportive.
Something enjoyable.
She also guides people toward intuitive eating.
And making peace with their bodies.
Because true healing happens when people stop fighting themselves…
And start working with their bodies instead.
A Personal Journey That Shaped Her Work
Lisa’s path into this work began with a passion for healthcare.
For helping people heal.
Recover.
And move better.
But over time, her own experiences added another layer.
Navigating body image.
And witnessing firsthand the weight stigma, fat phobia, and bias present in the medical and fitness industries.
That perspective changed everything.
It deepened her work.
And shaped the way she supports others today.
Because she understands…
This isn’t just about health.
It’s about dignity.
And being seen.
Navigating Barriers Within the System
One of the most challenging parts of building her business has been navigating systemic barriers.
From access to capital as a Black woman business owner…
To dealing with insurance companies.
And the constant denials that impact her ability to sustain and grow her practice.
These challenges go beyond day-to-day operations.
They reflect larger issues within the system.
That make it harder for inclusive, necessary care to reach the people who need it most.
Challenging Toxic Narratives Around Health
Another ongoing challenge is education.
Helping people unlearn what they’ve been taught about health.
Diet culture.
And body image.
Because mainstream fitness spaces often promote harmful narratives.
Especially toward people in larger bodies.
Creating environments that feel exclusive.
Judgmental.
And discouraging.
So part of Lisa’s work is shifting that narrative.
Creating a space where people feel safe.
Respected.
And supported in their health journey.
Without shame.
Growing the Message and Expanding the Impact
Right now, one of the biggest limitations isn’t the work itself.
It’s capacity.
There’s only so much one person can do.
So many clients she can support.
So many hours in a day.
And with a message this important…
She wants to reach more people.
To share her work more consistently.
To expand her impact.
But that requires time.
Support.
And space to grow.
Creating a More Compassionate Approach to Health
At the heart of Lisa’s work is a powerful belief.
That everyone deserves access to care that respects their body.
Their experience.
And their humanity.
A space where healing includes both physical recovery…
And rebuilding trust with yourself.
Because when people are supported in a way that feels safe and aligned…
They don’t just recover.
They reconnect.
With their body.
Their needs.
And a version of health that actually feels sustainable.
At Reignelle, we’re reminded that true health isn’t about fitting into a mold, it’s about creating space for people to heal, feel respected and reconnect with their bodies on their own terms.