Nana originally joined the UP team as a PTA two-and-a-half years ago, but with a lot hard work, time and training, she worked her way into the position of physical therapist after just 10 months. Now, with close to three years with the team, Nana demonstrates her expertise with passion and care.

Originally from Ningxia, Nana moved to Beijing to study sports medicine and rehabilitation at Beijing Sports University. Truly passionate about sports, she also enjoys things related to music and culture.

Prior to joining UP, she was working with the National Snowbooard Team and volleyball team for nearly four years, a ‘valuable experience, which taught [her] a lot about both work and life.’ But after learning so much there, she was searching for growth and looking for opportunities to apply the knowledge and skills she learned and accumulated there to more sports enthusiasts. 

Read on to learn more about why she joined UP and what she’s learned through her experience here:

When I was researching, UP seemed to be the most comprehensive and best medical institution in terms of medical quality, clinical evidence, education and training resources, along with an expert team. I believe that being here with this team, I can help more people in need and also realize some of my own personal dreams. 

In high school, I loved playing soccer and dreamed of one day becoming Cristiano Ronaldo’s physical therapist. Unfortunately, although I did become a physical therapist and have treated many athletes, I haven’t yet had the opportunity to work with Ronaldo as I wished. I believe as long as he doesn’t retire, there’s still a chance for me.

There’s no one in particular from my childhood, but I do admire Nehza for being powerful and resolute – and doing what he believes is right. 

I think the patient’s life/work pressure may be the biggest obstacle in their recovery process. There daily stress can affect the motivation and confidence to improve and/or train. There is no technical difficulty as harmful as losing confidence.

I think that for injuries and functional impairments of the motor system, any treatment has its pros and cons, and physical therapy/rehabilitation is the least invasive method. However, we also constantly weigh the pros and cons during the treatment process to seek the path with the least disadvantages and the greatest advantages. The important thing is not to stop exploring, not to stop trying, and not to stop thinking.