Logan Frye’s take on the importance of activity-based therapy

STEP Certified Paralysis Recovery Specialist Logan Frye during a training session working on a client, Kimberly Romero, at The Perfect Step.

Logan Frye has been a STEP Certified Paralysis Recovery Specialist since 2022 for The Perfect Step Organization. Before joining The Perfect Step, Logan studied at the University of La Verne, earning a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with a concentration in health and human performance and a minor in business management. He took it upon himself to gain valuable experience in various fields, including group training, administrative tasks, security, and chiropractic knowledge through a prior internship. This diverse background shaped his approach to physical therapy, where he focuses on individualized training to ensure clients achieve the best possible outcomes—not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually as well.

One of Logan’s biggest inspirations is Erin Tharp, a non-verbal client who was diagnosed with viral encephalitis at the age of 12. Now 40, Thrap faces significant challenges, including occasional seizures, yet she approaches life with a consistently positive attitude. No matter what obstacles come her way, she has never canceled a session. Her determination and resilience serve as a powerful reminder to Logan and everyone at The Perfect Step that mindset plays a crucial role in the recovery process.

Frye emphasizes that activity-based therapy is completely different from traditional physical therapy because it doesn’t just focus on the body—it prioritizes the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of the client. Every time a client comes in for a session, all three aspects must be in a place where they can fully engage in training. Not every client feels 100% in tune with their body at all times, and complications can arise. This is where Frye’s expertise in managing secondary complications comes into play. He understands that no two clients are the same, and his ability to adapt sessions based on how a client is feeling on a given day is key to their progress.

One belief that Frye and many specialists at The Perfect Step share is that exercise should be viewed as medicine—a natural vitamin for the body. The more a person moves, the more their body and mind benefit. For clients at The Perfect Step, simply showing up to a session, pushing their bodies, and taking advantage of this "natural vitamin" can make all the difference in their recovery journey. But exercise alone isn’t enough—rewiring the nervous system is where real progress happens. As a STEP Certified Paralysis Recovery Specialist, Frye acts as an extension of that process.

Specialist Logan Frye instructing his client Kennin Ramirez on appropriate seated row posture.

During a client’s first evaluation, he gathers their medical history, past therapy records, and personal background to develop a fully customized program. He starts by assessing their current muscle strength through The Perfect Step’s functional movement assessment, but just as importantly, he evaluates quality of life. Clients are asked how they feel about their current living conditions, what areas they want to improve, and what goals they have beyond just physical recovery. This part of the evaluation is crucial because it allows Specialists like Frye to truly understand the person behind the injury. By building this connection, he can tailor sessions not just to improve physical function but to enhance overall well-being.

From there, Frye sets clear goals using the SMART goal-setting method. Goals must be Specific, outlining exactly what the client wants to achieve. They must be Measurable so that progress can be tracked over time. They must be Attainable, ensuring they are realistic and within reach. They must be relevant and align with the client’s overall journey. Finally, they must be Timely, giving clients a timeline to strive toward. Whether it’s a short-term goal, like increasing strength in a certain muscle group, or a long-term goal, like improving mobility, these SMART goals provide a structured path forward and keep clients motivated.

But perhaps one of the most powerful aspects of The Perfect Step is its sense of community. This isn’t just a rehabilitation center—it’s a place where people support each other. Clients who have been on their recovery journey for years play an active role in welcoming newcomers. Logan has seen firsthand how seasoned clients and ambassadors help those who are just starting, creating an environment where no one feels alone in their journey.

“A lot of our ambassadors do a great job, along with other clients too, in making new clients feel welcomed into the building,” Frye said.

For those just beginning their journey with The Perfect Step, Frye has one major piece of advice: come in with an open mind and be willing to step out of your comfort zone. He understands that starting any kind of recovery program can feel overwhelming, but he assures every new client that the entire team has their best interest at heart. Specialists like him spend countless hours researching and refining techniques to provide the best possible care. From the moment a client walks through the doors, The Perfect Step is committed to helping them achieve the goals they set for themselves—physically, mentally, and emotionally.

In the end, Logan Frye’s role as a STEP Certified Paralysis Recovery Specialist isn’t just about helping clients regain movement—it’s about guiding them toward a better quality of life. Through personalized training, a deep understanding of neurological recovery, and a strong sense of community, Frye and The Perfect Step are proving every day that activity-based therapy is more than just exercise—it’s a way to redefine what’s possible.

By: Zachary Grech - Student University of La Verne Class of 2025