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When it comes to treating patients, Aaron LeBauer prefers to keep it simple.

His small office on North Elm Street in downtown Greensboro basically consists of his desk, a modest waiting area in the corner, a treatment table and a storage room.

His treatment philosophy is similarly uncomplicated. Instead of using the latest equipment and teaching what he calls “convoluted exercises,” LeBauer focuses on the basics.

“I learned a lot of complicated things, exercises (in school), but if your patient doesn’t feel that (it) directly helps their problem ... and if it’s too complicated for them to repeat in front of me, they’re not gonna do it at home,” said LeBauer, who received his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Elon University in 2008.

The 36-year-old specializes in myofascial release, a therapeutic treatment that uses gentle pressure and stretching to the body’s connective tissue to restore natural motion and eliminate pain, according to LeBauer’s website (lebauerpt.com).

It’s easy to see why he got into health care. LeBauer comes from a family of physicians. His grandfather, cardiologist Sydney LeBauer, and great-uncle, Maurice L. LeBauer, started a practice in the old Jefferson Pilot building in 1931. Later, his father, E. Joseph LeBauer, joined the practice. Other family members followed, and LeBauer Healthcare is now a large multispecialty practice.

Aaron LeBauer took a different route, first earning a bachelor’s degree in history from Duke University before becoming a massage therapist, which served as a segue to his current occupation. LeBauer typically sees 10 to 12 patients a week. Most treatment lengths last an average of five to eight sessions.

Editor’s note: The following interview has been edited for space and clarity.

Why did you decide to get into physical therapy?

I started as a massage therapist in 1999. I did that for eight years and decided that I wanted to learn more, I wanted to do more and I wanted to provide more for my patients. So I went to physical therapy school. It seemed like a natural progression from what I was already doing with patients.

What is the role of a physical therapist?

A physical therapist addresses the soft tissue, joints and bones by using mobilization and manipulation techniques. But we’re also experts in exercise and movement, and I’m an expert in soft tissue treatment techniques (myofascial release), which allows people to feel better faster.

What is your advice for those interested in pursuing physical therapy as a career?

Massage therapy is a good starting point. Physical therapy school is a good starting point. My main advice would be to get treated by someone, to go experience what it’s like to be a patient, even if there’s nothing wrong. Because everyone could use some kind of treatment or intervention, whether it’s just to feel good or to teach you how to move in a different way as a preventative treatment, or even just as general maintenance to keep your body healthy.

What’s the most challenging part?

There are two challenging parts. One is letting people know I’m here and available as a physical therapist, because I have a very small practice and I don’t have a huge budget to do that. The other challenging part is that I work by myself, so I’m with myself and my patients all day long. But I thrive on interactions with people.

Is it taxing physically to work on people?

Not really. Some days it is, but in general, through my body mechanics — I learned how to use my body and my body weight — it’s really not that hard.

What are your goals?

My goal is to keep learning. There are a lot of continuing education classes I want to take. I just signed up for a myofascial rebounding seminar in Chicago. I just want to have a nice, happy, stable practice. I kind of have that right now.

Contact Patrick Collins at 412-5934 or by e-mail at patrick.collins@news-record.com.