Akeisha-Lee Byfield: Guided by care

SHE calls herself a “fixer”, a professional who will do whatever it takes to help her patients feel better, even if it means staying longer, thinking outside the box, or adjusting her approach until she finds what works for them. For Akeisha-Lee Byfield, physiotherapy isn’t just about treating an injury — it’s about making sure people feel supported, valued, and empowered throughout their recovery journey.

“What sets me apart is that I genuinely look beyond the clinic. My patients aren’t just names on a schedule — they are my family,” she shared.
“It’s never just about business or making money, though, of course, I have to keep the lights on. But my passion runs deeper. I simply don’t like seeing people in pain.”

She added: “I’m a fixer, and that means I do whatever it takes to help my patients feel better, even if it means staying longer, thinking outside the box, or adjusting my approach until we find what works. If a patient needs more time, I give it. That’s just who I am. I don’t rush the process because, at the end of the day, their well-being is my priority…”

For Byfield, physiotherapy isn’t just about treating an injury — it’s about making sure people feel supported, valued, and empowered throughout their recovery journey.

She said while her private practice — The Therapeutic Souls — focuses on sports-related injuries, orthopaedic and neurological rehabilitation, and paediatric care, her mission is to educate people of all ages on the importance of movement health. Through workshops, forums, and targeted initiatives, she bridges the gaps she notices in patient awareness.

“I’m reshaping physiotherapy by making education a priority,” she said. “Whenever I identify a common misunderstanding or a lack of knowledge, I take action to address it through education. By doing this, I empower individuals to take control of their wellness, make informed decisions, and understand that movement is essential for a healthier life.”

Her advocacy focuses on getting people to take their health seriously — not just when they’re in pain, but as a way to improve their overall quality of life.

“My greatest contribution to the world is creating change — changing how people view recovery, their understanding of it, and its importance in their lives. Through my work I’ve seen how people start to realise that pain isn’t normal and that limited movement isn’t something they just have to accept,“ the physiotherapist told All Woman.

“I treat every patient as an individual, not just a condition. No two recoveries are the same, and my job is to ensure each person feels seen, heard, and supported. My patients aren’t just clients; they become family. I think about them even when they’re not in session, praying for them, brainstorming new ways to help, and pushing myself to find solutions — especially for the most challenging cases.”

What she is most proud of is the trust people place in her – “they allow me to guide them through some of the hardest moments of their lives, believing in my ability to help them feel strong again, to make life bright again”.

Byfield says her goal has always been to make a real difference in people’s lives, by helping athletes recover, guiding stroke patients toward independence, and offering support where it’s needed most.

It’s work she absolutely loves – the flexibility, especially as a young female entrepreneur navigating the challenges of running a business.

“While there’s structure and discipline required to keep everything running smoothly, there’s also room to be human, to reflect, and to ensure that I continue to enjoy what I do,” she said.

“Entrepreneurship isn’t a 24-hour job; it’s a 25/8 commitment. There are moments of inspiration, moments of roadblocks, and times when I have to dig myself out of a rut. But what I truly appreciate is the ability to set my schedule, create the best environment for patient care, and maintain a passion for my work without being confined to a rigid system.”

The 31-year-old Campion College and The University of the West Indies alumna made the bold move to leave her position in the public health-care system to launch her own practice, and said the move was a leap outside her comfort zone but was a decision she knew she had to make.

“I launched my company in 2017 while still working in the public system, balancing both worlds for a while. It originally started as a massage company to bring luxury wellness to the general population, and over time, it grew into a full physiotherapy practice,” she said.

The final decision to leave the public system came after COVID-19, during a period of change in her department.

“I knew how much I had to offer, and I wanted to give 200 per cent to my business to build something of my own that could truly make an impact. While the public system gave me invaluable experiences and the opportunity to create change, I felt it was time to take that next step. Of course, leaving a stable income was daunting, but I trusted God, trusted the process, and haven’t looked back since.”

She said her journey into physiotherapy was unexpected as she always wanted to be a doctor and had her heart set on studying in Cuba, but by the time she completed her external examinations, that process had changed, and she even considered studying in China.

“Physiotherapy initially started as a way to fill that gap. I began as a volunteer at Kingston Public Hospital (KPH), which later became my primary role in public health, where I was profoundly influenced by the physiotherapy department. Seeing how knowledgeable and skilled the physiotherapists were, I was amazed they were like doctors in their own right. During my time there, I got hands-on experience in different departments and felt the thrill of helping people heal. I’ve always been a ‘fixer,’ so seeing real change in patients resonated with me,” she said.

“At first, I planned to study physiotherapy for a year before transitioning to medicine in China, but after my first clinical rotation at KPH, I knew I had found my true calling. I realised that physiotherapy allowed me to help people of all ages, which was always my goal as a future doctor. The fulfilment I felt working directly with patients and seeing their progress made me certain this was where I was meant to be. From that moment, I closed the chapter on becoming a doctor and fully embraced the impact I could make as a physiotherapist.”

Armed with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy, Byfield says as an advocate for health, wellness, and empowerment, success for her is about creating change — raising awareness, improving accessibility, and reshaping perceptions of health and wellness.

“In a field where physiotherapy isn’t always well known or easily accessible, success means reaching different communities, promoting wellness, and encouraging people to prioritise their health — starting with something as simple as an assessment,“ she said. ”It’s about empowering individuals to understand that pain is not normal and that they don’t have to live with it. Success is seeing someone walk again, move more easily, and experience less pain. It’s about transformation, both physically and mentally, and ensuring that more people have the opportunity to heal.“

Committed to service and to making a difference, Byfield is proud of her recent caregiver workshop, designed for both professional caregivers and family members who care for loved ones without formal training.

“Over the years, I’ve worked closely with families — whether relatives, children, or hired caregivers — and I’ve seen the deep impact caregiving has on both patients and their loved ones,” she said. “I recognised the gaps in knowledge and the challenges caregivers face, and since I believe education is key to improving health and wellness, I hosted this workshop to fill those gaps. Stroke care, post-surgical recovery, and home care for bedridden patients come with unexpected challenges, and many families aren’t prepared for the emotional and physical demands. This project allowed me to provide guidance, resources, and support to those who needed it most, making it one of the most meaningful initiatives I’ve worked on to date.”

Also the founder of I-Function Limited, a rehab and medical supplies business, and Moss Vitality, a company offering sea moss gels and products designed to support recovery and overall wellness, Byfield’s entrepreneurial spirit extends beyond just physical therapy as she has authored specialised stroke manuals and workbooks to aid caregivers in supporting family members recovering from a stroke.

Her greatest career achievement isn’t tied to a single moment but rather the collective impact she has had on my patients, athletes, and those she has educated through her work.

“My greatest joy comes from helping people truly understand the importance of recovery, whether through my company, social media, or workshops,” she said. “I take pride in knowing that many of my patients continue with ‘tuning’ sessions – maintenance for their bodies long after their formal therapy ends.”

And she has seen this shift across all levels, from stroke survivors committing to long-term wellness to athletes prioritising recovery as part of their training.

“As the physiotherapist for the Leeward Islands Women’s Cricket Team and someone who has worked with young athletes in Jamaica including gymnasts and track athletes, I’ve always focused on education. When people grasp why recovery matters, it transforms how they approach their bodies and overall well-being. That’s my biggest accomplishment – propelling physiotherapy to a place where everyone I’ve worked with values their recovery journey.”

Byfield said she’s incredibly grateful to have been raised by a village which has guided, uplifted and supported her.

“From my family, family friends, teachers, and friends over the years to their families and everyone I’ve encountered, I have never felt like I couldn’t do anything. I’ve always been surrounded by people who uplift and support me,” she said.

“Above all, my mother has been my biggest cheerleader, always ensuring I had everything I needed to succeed. Even in the hardest times, I have never felt like I lacked anything, and for that, I am deeply grateful.

“I’ve also been blessed to have strong women and men in my life who have guided and supported me at every step. A special mention to my late grandfather, who always prayed for and with me, especially during moments of anxiety, like before exams. His prayers and unwavering belief in me meant everything.”

She said beyond any one person, her success is a reflection of her village and the incredible people who have poured into her and shaped the person she is today.

“I couldn’t have done it without them,” she said.

And then there’s her circle – the family of not just blood.

“Family means everything to me. No family is perfect, but the love and support I receive from mine is unwavering. My parents, both successful entrepreneurs, taught me the value of hard work, resilience, and dedication. Even as an adult, I still look up to them. My grandmother has always been my rock, my uncles have always been there, and my cousins and siblings, especially my little sister, inspire me every day. I try my best to set the right example for her.”

But family isn’t just blood, she said.

“My extended family includes my patients, my sports teams, and the incredible bonds I’ve formed throughout my journey not just in Jamaica but across the Caribbean. Watching people recover and grow has created connections that I truly cherish.

“And then there’s my circle of OGs from primary school, a few from high school, some from my profession, and those I’ve met along the way. My circle is diverse, spanning different ages and experiences, and I love learning from those who have paved the way before me, whether in my field or as entrepreneurs in general.

“I truly believe my village is God-sent. Every day, I thank Him for blessing me with people I can count on. I never feel like I lack anything because I know I am surrounded by love, wisdom, and support. Through Christ, I can do all things, and He has given me a solid village to walk this journey with me.”