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. It’s never just about business or making money… my passion runs deeper. I simply don’t like seeing people in pain,“ the physiotherapist told All Woman.
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.
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,“ she said.
“What I’m most proud of is the trust people place in me. 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.
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,“ she said. ”The final decision to leave the public system came after COVID-19, during a period of change in my 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.”
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.
“Physiotherapy initially started as a way to fill that gap,” she said. “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. 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.“
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.
Byfield said she’s incredibly grateful to have been raised by a village who has guided, uplifted and supported her.
“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,” she said.
“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. But beyond any one person, my success is a reflection of my village and the incredible people who have poured into me and shaped the person I am today. I couldn’t have done it without them.”
