Take a look into the life of a physical therapist at Legacy and learn what they wish you knew about them.
Q: What made you decide to become a physical therapist?
I found myself to be quite clumsy in my adolescence, unfortunately. I broke many bones, got plenty of bruises and even managed to sustain a pretty traumatic head injury so thus began my numerous encounters with medical personnel. The medical field always fascinated me, as did the ingenious design of the human body. I found that physical therapy combined many of my interests together in a way that I could pursue a career that would be fueled by motivation and desire.
Q: What is rewarding about being a physical therapist?
Choosing to be a PT has put me in a position where I have the resources and knowledge to serve others in a way that can change their day or even change their life. There are plenty of times that a patient cannot be “fixed” by physical therapy and they may have a long road to recovery. However, PT allows me to have a professional interaction with someone, give them hope, and bring a little bit of joy to their day. In other cases, there are those situations where PT is the answer, patients benefit greatly and can get back to a functional everyday life. Ultimately, the biggest reward is serving others and making a difference no matter how big or small.
Q: What makes Legacy’s physical therapy department an enjoyable place to work?
It’s the passion and commitment that every employee has to help our patients. The staff that I work with is tasked with dealing with a multitude of patients, most of which are usually in a significant amount of pain when we first encounter them. Whether it be the nurses, office administration, doctors, or other affiliates, the work ethic that is required and expected at Legacy Neuro is something to be admired. It feels good to be part of a team where you know that everyone else is working just as hard as you are to provide quality care for the patients.
Q: What do you wish everyone knew about physical therapy?
There is a 95% chance that you will not be “fixed” after your first visit. A successful physical therapy experience will require the patient to make lifestyle changes and behavior modifications that will not only improve their overall health but change their quality of life for the better. In the words of Maya Angelo, “Nothing works unless you d0.” If you want a change, you have to be the one to catalyze it.
Q: How do your motivate your patients to do physical therapy at home?
The best motivation is education. I enjoy taking time to explain to the patient exactly what is occurring in his/her body (or what you think is occurring). Personally I have found that when a patient understands the origin of the pain, it is then easier to justify making a change and working towards a goal. If the patient does not understand why they are performing the different activities in the HEP, the compliance is often subpar.
Q: Why did you choose Legacy to practice physical therapy?
Legacy is truly a unique setting. There are patients from all over the state and even country that come to be treated here. Having such a diverse population of patients and having direct access to physicians that value my concerns and opinions provides me a work setting unlike any other that I have come across.