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February 20, 2011

A Physical Therapist's Perspective on Daily Unknowns and Gait Belts


Believe it or not, some of you receiving physical therapy services immediately put me on mental alert. I worry that I might not be able to provide services safely. I worry about "what ifs." In my heart, I know it is crazy to worry and it is better to have a game plan for those "what ifs."

Many of you are prescribed multiple medications for various conditions - like diabetes or high blood pressure or heartburn or high cholesterol. Every once in a while, someone has a history of seizures. Seizures are serious events... and scary too, especially for someone who has never seen one happen.

I'd like to tell a story about "Josh." I had the pleasure of meeting Josh a few years ago. He was a Vietnam veteran who sacrificed a lot for all of our freedom. The things he did and the things he saw changed him for life. Upon his return to the States, he had post traumatic stress disorder. Shortly after his return to the States, he was seriously injured in a car accident. The multiple fractures and head trauma continued to affect his life many years later. One serious condition he had as a result was grand mal seizures. Neither the medications nor the implanted stimulator really stopped him from having seizures. Josh immediately put me on mental alert and sounded off my "worry alarms."

February 2, 2011

Top 5 Reasons for Not Seeing a Physical Therapist

The coolest thing about physical therapy is being a part of your lives, even if for a short stint of time. During that time, I learn interesting things. From multiple conversations and digging and questioning, I've learned what held you back from choosing physical therapy services.

Reason #5: Cost
Definitely a valid reason. Things really are tough for all of us right now. Your life and your body: you are special and important to many people. You touch many lives on a daily basis. If you don't take care of yourself, how can you be there for those who depend on you? Sometimes it is worth paying money for expertise. If you have the right individual providing the expertise, you actually save money. You save because you don't continue to shop around searching and trying all sorts of things.