Almost everyone I’ve spoken to has experienced physical therapy in one form or another. In my case, I frequently find myself on the table after a strain or sprain (yes, there is a difference) after a skydiving mishap, Jiu Jitsu faux pas, or overuse from running or swimming.
But my strongest impression of physical therapy came after being hit by a 48,000-lb truck, something that led to many months at the mercy of 3 different therapists, each with their own style. Without question, I wouldn’t be able to skydive, run or swim today if it were not for therapeutic intervention over 15 years ago that continues through this day in my active life.
This may sound overly simple, but all of my therapists actually helped my body help itself. Of course they do more, but my “grand takeaway” from being a professional patient is just that. I say this because most of the modalities they used were designed to increase circulation, because increased blood-flow helps the body rid injured tissues of toxins and promote healing. My wife, a top-notch physical therapist and owner of Premiere Physical Therapy in Bowie/Crofton, MD, routinely reminds me that physical therapy is about more than blood-flow, but unlike her, I’ve never dissected a cadaver to experience firsthand the amazing musculature, neural and skeletal structure of the human body. Also unlike her, I cannot educate physicians and provide an avenue for them to earn valuable CEU credits to maintain licenses.
But, I am a “professional patient.”
On more than one occasion, I’ve twisted an ankle or strained a muscle skydiving… well, landing, to be technical. Since she is a physical therapist and has a fully functional practice, I know care is only a “Uh, honey…” phone call away. Over the years she has taught me the importance of RICE (not the grain) – Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation - in the acute stage just after an injury.
She’s also taught me the importance of patience during recovery and how not to be a typical guy and jump back into training too quickly.
Another thing I’ve learned is how happy a first-class physical therapist can make a patient. Over the years I’ve seen many smiles on the faces of patients (my own included) after treatment. In fact, it’s not unusual for a physical therapist to receive gifts from patients long after their course of treatment has ended. It’s a fascinating bond and one that I’ve felt and appreciate.
While this has been positive, it’s worth noting that I’m only referring to excellent physical therapists. The state-wide physical therapy associations’ newsletters are where you’ll find professional censure include forfeiture of licenses. The good news? It takes a special kind of person, a caring and nurturing person, to be a champion PT. You’ll know when you find one.
All the best,
Chris
Christopher Moline, LEED AP
39.006777
-76.779137
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Tags: best physical therapist bowie, best physical therapist maryland, Blood flow, Elevation, Health, Human anatomy, Muscle, patients perspective, physical therapy, physical therapy patient, Professions, RICE
