The human body has always intrigued me; the body’s ability to sprint, climb, push, pull, and adapt to physical stress amazes me. The physiques and “super-human” like strength and performance of athletes, dancers, and gymnasts impressed my young mind. As a teenager I began weight-training and dabbled with different types of exercise. I had an almost obsessive desire to learn more, reading health and fitness literature had become a new hobby. Naturally, when choosing a career I knew one in healthcare, specifically one related to the muscular-skeletal system, was the right path for me. It wasn’t until the winter of 2010 that I would have my first experience with physical therapy and witness the rewarding qualities of the field. My dearest friend was involved in a devastating motor-vehicle accident resulting in several injuries including a degloving injury of the hand and a femoral shaft fracture. Amanda required several surgeries including skin grafting and femoral internal fixation. The many hours of subsequent therapy sparked my interest in the field.
Aside from a broken clavicle as boy, which I speedily recovered from, I’ve never experienced crippling injuries. Having a healthy and fully-functional body, I realized I had been taking many activities for granted, activities as simple as walking. In an effort to support my best friend’s rehabilitation and healing, I attended several of her physical and occupational therapy sessions. What I was witnessed astounded me. Amanda had a great team of therapists working with her and the relationships she developed with them was like nothing I had ever witnessed within other healthcare professions. With each interaction, the physical therapist’s patience, diligence, compassion, and knowledge were evident. Each successive week of therapy left Amanda with improved movement and function, a higher level of independence, and an invigorated hope.
It was the near-death accident of my best friend and her subsequent healing...