PT Month
The year would not be complete without a tip of the hat or nod of the head with much respect to the PTs and PTAs who care for patients. Sometimes we can actually save people's lives by our assessments and careful observation of symptoms based on how they react to our treatments.
It is often the small, subtle clues we see that make a large difference. A change in walking pattern, a grimace or an odd facial expression can tell us something is wrong with the patient. Sometimes these are ignored by us and when they are we can second-guess ourselves about why we didn't assess further when a complication arises a day later. Getting vitals on a patient takes a short time and can make a big difference in that person staying in the facility or leaving for a complete work-up.
Keeping cool under pressure when there are too many patients and too few therapists will allow others to follow suit, sometimes. There will always be those who like to complain. And like Boxer, the horse from Animal Farm, we keep working and working until the patients are seen, nurses are happy and doctors write correct weight-bearing for ortho patients, then we go home and relax.
I feel blessed by the knowledge therapists, assistants and aides have given to me in all the years I have done this. Without them I could not have done my job as effectively as I do now. Thank you to all who have helped me. Happy PT Month.