Therapists with Disabilities

Thanks everybody for the kinds words. I'm happy the article has generated some discussion.

Janey-

Good clarification.  It's easier to slip from one persepctive to the next.  I remember a professor of mine constantly reminding my classmates and I to always use person-first vocabulary.  "The patient who has a fractured leg" is much more empowering than "the broken leg patient".    

Likewise, changing the questions to "Why wouldn't it be possible to practice therapy in those circumstances?" is more empowering to patients as well.  

Looking foward to reading your blog next week!

Lisa,

First, thank you for your response and the opportunity to dialogue.  That's where I learn!

I am sorry if my comments came off as judgmental.  Thank you for sharing that aspect so I can clarify my perspective.  As someone who can no longer safely practice some aspects of physical therapy because of medical mismanagement, I understand the price that is paid when a practitioner assumes incorrectly.  As such, I also understand there are some injuries that aren't compatible with some careers.  It is true that noone can know the sum of a person's life except that person.  But, my comment was really less about the people receiving disability and more about our responsibility in putting them there.  Rereading the post and comments, I can see where my point was obscured.

You made the statements, "While his personal story is quite inspirational, what would have happened if he had residual brain damage? Is it possible to practice physical therapy in those circumstances?"  I see that as coming from a "disabled" perspective.  I see the "physically-challenged" perspective asking, "Why wouldn't it be possible to practice physical therapy under those circumstances?"

I wrote a longer response and realized it would make a good blog post, so thanks for next week's topic!!  And thanks for the opportunity to dialogue!

Janey-  Another interesting perspective.  I agree with you, that for many people even minor injuries/disabilities become cop-outs.  I see a lot of patients receiving disability income although they are completely independent with all mobility.  But, it's easy to judge, and we don't ever know a patient's entire story.  

Thanks for the insight!

Lisa,

You're right.  It was an outstanding article.  Amazing how both brothers changed from law enforcement to therapy occupations.  And I echo Dean's sentiments.  Nothing like a medical ordeal to give you valuable insight.  There is no substitute for living it.

I think that attitude is more disabling than any injury/physical impairment.  I have known people with similar disabilities to go on to walk very different paths.  One thrives as a successful professional while the other lives out a life on disability payments.  There are times when the best of attitudes is not enough to overcome life's blows.  But often, the disability is not the prevailing issue.  Take Joni Eareckson Tada - the woman paints with her mouth.  I know people with far lesser disabilities who are not nearly as productive.

As far as brain damage...there was an article a while back about a woman who suffered a head injury with residual brain dysfunction.  With months of therapy, determination, and compensatory tools, she came back to pursue her passion.

When I look at someone like Tada, the police officer turned therapy assistant in this article, or the lady with the brain dysfunction, I wonder if our society has adopted disability as a cop out.

Dean- Thanks for the comment, that's a great perspective to also consider- how our disabilities can give us a better understanding of our patients.  I'm sure if we were able to personally experience effective treatment methods, we would become better therapists ourselves.  

Lisa

I had a PT professor who had sustained multiple injuries due to a motorcycle accident nearly a decade before I came to know her. She was infamous in the region where I went to school. She taught from a wheelchair initially, by the time I knew her she was using a rollator and by the time I graduated she was device free for most of the day. She could be brilliant, horrible, insightful, biased, judgemental and open all in about 5 minutes time. However she was consistently an inspiration and a reminder, constant reminder, of what our patients must go through.

I didn't really understand back pain until I herniated a disk a decade ago. Now I'm a much better therapist for someone with back pain and a markedly better therapist at providing prevention interventions.

Our injuries and tribulations can actually make us better providers and teachers, if we can find a venue that welcomes that viewpoint.