This month, we had the opportunity to interview staff member Janel. Read along for her experiences with Tri-Rehab!
What's your job with Tri-Rehab?
Physical Therapist, Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
How did you get into the industry?
I decided early in my college career to become a PT. It seemed like a perfect fit with my participation in multiple sports and belief in promoting a healthy lifestyle.
How long have you been with Tri-Rehab?
Since 2010 in varied amounts :)
What's the best, most rewarding part of your job?
The best part of the job is being able to help someone go from an injury, perhaps where they feel frustrated or even dispirited, and guiding them back to their normal life. It may not be a quickly as either of us would like, but the vast majority of the time I can make a positive impact on a person's life.
What's been your biggest achievement or success story?
I've had two really big moments. One was helping a great-grandmother (90 years old) get back to her travels after an injury left her completely immobile. When we began therapy, she was so weak from hospitalization that she didn't even have the strength to sit up by herself. With therapy she returned to vacationing (walking without a cane or walker!) with her grandkids.
The second story was working with a three year old who, due to birth defects, wasn't able to walk. With therapy she was able walk and even run. The happiness on both the patient's and her mother's face were memorable.
How has the industry changed for your position over the years?
Therapists now have more education and more training than ever before. There are more job opportunities in diverse areas (sports, surgical rehab, schools, military, etc). Research has shown therapy to be effective and the general public is more familiar with what physical therapy is.
Unfortunately the reimbursement from insurance companies has impacted my job significantly as well. Therapists now have less individual time with patients and insurance covers fewer visits (despite therapy having been shown to be cheaper and more effective than surgery for some conditions).
What's one tip you would give readers?
No matter the condition, exercise and movement is the answer. It may be slow initially, but being active as much as you can is best thing you can do.
What are some fun facts about you?
When I'm not chasing around my twin boys, I can be found out training for my next distance running race. I enjoy digital photography, travel, spending time outdoors and getting my next craft project inspiration from Pinterest.
Thanks so much, Janel!
It seems that you only see the doctor for 5 minutes and you then forget half of the questions that you had wanted to ask, and you're shuffled out of the office feeling rushed and upset that your time was wasted, your questions were not answered, and the visit was a complete and utter loss.