Physical Therapy by formal definition is the treatment of
disease, injury, or deformity by physical methods such as massage, heat
treatment, and exercise rather than by drugs or surgery. While that definition
is true, I look at physical therapy as the development of movement patterns throughout
life. Developing sound movement patterns
is the foundation of prevention as well as athletic development and improving
ones quality of life. I see myself
fitting in the profession as a bridge between the DPT and the strength and
conditioning coach or personal trainer.
With my background in exercise science and nutrition/training
certifications, I will look to layer this acquired skill set in the clinic with
my clients.
My goals
between now and graduation include experience different clinical settings at
each rotation to figure out my target career choice as well as combining my
mobility techniques I have acquired over my years of being a strength and
conditioning coach with the methodologies we will be learning about. While I still need to experience other
clinical settings, my current short term goal after graduation is to work with
athletes in a out patient orthopedics clinic.
During this time of beginning my career, I also plan on furthering my
education through my fitness continuing education units (CEUs) and through
seminars in basic running technique, olympic lifting and gymnastics. Long term I hope to either on my own or
funded through my employer get my masters in nutrition or sports science
rehabilitation. I believe this added education would benefit any clinic since
in order for proper movement patterns to develop one must provide their body
with the proper nutrition to fuel the functional movements.
Passion is
defined as a strong feeling of enthusiasm for something or about doing
something. This is the best word I could use to describe my commitment to
family, friends, physical health, and the profession of physical therapy. I
firmly believe that you must wake up every day with the enthusiasm to work
towards your goals in life, and that only through this passion can you improve
yourself. The most important things to me in life are my family and friends. I
have learned over the years that in any relationship you must put in effort to
show others how you truly feel about them; therefore, I wake up every day with
the goal of improving my relationships with my loved ones. Although I may not
live with my family, I make a conscious effort to stay involved in their lives
and show interest in their achievements.
Bringing
this sense of passion to the field of physical therapy is an essential step for
me to succeed as a student and a practitioner. I devote a lot of time and focus
to improving my physical health on a daily basis. In the past few years I have
worked at gyms, became a certified personal trainer, and received my CrossFit
certification. All of this focus on physical fitness ties directly into my goal
of working in the field of physical therapy, as I will be able to help others
improve themselves. Physical therapy is an important asset to so many
individuals seeking rehabilitation from injury. If I can go in to work knowing
that I have the capability to help someone feel better, then I will be making a
difference in the lives of others. That selfless feeling of helping others is
what makes me passionate about this field. I work every day to improve myself
physically and I want nothing more than to share that passion by helping others
do the same.
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