(Note to college students: The shortage will continue, and physical therapists earn a median salary of as much as $90,000, depending on where they work. Earning a degree can be expensive, though.)
Colella knows the benefits of physical therapy from personal experience. “Similar to you, I did not have a major medical diagnosis,” she told me in a recent e-mail. In high school, “I caught an elbow to the back going up for a layup and a few months later decided to attempt to throw (shot & discus) in addition to sprint. The combination did a number on my thoracic (mid-back) area. I went though the typical medical management routine with no relief. I then went through physical therapy and after many months . . . I was able to compete in all recreational activities pain free. I thought it seemed like a good career — helping people, decent pay, tennis shoes & no cubicle, where do I sign up?”
On my first visit, Colella outlined a series of exercises, even drawing stick figure diagrams to make sure I did them correctly. After months of pain, I began to feel a difference in just a week or two. At two subsequent visits, she did deep tissue mobilization, or massage, on my hip.
Colella wanted to see me twice a week for three weeks, but with so many people seeking physical therapy at Kaiser, I was able to get only four appointments in four weeks (the last of which I missed).
In the end, it didn’t seem to matter. Colella’s treatment has put me back on the road and the treadmill. Although some pain and stiffness remain, I’m slowly overcoming a winter of sluggishness and weight gain. If all goes well, I’ll resume marathon training in a few weeks.
So thanks, Carla. And although I can’t flash a distress call against the night sky the next time I get hurt, I know where that Kaiser physical therapy center is now.
Do you need a physical therapist? In many cases, you can make an appointment without a doctor’s referral. Find one at at the American Physical Therapy Association’s site. The organization also hosts a Q and A at Ask a PT.
Follow @postmisfits on Twitter.
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