Fall Awareness Sparks Stories of Courage and Recovery this Physical Therapy Month
Happy Physical Therapy Month! This year’s theme, Fall Awareness, chosen by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), reminds us of the importance of maintaining strength, balance, and mobility to prevent falls. It’s also a chance to celebrate the incredible work physical therapists do to help patients regain their independence and confidence.
Here are a few inspiring stories from patients who have worked with Tx:Team therapists:
After a severe car accident left her with three broken bones in her pelvis, Betsy at Somerby Sandy Springs began her physical therapy journey using a walker. Over the course of a few months, she transitioned to a cane and eventually regained the ability to walk unassisted. Betsy described her Tx:Team physical therapist, Rachel Hett, PT, DPT as encouraging and motivating. Rachel worked closely with Betsy, practicing outdoor laps and pool exercises to rebuild her confidence when Betsy was feeling scared and weak. The balance work they did together, both in the gym and in the pool, proved crucial in her recovery.
Betsy states, “The quality and quickness of the process pleasantly surprised me. My therapist and I worked very hard and I was happy for the encouragement. Regaining my balance was pretty challenging, but physical therapy helped a lot.”
Betsy’s determination, combined with Rachel’s unwavering support, helped her overcome the physical and emotional challenges of recovery. Today, she’s walking confidently again, a testament to the power of skilled therapy and perseverance.
After a lengthy hospital stay, one patient at Somerby Mount Pleasant struggled with a significant loss of strength and endurance. Determined to return to his former activity levels, he set goals in therapy to regain mobility and stamina. With the support of his Tx:Team therapists, he is now able to walk longer distances, including trips to see his wife in memory care, and has made great strides in improving his overall endurance.
Reflecting on his therapy experience, the patient stated, “Their empathy and professionalism have helped me to achieve my successes. I believe that without the physical and occupational therapy I am receiving, I would have ended up in assisted living. The mobility I have is because of my therapy and the dedication of Tx:Team, specifically Megan Gidley, Tori Berry, and Kelly van Vliet.”
His progress is a powerful reminder of how personalized therapy can transform lives and restore independence.
Following surgery for a complicated leg fracture, Nikki, a patient at Frederick Health Physical Therapy and Sports Rehab Aspen Ridge, was wheelchair-bound and filled with anxiety about starting physical therapy. Her physical therapist, Priya Morgan, PT, DPT, provided the reassurance and support she needed. With exercises tailored to her comfort level, Nikki progressed from using a wheelchair to walking independently.
“The team at Aspen Ridge was always helpful, providing me with the necessary tools and encouragement to enhance my recovery. I am grateful for their dedication to my well-being. Priya told me in the very beginning she would always be my biggest cheerleader, and she proved this to be 100% true,” Nikki shared.
With Priya’s guidance and the support of the Aspen Ridge team, Nikki was able to overcome her fears and regain her independence. Her journey from a wheelchair to walking unaided highlights the power of compassionate care and personalized therapy.
These stories demonstrate the incredible impact physical therapy has on improving balance, mobility, and overall quality of life. This Physical Therapy Month, we celebrate the perseverance of these patients and the unwavering support of their therapists in helping them achieve their goals!
