National Physical Therapy Month is celebrated each October, and I would like to highlight our two incredible physical therapists Barb Gleason and Chris Gross who provide the very best hands-on physical therapy and a wide range of resources to our children and their families throughout the year.  Physical therapy provides our students with so many benefits, including improved mobility and movement, critical muscle strengthening, and the ability to experience exciting activities such as riding an adaptive bike. 

I’ve asked our four amazing PTs about the impact of their work and the value of the PT profession.   

Barb Gleason 

A great day would involve a sunny day where I could work with my students outside in the fresh air, with lots of cooperation and progress towards what we have been working on.  Seeing the progress our students make, not just mobility wise, but also academically, socially and with their communication truly warms my heart and brings a smile to my face.  A great day also includes good conversation with colleagues and minimal time spent at the computer, which is a non-preferred activity for me.  LOL – I am happiest when I don’t have to sit too long. 

A challenging day would involve multiple interruptions to my schedule, wheelchair and equipment issues and lots of computer time.   

I have been a PT for many years, and I find it wonderful the amount of autonomy and respect the field has gained.  In the early days, we would get prescriptions from doctors that would instruct us on exactly what we were to do with our patients and that over time gave way to “evaluate and treat” scripts. Now with direct access, in most cases you can treat a patient without a physician’s referral.   

In reference to what I would say to a young person interested in PT, I would first ask them if they were “a people person”?  To be an effective PT you need to enjoy being around others and you need to be a good communicator.   You also need to like always being on the move, this is not a sedentary occupation. 

One of the greatest aspects of this field is the opportunity to work in multiple and varied settings.  Yet you can also specialize in area or population if you wish. I have worked in many different settings as a therapist and have found each to have their own unique challenges as well as rewards.  Ultimately, I love being able to help others overcome challenges and be the best they can be, and that is what a PT does regardless of the setting in which they practice. 

Chris Gross 

I think a great day is when I have students on my schedule who enjoy coming to therapy and who put forth their best effort.  PT is a lot more fun when working with students who participate well, regardless of their physical capabilities.  I had a student this school year who thanked me for working with her – that totally melted my heart! 

The most challenging sessions involve setting up the environment so that the student will participate, and we can get something accomplished during a session (kind of the opposite of the previous answer). 

In my opinion, the biggest changes would not be in the PT field itself but in the equipment that we use to support our practice. Improvements in technology and equipment design have allowed PT to use these devices to help people with various disabilities more readily access their environment for improved quality of life. 

There are many practice settings for physical therapists so the answer to that question would depend on the setting in which one is looking to work.  Delivery of PT in the school setting is not like any other PT setting.  We function in more of a support role-but if you enjoy working with kids who have physical challenges and would like to help them succeed in their educational environment, this may be something to consider. 

We are so fortunate to have both Barb and Chris part of our BNI family!