One PT I know very well is quietly struggling to recover from a serious back injury, something she sustained during the course of patient care several months ago. Like most therapists, she’s awfully stubborn, insisting that her patients need her even though she’s in worse shape than they are. However, even health professionals have their limits, and I’m happy to report she is finally seeking treatment for herself even though it means she’ll have to take some time away from her patient care responsibilities.
As a group, health professionals make the worst patients imaginable, possibly because it’s hard to think of ourselves as patients when we're the ones who are supposed to be caring for everyone else. But why are we so reluctant to seek help? Is it bravery? Denial? Stubborn pride? After all, we’re only human, and susceptible to all the same injuries, pains, and diseases as our patients.
What are your experiences with career-threatening injury? How long did you wait to seek care? Did the delay spoil your chances for a full recovery? What advice do you have for your fellow therapists who have been injured on the front lines of patient care?
Bravery will only get you so far.
Anne Ahlman, MPT
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