Today, September 8, is World Physiotherapy Day, at the same time I just got back working too yesterday after nine days of self quarantine. Yay! Happy days!
I have gotten so bored with the quarantine, so, when I was notified to undergo RT-PCR (swab) test last week, Friday, I have decided to give it a go and hopefully be my ticket to freedom, lol! Saturday, I got the test and eeeww the feeling of that thing on the innermost cumbersome part of my nose sucks. I hate it. That was my first time and hopefully the last, God willing. I don't want to endure another. So, please keep me away from Covid19, Lord! That's me praying while waiting in queue for my test.
Finally, I got the result Monday, this week, and the result was negative. Praise God! So, Tuesday, I'm back on track. Three patients greeted me in the morning, what a toxic comeback, I thought, lol! But, anyway, I'm grateful to be working again, I kinda miss the usual routines, though I did enjoy some days off to sleep longer, write more, exercise regularly, and start making noise again in noise.cash. I'm still thankful for the break I had during quarantine. Win-win for me for sure.
Anyhow, let me go back to my topic for today. World PT Day, nothing much special because of the pandemic, but I'm glad that the world celebrates with us, virtually.
I have seen some post on Facebook with this image, that I wish to insert here too.
Now, let me take this opportunity to explain what Physical Therapy or Physiotherapy, as what they call us in other countries.
By definition,
Physical therapy (PT), also known as physiotherapy, is one of the allied health professions. Physical therapy is provided by physical therapists who promote, maintain, or restore health through physical examination, diagnosis, prognosis, patient education, physical intervention, rehabilitation, disease prevention and health promotion. - Source: Wikipedia
Thus, we play an important role in the patient's recovery after injury, or an illness, like stroke, traumatic brain/ spinal injury, fractures, back pains, Bell's Palsy - these are just the common cases we deal with. For us, we make sure that our patients may function on its highest functional level and quality of life.
In my facility, the bulk of our patients usually comes from neurologic disability following stroke or Cerebrovascular Accident. After the nurses or an attending physician restore a patient physiologically with stable vital signs, he/she will then be referred to a Physical Therapist for evaluation and treatment. There are no shortcuts in undergoing PT, every session is a goal to increase mobility, flexibility and function. Pain, exhaustion, patience, hard work, and focus are expected. It is a conservative management of a disease, so expect no instant and quick results.
However, there are still some people and medical professionals who coined us to massage therapists, and reflexologist. Thus, some doctors don't refer their patients to a PT, and often times these patients would come later when the problem worsens. For instance, stroke patients usually have favorable outcomes in the first six months following the attack, if a patient comes later than that, recovery will be so slow. Some also have complications of prolonged immobility that is so difficult to deal with. Thus, in stroke, the acute phase is crucial, make sure your loved ones are given the needed care.
These are just bits and pieces of what Physical Therapy is all about. I think it would be better if you can consult the nearest PT rehab unit in a hospital near you if you need any help.
Today, to celebrate World PT day, we just had a short zoom lecture on the role of PT in Covid19, that was this morning. Later in the afternoon, I have a patient for homecare, then passed by the hospital to receive the good news! DOH just handed us our hazard pay, yes! After a century, kidding, just a year lol! Not much really, I don't know how they compute it, but it's an unexpected blessing that I am so much grateful. Thank God!
It's a coincidence, that we are all wearing a green PPE too today, so we had one snap for PT day.
Green is the color of hope!
Let us keep our hopes high and our prayers higher for a Covid19-free community.
Cheers for life and good health!
Related Articles:
Toxic Days with Toxic Patients
Life of a Traveling Physiotherapist
Lead Image/ Photo 1 from Facebook
Photo 2/Group Picture by ME
©️ LykeLyca
I believe that Physiotherapists are vital for many patients. Happy day of Physiotherapy to you!
And how good that your Covid test is negative, and you've come out of quarantine.