Dear PTs: Get Out on the Field After Those Injuries!

We’re all busy. We see a lot of patients each week, each month, each year. There’s no way to remember EVERYONE’S name and situation. It never ceases to amaze me how you run into former patients. It seems like the longer I practice, the more strange it gets. Although it’s one of my favorite parts of being a physical therapist, there are ways for us to make that connection more frequently.

I recently was working an extra shift at the hospital when I ran into a former patient of mine. She’s apparently dating a guy who’s grandma is in the hospital, so she was there visiting. I didn’t remember her name, but asked, then I remembered her case. I didn’t see her more than probably 5 visits (I use 10 visits as a “I-should-remember-your-name” threshold). She said she’s doing great and more active than ever. Those are great stories to hear. They help get you through the days when it seems like you’re not on you’re A-game.

I’ll say fall is one of my favorite times for running into former patients. Why? Because I can purposely run into them and create those moments. But it’s also a really good way to build your network, be present in a community, and talk with parents, ATCs, or coaches you may not otherwise have a chance to mingle with. I see a fair amount of kids that are returning to football, soccer, and volleyball, and it’s fun to go to games and see how they look. Partly because I’m not always exactly sure how good of an athlete they are while I’m seeing them and partly because it’s relaxing for me to watch (usually). No matter how well they play when I watch, I always make an effort to touch base after the game. I’ll hear things like “sorry we lost,” “sorry I didn’t play the greatest,” “bad game to watch,” and I always remind them why it’s better than “PT-ing”. I always hear “thanks for coming to watch” with a smile and that makes the long rehab process worth it to the both of us. On a more technical note, I also like to watch my former patients get back to sport so I can refresh my memory as to the demands of sports in general! Sometimes I think I gave a patient a tough session for the day, when in reality it pales in comparison to what they’ll have to do when they get back to playing. It’s a good reminder for me to try to close that gap as much as I can during the rehab process.

All in all, selfishly, I like to go watch because it’s really fun for me to see them succeed, to see them have fun, and to see them win at the game of physical therapy. (Super corny but really true). So drag your butt out there and watch – and have FUN.

Brett