In physical therapy,
patients are our teachers.
“We need to nurture the faith of patients.
We must do everything to earn their trust,
delivering the result they come to expect;
this is why we need to keep on learning unceasingly.”
One of the allied health professionals that complement the doctor's treatment and help restore a patient's quality of life is physical therapy. Ms. Kratai, Panida Chalermpornchai, PT, manager of the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Center at MedPark Hospital, took time off from her busy schedule to relate her work experience, repleted with inspiring stories.
Her family was concerned, wishing she could care for herself
The main driving force for studying to become a physical therapist was her childhood illnesses, being ill frequently with hay fever and sinusitis. Her family was concerned for her health, wanting her to study health sciences to care for herself when sick.
“My parents did not compel me to be a doctor. They just wanted me to study health sciences. I knew that the working hours of physical therapists did not involve shift work but had regular working hours, and I thought I could gain the knowledge to look after myself.”
In the first year, I had to study mathematics and calculations, and I could not see the reason for learning them. However, I realized the importance in the second year because we needed to calculate the values from some equipment in which we had to understand its vector when landing on the human skin.”
Another subject Ms. Kratai was particularly fond of was anatomy, in which students learn about body parts from human cadavers, much to her liking, and she did well on the tests. The more she studied how to analyze the mechanics of body movements, the more delightful she became.
“When making rounds with the professor, I saw how my professors managed and formulated the physical therapy plan for their patients. I admired how they approached and talked with patients. When physical therapists saw patients, they took time with each patient. Our duty is not limited to giving physical therapy; but also to chatting and asking how they feel to alleviate their stress and anxiety, replenishing their spirits, and building trust like friends. Doing so will create closeness and cooperation with the therapy sessions as a dividend.”
Because sometimes patients can be our teachers
Many times during her career, professional work experience showed that she was still not sufficiently competent after graduating. Her work did not go as smoothly as she thought it would. She then realized that physical therapy is another field that requires endless learning.
When making rounds with a professor, everything looked straightforward because the professor laid out a treatment plan for us with their vast experience. But when I had to perform procedures on my patients, things did not always go as I thought. The textbook may say you must do this, but it did not work out in real-world situations as every patient has different physiology. The same method may be helpful for some patients but not for others. We have to keep on learning.
Ms. Kratai keeps reminding herself that every therapy session is a learning opportunity to gain more experience, knowledge, and positive vibes from her patients.
“I once met a hemiplegic patient -- at the tender age of 21; very young but already facing a difficult situation. One thing that never diminished was his willpower. The patient had a highly positive outlook. I always thought that one day he could return to work, be able to do whatever he set his mind to, and set goals in life. It makes me realize that each patient has a different life purpose.”
“Sometimes we think for others despite their having personal ideas. We often forget to ask what they want to do. People tend to believe bedridden or paralyzed patients only wait for someone to look after them and decide for them. They have thoughts and things they desire to do or choose by themselves, such as clothes, food, or furniture. But when they become patients, their family members usually do not give weight to their opinion. It is crucial because allowing them to think or decide for themselves causes them to feel valued and helps to uplift their spirits.”
Working in a profession that demands continuous learning, Ms. Kratai often enrolls in courses to augment her knowledge and apply it in her current professional practice; since one of the work obstacles is herself.
“In actual work situations, I found out that there are many things I am blind to. Plenty of things are not even in the textbooks. Hundreds of patients require hundreds of ways of treatment. That begged the question -- Am I good enough? Early in my career, physical therapy was considered a newfangled profession. Many did not comprehend what we could do. And I could not do much myself, so I discussed with doctors, told them where I could help, made them and their patients understand my work. When I could do my work with good results, the doctors trusted in me. This profession has since greatly expanded, and people now know what we can do.”
The advantage of working as a physical therapist is that the community of physical therapists is giving and supportive. Since there were a small number of physical therapists at the beginning of this profession, they are close-knit and supportive of each other. When someone has questions or issues, they can consult others and get a helping hand.
Because we are constantly moving throughout our entire lives
When asked about the importance of the profession of physical therapy in hospitals, Ms. Kratai explained that its significance begins as soon as humans start moving.
"We are with our bodies from the moment we wake up until we go to bed. Physical therapy takes care of us from the womb to the final stages of life because this profession helps manage all aspects of human movement."
“For instance, if you experience back pain, difficulty sleeping, or poor sleep quality after going to bed, it is our roles to offer care and guidance on coping strategies and selecting a suitable mattress or pillow. As you age, we will provide advices on preventing falls and maintaining better memory. In the case of joint replacement surgery, the affected body part may not function as it did before, potentially leading to muscle loss. Our task is to enhance the strength of the muscles surrounding that joint, enabling you to resume your normal daily activities. Consequently, the responsibilities of a physical therapist extend to every aspect of life and treatment.”
“Physical therapy serves not only as a form of treatment, but also provides guidance on how individuals can use their bodies more effectively. Physical therapists can offer advice on selecting running shoes to improve speed, swimming techniques for smooth movements, methods to enhance shooting range in basketball, strategies to increase driving distance in golf, and even suggest suitable beds based on body type to prevent back pain.”
“What is indispensable is giving emotional support to patients as if they are your family members, coaxing them to stand up on their power and cooperate during the treatment process. There was a case of a 17 years old teenager who got shot with a bullet lodged in his spinal cord. As the only son in the family, they were emotionally devastated. Therefore, it was necessary to talk to and encourage them. I put his parents at ease and let the patient set aim at what he wants to do once his condition improves.”
“At first, it was full of despair. But I shadowed him, kept talking to and giving encouragement. From being a boy who could be bedridden for the rest of his life, he is now an engineer working in Japan and can go anywhere he wishes with the help of crutches.”
The example proves that professional knowledge and support from fellow physical therapists, together with the determination and trust of patients, can restore their life quality.
Traveling helps you gain knowledge and humble yourself
When not working, Ms. Kratai often chooses to go on trips to faraway places, completely disconnecting herself from her job. It's even better if there is no cell phone reception in the area.
“My travel is literally an expedition. I like to go out and observe people, behaviors, and cultures. They are learning experiences that enrich my IQ and EQ. When surrounded by new faces in unfamiliar places, you realize how little you are among the great expanses of the Earth.”
“If you remain in familiar surroundings, people will treat you based on your role, title, and position in the hierarchy. However, when you venture outside of that environment, the people around you have no knowledge of your identity. They can treat you -- however they please. You may be overlooked or disregarded. These moments make you realize the challenges of being anonymous or having no special status.”
“Returning from a trip, I find myself immune to the allure of my official standing, taming down my ego. I avoid exploiting my position or showing off. Instead, I respect all my coworkers and appreciate the importance of their specific roles and duties. I understand that each person possesses unique skills and capabilities, some of which may surpass mine.”
Ms. Kratai, Panida Chalermpornchai, PT
Manager of the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Center
at MedPark Hospital