From The Frontlines To Recovery – How A Physical Therapist Can Change Your Life

“It’s amazing. I’m alive, let alone walking, but I’m still here.” ~ Spc. Joaquin Pina

Army Spc. Joaquin Pina, a water treatment specialist stationed at Ft Drum, New York, experienced a life-changing incident during a routine training day when he was shot in both legs with a heavy grenade launcher. This severe injury necessitated multiple surgeries and a month-long hospital stay. Fortunately, Ft Drum hosts one of the country’s fourteen Soldier Recovery Units (SRUs), which Pina describes as incredibly supportive and accommodating, focusing solely on his recovery. This support is similar to that which a Falls Church, VA, physical therapist offers.

Pina’s journey to recovery involved adapting to new ways of movement and embracing various therapies. Adaptive sports played a significant role in his rehabilitation, providing him with goals beyond physical therapy. He engaged in powerlifting, cycling, and rowing, activities that helped him regain strength and mobility. Pina progressed from using a walker to a cane and now walks unaided. Despite not being able to jog or run yet, he remains determined to achieve these milestones.

In addition to physical recovery, Pina found solace in music and art therapy. He emphasized the importance of perseverance and adaptability in his journey, citing the initial pain of rowing as a challenge he overcame through persistence. Pina’s dedication to adaptive sports and regular workouts at the gym have been crucial to his progress.

Grateful for the opportunities provided by the SRU, Pina aspires to return to duty. He encourages others facing difficulties to never give up, underscoring that hard work and repetition are key to recovery. His story is a testament to the resilience and determination required to overcome severe injuries and adapt to new circumstances, showcasing the supportive environment of the SRU in aiding soldiers’ recoveries.

A Falls Church Physical Therapist Can Improve Your Mobility After Surgery

Physical therapists play a crucial role in helping individuals regain abilities and improve their quality of life after surgery. Their expertise in movement and rehabilitation is key to a successful recovery process. Whether you’ve been injured in a car accident, while deployed, or at work, physical therapy can help you regain your independence.

Here’s how a physical therapist can help:

  • Create a personalized treatment plan based on a thorough assessment of your physical condition, including strength, flexibility, range of motion, and pain levels.
  • Provide alternative sources of pain management, both post-surgery and post-therapy sessions. Because pain can hinder recovery, physical therapists use various techniques such as manual therapy, ice and heat application, electrical stimulation, and exercises to manage pain. These methods help reduce discomfort and swelling, enabling patients to engage more effectively in their rehabilitation.
  • Restore mobility through targeted exercises designed to restore flexibility and range of motion. Techniques such as stretching, joint mobilizations, and specific movements are employed to regain mobility and prevent stiffness.
  • Combat muscle weakness and atrophy with strength training exercises to rebuild muscle strength and endurance. These exercises are progressive, starting with low resistance and gradually increasing as the patient gains strength and confidence.

To ensure patients can return to their daily activities, physical therapists incorporate functional training into the rehabilitation program. This includes exercises that mimic everyday tasks, such as walking, climbing stairs, and lifting objects.

How Can Physical Therapy Work For You?

If you’ve been injured or had surgery, physical therapy can help you regain your abilities and heal. Contact AmeriWell Clinics today to learn about our services and schedule your assessment.