Physical Therapy: Round One

Moving back into my college apartment felt like a dream. After everything I had been through, being back in my own space gave me a sense of comfort and normalcy I had been craving for so long. But I also knew a new challenge was about to begin, physical therapy.

For the next few months, I committed to putting in the work twice a week. I walked into my first session not really knowing what to expect. All I knew was that I wanted to get better. I wanted to get stronger. I wanted to get back to “normal.” All of my physical therapy sessions were at AdventHealth, which made the experience even more meaningful. This was the same place where I had my surgery and began my recovery. The doctors, physical therapists, and techs were incredibly kind, patient, and encouraging. They pushed me when I needed it and supported me every step of the way.

My first day was my evaluation. I remember sitting down with the lead physical therapist as he asked me questions about my back and tested my strength. He wanted to see what we were starting with. Then he asked me something simple, but important:

“What are your goals for physical therapy?”

Without hesitation, I looked at him and said,“I want to walk without a mobility device, I want to drive, and I want to wear heels… for graduation.” Those were it, my three goals.

They might sound small to some people, but to me, they were everything. They represented independence, confidence, and getting pieces of my life back. His reaction was priceless, equal parts surprised and impressed but I meant every word.

Physical therapy wasn’t easy. It was challenging, frustrating at times, and required more patience than I ever thought I had. But I showed up. Session after session, I put in the effort, not just in the clinic, but at home too.

I was in physical therapy for a little over two months, and by November, I was officially done. I can’t even describe how happy I felt walking out of there for the last time. But finishing physical therapy didn’t mean the work stopped. One of my biggest goals was to wean myself off of my cane, and I worked incredibly hard to make that happen. I stayed consistent with my exercises at home, even on the days I didn’t feel like it. Slowly but surely, I started relying on it less and less. There was a time when I couldn’t imagine walking without assistance. 

And then, one day, I was. At the time, I thought that chapter of my life was completely behind me, that I wouldn’t be returning to physical therapy again. But life has a way of surprising you.

Almost a year later, I would find myself walking back into those same doors again, hurt, heartbroken, and sad, but ready for the new challenge that was headed for me.