REFLECTIONS : The Therapists
by TERESITA BACANI-OROPILLA , MD
The spunky little 8-year-old with severe headache was operated on for a brain tumor . An elderly lady was given blood transfusions after bleeding from gastrointestinal ulcers . Another fell and broke her proverbial “ arm and a leg ” and had to be surgically reconstituted . Now she has an artificial hip , and her arm is in a sling .
After hospitalizations , all were recommended for rehabilitation before they could be sent home to resume life as usual .
One may not have realized that rehabilitation had become such a specialized entity . Physical , occupational , speech , respiratory and other therapists are separate entities with different techniques and goals .
We see patients manipulating elastic bands , balls , doing repetitive bicycling for dear life and stepping between ladders : that last one looked odd , till we realize these all have a purpose in helping balance , gait and vigor . They are for eye , hand and leg coordination and endurance . They are for regaining fine manipulation and being able to bend over without toppling over . They are for climbing steps , turning in a circle , getting in and out of cars and living with The Dizzies as best they can . They are for standing up from chairs and carrying jugs of milk . They are for picking up little Grands without their parents shrieking in fear ! They are for walking the young down the aisle , and waltzing with one ’ s sweetie .
In the patient ’ s view , these activities can sometimes feel like torture ! I ’ m sure therapists have to explain to these poor souls why they are put through such misery , that slowly they are regaining the skills and strength they thought they had lost . Until such skills are measured , the losses can be masked a bit : but with scientific checking , the therapists see exactly what they need to do to help .
Results ? For our sample : on an almost miraculous note , the little girl recovered all her mental and physical faculties , she did not need further rehabilitation . She is back in school .
The older patients went through their paces , recovering their strength and will soon be discharged from rehab .
Yay !! For therapists ! And their therapy assistants ! And the people who taught them ! And the people who designed and invented all the stuff they use !
Three cheers for all ! Dr . Bacani-Oropilla is a retired pediatrician and psychiatrist .
February 2024 21