You're a PT? What's a PT?

When 17 year-old Emily was applying to college, she had no idea what she wanted to do with the rest of her life. With guidance from family and friends, she chose an undergraduate degree in Athletic Training and Psychology. As graduation approached, the next phase loomed ahead. A bachelor’s degree was no longer enough to write your ticket into healthcare, so the debate of graduate programs began.

Purdue University Graduation May 2004

There were options. So. Many. Options. From advanced study in Athletic Training to programs in other kinesiology related fields. And that’s when I really paid attention to the phrase “physical therapy.” What is physical therapy? A few of the staff members were also PTs, but I didn’t know much more than that.

Admittedly, this is not something I often disclose as a professional, but it’s the truth. I didn’t really even know what physical therapy was when I applied to graduate school. But I knew that my two biggest mentors had gone through reputable programs and they encouraged me to push myself to achieve the highest level.

So, here I am, many years later, Dr. Emily Perkins, sharing what this wonderful profession is and how it could help you and your equine friend.

Physical therapists are known as “movement experts.” Our education emphasizes an understanding of anatomy and physiology, specifically the musculoskeletal system.

The aim of physical therapy is simple – feel better, move better. We work to relieve pain, loosen up what’s tight and strengthen what’s weak. We use a combination of exercises, manual therapy (massage, joint mobilization and passive stretching) and modalities (things like heat, cold, dry needling, taping, etc…) to address these issues.

The best (and in my humble and honest opinion the most important) aspect of physical therapy is to educate patients on what they can do themselves to maintain and improve their own health. This is where physical therapists stand apart from other health care providers. We use our time to help you feel better, move better and then teach you how to stay that way.

Stay tuned for our “Feel Good Fridays” where I highlight different treatments and techniques in more detail that help keep you and your horse feeling your best!