You know, it takes a long time to get through school and learn the information required to become a Registered Physiotherapist in Canada. For most, it takes 6 years to complete their schooling. For me, it was 7 years - I initially wanted to be a teacher. Which, I am still a teacher, but my audience changes all day, everyday.
I started university with the intent of majoring in Biology and going the route of a schoolteacher. I loved Biology. Still do, but the science of invertebrates, plants, ocean life etc. wasn't that appealing to me. I had to make some changes. What started it? Sitting in a class of invertebrates with (in my opinion) the DRIEST, MOST MONOTONED, BORING professor ever. I HATED IT. The more I went to that class, the more I hated the route I was going. I didn't like where I was heading.
Like many, I didn't have a sweet clue as to what I wanted to do with my life. I just knew it wasn't this. I proceeded to the university's career center, as I knew I needed help. I did many career tests, tests that analyzed my personality, my interests, and a few other attributes I'm sure, I just can't remember what they were at this point. Nonetheless, what I did know was I liked sports, I liked learning about the body. Naturally, Kinesiology was my starting point.
As I was finishing my studies, the next task was figuring out, "what next?" I've thought about Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, or some sort of exercise related something or other. Let's be honest, I still didn't have a plan or had no idea what I was doing. However, I was so wrapped into volleyball at the time that I wanted to learn more about the body and above all, helping others. It was a start.
One of the most memorable conversations I've ever had was with a Physiotherapist. He played hockey with my father. He explained to me what each profession was about, and ultimately Physiotherapy involved more patient interaction, less reports and writing, and it was more fun. SOLD. Now, to get into a Physiotherapy Master's Program somewhere. Great!
Upon graduation, I had applied for multiple Physiotherapy programs out of province (including Glasgow, Scotland) - Newfoundland doesn't have a Physiotherapy Program. As a back up, I applied to one school for Occupational Therapy out of province, as well as a Masters of Exercise Physiology at my current university. Exercise Physiology and Anatomy were my best subjects. It was my first academic love - learning about the body and myself. I applied for all options and hoped for the best.
Turns out, I was accepted for all 3 avenues of study through 3 different universities!
Exercise Physiology in Newfoundland, Occupational Therapy in Nova Scotia, and Physiotherapy in Scotland. I was excited! Physiotherapy was my main goal. So I opted for that. As previously mentioned, I applied to many schools for Physiotherapy. I loved the idea of Scotland but I was scared to be so far away by myself. I would go if I had to and that was the plan. I was wait-listed for the university of choice, Dalhousie. Nova Scotia was quite close to Newfoundland, easy to get back home, and I had family there.
Luckily, a day or two prior to having to put a down payment to obtain my spot in Scotland, I received confirmation that I had been accepted to Dalhousie University. This I could get on board with. I said yes IMMEDIATELY. I felt I would be safe there. I was exceptionally glad and grateful to be given the opportunity to study there. I was a very shy kid back then, Scotland would be completely out of my comfort zone (so was Dalhousie, just not as much), meeting new people scared me and the unknown was completely terrifying. Thankfully, some of my classmates had also got accepted into the Physiotherapy Program in Dalhousie University which gave me much relief. I was set.
Fast forward to 2 year's later, I'm graduating (We can talk about my time in Dalhousie another day). I was the first individual in my class to start work. I began work in a hospital completing outpatient and inpatient care. It was so exciting. I was happy to work, I was happy to learn and I sure was happy to make money. The difference between myself from a fresh graduate to an almost 13 years of practice is significant (I mean, as it should be really). I did not know the impact I could make an individual's life. I did not know where my career would take me. The things I would see and witness, and how I could help save lives. Physiotherapy isn't just for sports injuries my friends. We can speak about the 3 pillars (Neurological, Cardiorespiratory, and Orthopedics) later. It's fascinating and quite scary at times too.
Another future topic is insuring you have a good preceptor and mentor. I didn't have one for years. When you don't, well, my favorite phrase became, "I didn't learn this in school." Shit man. I was NOT confident. I didn't know what I was doing. I was learning on the fly, I had questions and no one to help answer them. I would leave many days confused and defeated. How I fully changed that mentality? I moved to the wild west, Alberta. My career completely changed for the better. That, is also for another day. So many great topics! My solution at the time? Do courses, and more courses, and search for more ways to learn as much as possible. It was okay. It helped a little bit. I treated people based on the little information I knew and hoped for the best.
If you didn't catch what I just said, let me say it again. I treated people based on the little information I knew.
My summary of Physiotherapy school? Do not hurt, this is how to assess people and to be safe. Oh, and don't do anything "stupid." Right, okay. We didn't do a huge amount of various treatment techniques in my opinion. We learned how to put machines on people, not much on exercise, some assessment techniques can turn into treatment techniques and that was it. No wonder I used the excuse, "I didn't learn this in school." It's just that, an excuse. If I had a mentor to properly teach me what I know now, wow. Imagine how better healthcare could be. However, finding someone willing to put the time in to help another human (especially if they can be better than you at your job) is tough. Another ego related topic for another day.
How I treat now? Pure trigger point, muscle releases, fascial line releases and adjusting on how it affects each body part. I've taken 30 + courses in my 13 years and I can safely say I don't use a lot of information from either source. That may sound disappointing, but the more you learn with the addition of receiving the opportunity to grow - creates an environment for you to experiment and develop your own treatment methods / techniques. I was never good at problem solving. Now? give me a body part to figure out, I dare you. Most times I can tell you what it is before I put my hands on what's going on. How? Experience yes, but I also listen to my patient - my next topic - it's a good one.
Why did Alberta change my career from the bullshit excuse, "I didn't learn this in school?" When I was forced to use my own brain. My lightbulb moment? When the modalities were taken away and I had to treat clients with only my two hands. What then exploded me into how I'm so good at my job? When I knew experimenting with releases and playing with how joints move wasn't going to hurt anybody.
In summary my dear intrigued followers, always challenge yourself and experiment - especially if no harm is involved. For the therapists out there who are passionate about helping their clients - find a mentor that appreciates your time, is passionate and wants to take the time to help you, help others. No bullshit excuses. You will always continue to learn, you will never know it all, and don't stop trying to be the best damn therapist this universe has ever seen. Until next time.
-KR