Time: 7 AM-3 PM

Date: 9-24-18

Place: Big Stone Therapies

Total Hours Spent Shadowing: 8

Observations:

• Many different Physical Therapists

• Knee soreness/ post-op
o Strengthening/ increasing mobility
• Shoulder stiffness/ post-op
o Increasing mobility and stretching
• Lower and upper back pain
• CP (Cerebral Palsy) patient
• Physical rehab
o Stretching, strengthening, increasing mobility
• Charts, ultrasound machine, and electronic shock machine

Reflection:

I really enjoyed today’s shadowing experience! I thought it was interesting to see how personal
and friendly the patients were with the therapists. Most of the time, I saw patients who come in
regularly, which means the therapists have plenty of time to get to know their patients. I also enjoyed
seeing some of the equipment, technology, and techniques that therapists use when treating and
working with patients. One thing I wish I could change about today’s experience is seeing more of the
difference between physical therapists and physical therapy assistants. I spent most of the day in the
gym area, working on rehab with patients. Next time, I hope to see a new patient being diagnosed and a
discharge of a “graduating” patient. After today’s experience, I could see myself as a physical therapist.
Time: 11 AM- 3 PM

Date: 10-17-18

Place: Big Stone Therapies

Total Hours Spent Shadowing: 12

Observations:

• Trisha Rieffenberger
• Re-evaluation (previously coming to rehab for one injury/pain and diagnosed with another)
o Had neck pain, now lower back
o Diagnosis procedure
• Knee replacements and stiffness
• Shoulder infringement
• Hip replacement
• Otago exercise plan
• Graston treatment (soft tissue)

Reflection:

Today, I spent most of the day following Trisha Rieffenberger, one of Big Stone Therapies
physical therapists. The most exciting part of my day was seeing the re-evaluation of a patient. I was
amazed at how she knew the diagnosis within minutes after hearing the patient’s story, rather than
having to perform multiple tests to find it. Again, I loved the patient- therapist interaction and learning
about the different techniques different therapists use. After today, I am even more excited to enter the
physical therapy career.
Time: 7 AM- 3 PM

Date: 10-24-18

Place: Big Stone Therapies

Total Hours Spent Shadowing: 20

Observations:

• Many PT’s (Kim Pearson)

• Initial evaluation
o Knee pain due to previous injury and growth spurt
• CP patient
o Post-op
o Making leg muscles stronger
• Toe injury
• Post knee and shoulder injuries/ surgeries
• Back pain (Fibromyalgia)
o Stretching and neuromuscular exercises
• Post head trauma
o Balance and motor skills
• CP patient
o All 4 limbs affected
o PT working with OT

Reflection:

Like the past 2 days, I really enjoyed seeing all of the duties and responsibilities a physical
therapist has. I also spent some time talking to a few of the PTs about college and Physical Therapy
school. This was really helpful as they gave me some tips on how to get in and make it through PT
school. I loved working with the occupational therapist and seeing how the two departments work
together to achieve the patient’s goals. After this entire experience, I cannot wait to become a licensed
physical therapist!