Adventures In Physical Therapy: Stories to Ease the Pain

One morning, as Fernando Figueroa worked with a patient who was receiving intensive physical therapy, he told the healing but still-suffering man a funny story about another patient who had been in a similar situation. He laughed at Dr. Figueroa's story-and the painful therapy became less stressful. The man greatly appreciated the distraction and insisted Dr. Figueroa put all his stories together in book form so other patients' pain could also be eased.

After almost three decades in the profession, in "Adventures in Physical Therapy" Dr. Figueroa has compiled 28 short and easy-to-read stories from the experiences of his patients and colleagues. Many are humorous, some are inspirational, others are poignant-but all are important lessons in the strength of the human spirit. Dr. Figueroa says these stories, among others, have shaped, in many ways, how he views his life, his clinical practice, and his beliefs. Included:

PREFACE

CHAPTER ONE - The Lady and the Cat

CHAPTER TWO - A Surgeon from the Vietnam War

CHAPTER THREE - Mark, the Man Who Was in a Coma for Six Years

CHAPTER FOUR - The Harley Guy

CHAPTER FIVE - A New PT Treats the Wrong Patient

CHAPTER SIX - Fire Ants!

CHAPTER SEVEN - A 101-Year-Old Man Gets a Traffic Ticket

CHAPTER EIGHT - Falls: The High Heels; The Lady Without a Real Family; A Fall in the Shower

CHAPTER NINE - Hurricane Stories: The Hearing Aid; The Boat; The Cat

CHAPTER TEN - The Easter Weekend of Tragedy and Hope

CHAPTER ELEVEN - New PT in Trouble!

CHAPTER TWELVE - Near-Death Experiences: A Surprise During Surgery; A Car Accident

CHAPTER THIRTEEN - Beyond Manipulation

CHAPTER FOURTEEN - My Friend, Bill

CHAPTER FIFTEEN - Mr. Washington: An Example of the Perfect Patient

CHAPTER SIXTEEN - Jimmy, My 6'8" Patient

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN - The Cheerleader

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN - Driving Test

CHAPTER NINETEEN - The Difficult Patient

CHAPTER TWENTY - Travel to Jordan

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE - Mary, the PT Technician

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO - The Wild and Brilliant Idea

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE - The 350-Pound Patient with Bilateral Knee Replacements

EPILOGUE

APPENDIX A: How to Find a Physical Therapist

APPENDIX B: How to Become a Physical Therapy Professional

ABOUT THE AUTHOR