World Physical Therapy Day

World Physical Therapy Day is observed every year on September 8 to raise awareness about the crucial contribution that our PTs make to keep people well, mobile and independent. Our physical therapists at OrthoCarolina play a vital role in keeping our patients healthy, improving movement, managing pain, promoting healing, and are often an important part of rehabilitation for those with chronic conditions.

We asked some of our physical therapists why they chose to make PT their career:

I most enjoy being a PT because I am able to combine my love of sports and science on a daily basis by helping my injured and post-op patients return to the athletic field, work and life. 

Mindy Blitzer, MSPT; OrthoCarolina Ballantyne

The greatest moment a PT has is when a patient returns to their sport for the first time after an injury. The smile on their face is worth all the effort.

Ken Breath, PT, ATC, LAT, Physical Therapy Manager, Huntersville; Joe Gibbs Racing

Being a Physical Therapist gives me the opportunity to help people become more fit, active, and take personal responsibility for their own health.  We do this without drugs or surgery, so this is an extremely rewarding profession on many levels.

Chris Gabriel PT,OCS,CSCS, OrthoCarolina Wellness Center

Physical therapy is a very fulfilling profession in which I get to work with a myriad of patients from pediatrics to geriatrics and help return them to their normal activities at home, school, work or play/sports.  It is always rewarding and exciting to feel like you made a difference in their lives.   

Carol Green, PT, COMT; Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist, Eastover Physical Therapy

I love helping people. It is rewarding to help people reach their full potential and overcome their limitations. I also love building relationships and interacting with people during their rehabilitation. It can be a very vulnerable time for the patients and I really enjoy helping them smile throughout the process. 

Demian Gutierrez, PT, OrthoCarolina Ballantyne and Hendrick Motorsports

I have worked in Physical Therapy for 34 years and each day is active and fulfilling. You never sit down and you have an opportunity to help others overcome physical limitations.

Dianne Jackson, PT, MBA; Vice President Ancillary Services, OrthoCarolina

I enjoy working in PT because I get to help people return to the life they lived before their injury or surgery.

Kristin Royen, PT, DPT, OrthoCarolina Matthews

I enjoy the outpatient setting and getting to know the patients, since we work with most of them for at least a few months.

Jamey Underwood, PT, DPT, OrthoCarolina Matthews

Every patient presents differently and I enjoy being challenged to figure out how to get each individual better. I love getting to know my patients and help them return to their desired activities to promote healthy lifestyles. 

Katie White, PT, DPT, OCS; Clinical Manager, Eastover Physical Therapy

More Physical Therapy news from OrthoCarolina.