Prison PT

inmate perspective #2

yearning for the little things

I’ve been struck by their stories when they want to share. I’ve always been one that draws out people’s stories, not always by asking, but a felt sense of trust.

And I can’t say that this is specific to me, but perhaps to PT in general. We get time with the person and usually without rush, so there is more time to share if one is willing and feels a mutual trust.

This guy this day, shared with me what he was really yearning for. And it’s not something big. He said he watches TV sometimes and just sees scenes and he wishes he could have those simple things.

  • Seeing a man walking a dog or playing with his kids
  • Wanting to just open up the refrigerator and choosing whatever he wants
  • To sit on the front porch and just open up and read a newspaper

He said his family thinks he’s a monster, but he knows, he’s not the same person he was 10 years ago when he landed here. He avoids trouble and sticks to talking to those that want to get out or who are about to get out.

He tries to focus on the good things and continues to work on being a better person.

It’s enough to make one keep gratitude real close. Gratitude for the small things, like the warm water of the shower, being able to walk outside, being able to go to a grocery store.

*just to note, I’ll be leaving out the name of the institution that I work at. It’s a state prison for reference. Images are not from the prison as no devices are allowed in.

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caring for the incarcerated

Prison PT

I’ve been a physical therapist (PT) for 19 years. Worked in all different settings: Acute care, inpatient rehab, home health, hospice care, outpatient clinic, telehealth, and I’ve run my own concierge practice. As a yoga therapist and PT I’ve been able to help those see a new perspective around their pain. Not to expect a pain-free life, but to relish a life that exists in the presence of pain—because we will all experience it at some point.  But now, I’ve chosen a new path. I wanted to serve the underserved, and I wanted something unique. Working at a prison was not something I thought possible. But it is. There are a small world of PT’s doing just that. But if you search out there to find information on the experience, you won’t find much. I found several sites about nursing for the incarcerated, but the PT landscape was bleak.  So, it’s with this intention that I began to share the stories here. A source to inform those who are curious and have questions and provide them a place to land. Please share if you know someone who might be interested.
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