When I hear how long some of these guys have been locked up, my question to them has been, “what keeps you going?”
A list that I will add to as the days go by:
to be able to see my grandkids is a common one
to meet my great grandkids (been in 26 years)
that tomorrow will be a better day–another common one even from a condemned resident
to get out and help youth avoid my path
that even at 70, I’ll be able to enjoy what’s left of my life
“I just feel so loved”
Themes so far: hope, purpose and human connection. These are very important determinants of good health, as well as being important in chronic pain recovery. And it appears to be important in resilience.
To be continued…….
*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..
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.
Prison PT 
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