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[chicandtoughness]

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[Grizzlyman]

Not sure if investing in a career based on movement is a good match if you remain fearful of movement or exercise equipment.

Inpatient care would be a terrible match as you would put patients at risk for serious injuries if you had an anxiety attack. Inpatient is still in a gym . It may be a different gym then an ortho clinic but it is still a gym.

Outpatient ortho does not require rep counting but you need to demonstrate movements and make sure the movements are being done correctly. Some ortho clinics have PTs doing lots of evals with PTAs doing the bulk of exercise but you will still be around it and need to perform movements.

Honestly, I would fire you, if you had a panic attack in the clinic. It's not safe for patients and a bad look for any business. You should probably consider a different career.

 

[chicandtoughness]

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[beyoutiful_sunshine]

Sorry to hear about your panick attacks, especially with the career choice you chose to pursue.

I think you can really make your profession what you want it to be. If there's specific things that you want to avoid you can and work in those areas that you say you feel comfortable in and where you KNOW the patient won't be at risk.
My issue is for this to happen first your have to get there.

I'm just thinking PT schools... Clinicals. You need to get a full view of the profession and you'll most likely have clinicals where you're in those types of settings. Even labs where you have to practice etc ... And if you make it out of school, now there's the struggle to find an entry level job that meet your requirements.

Now to answer your questions PT vs PTA, it's true that there are differences in what they do and that some PT in some settings only do what you mentioned above but there doesn't seem to be consistent differences and it seems to be more on a case by case basis, depending on the practice.
PTAs also need to go to school and do some type of clinicals so the same issues arise.

If you want to be the best physical therapist you can be but some type of motion gives you anxiety, like the previous person says how safe is it for the patient? And how much will you really enjoy the profession?

 

[DesertPT]

Swings and dangling harnesses are almost never used in outpatient orthopedics. You'll probably see them a handful of times as a student on rotations, but don't have to after that

Sent from my SM-N910V using SDN mobile

 

[DesertPT]

If "fear of swinging things" as is mentioned in that link is an accurate description of you I don't think being a PT would necessarily be a big deal...but we don't actually know you do it's hard to say for sure...I'd say try shadowing in a neuro rehab setting and see how you do, that would likely give you an idea of the worst case scenario so to speak

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[jblil]

I have used a dangling harness in an OP clinic to support a stroke patient re-learning to walk on a treadmill.

 

[Grizzlyman]

Swings and dangling harnesses are almost never used in outpatient orthopedics. You'll probably see them a handful of times as a student on rotations, but don't have to after that

Sent from my SM-N910V using SDN mobile

Shoulder rehab is most likely going to include bands with harnesses hanging on the wall. There are many swinging dangling items in every clinic I have seen. Neuro uses belts and bands as well. It's like have a fear of snakes and working in a reptile store!

One panic attack and she is done. She may also lose her license due to patient safety. Think about how an employer worried about their brand and patient safety would react.

 

[chicandtoughness]

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[VitaminPT]

Thanks for all the responses, everyone. Just trying to keep things realistic and figure out where my limits lie. I still have a year before applying to DPT programs should I choose to do so, but y'all are right - the ultimate decision comes down to patient safety and the employer's liability if something happens.

Honestly, most of my frustration stems from having such a ridiculous panic attack trigger. It's not even remotely logical and no one can seem to provide relief 🙁

With still a year to go, you still have time to find the right fit for you. Continue to explore different careers within rehabilitation science, and those outside it. Maybe work as a DO, or MD is more your still... Maybe prosthetic or amputee work.. Still so much to explore. Shadow all types of clinicians or take an internship outside of your comfort zone.

My 2 cents!

 

[Kuhdaytee]

You might find some advice at this blog: https://thelifeofadptstudent.wordpress.com

The author also has panic attacks. Not the exact same as yours, and I'm not sure how helpful it will be, but it's worth looking at! She also has a continuation of the blog, and I'm sure she would be willing to answer emails if you send her one! https://thelifeofanewgradpt.wordpress.com

 

[Bones26]

What about OT? It is similar to PT but with less equipment like the type that trigger the OP.

 

[chicandtoughness]

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[FitPanda]

Chicandtoughness, you're very brave to post on here. Some people can be overly pragmatic and insensitive. I think there are many others out there who have concerns about mental health and physical health and how that may impact our career trajectories. So I appreciate your shedding light on topics most like to leave in the shadows.

In regards to your specific situation- do some shadowing now and see how you do when exposed to triggering equipment.

 

[chicandtoughness]

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