Ode to Physical Therapy
Oh my back, its aches never cease
No solace is found while perched upon a chair
I bend or I twist, yet still I find no peace
I am unable to work or play, this is remarkably unfair
My doctor suggests medicines with unpronounceable names
Their efforts were formidable but no match for this torment
He proposed ice or heat, neither succeeded I must lament
It seemed I was out of options and my discomfort would remain
However, my pain and troubles found relief in Physical Therapy
Who knew movement and exercise could do so much to help me
Every time I pitch the ball my shoulder erupts in pain
I practice and lift, so why does it feel so tired and weak
I attempt to ignore these twinges but it is in vain
My endurance is waning and the rest of my season looks bleak
X-rays and MRIs come back unmarked by injury
These images say nothing is wrong, but I know better
I can feel the laxity in my shoulder, it needs to be stronger
My doctor knows what to do and who can answer my plea
A few weeks in Physical Therapy and my shoulder is like new
Without my PT, I could never have made my MLB debut
Boston, New York, and Chicago are a few of the races I’ve done
Marathons are my hobby, but I am afraid these days are over
Each mile means more hip pain, and enduring it is not fun
But I jog through the ache because I’ve always been a runner
However, after months of nagging I realize rest is not the cure
I visit my regular PT who promises my marathon days can continue
I need some stretching and strength training, and maybe new shoes
My PT made me stronger, decreased my pain, and was quick to reassure
I am back to running and will cross many more finish lines
All thanks to physical therapy and their essential guidelines
Everyone has aches anywhere from their head to toes
But it’s hard to know who can make them go away
With so many options, the question is “where should I go?”
You may think first should be a doctor, surgeon, or an x-ray
But that list forgets to mention a viable option
Your possible answer can be found in the subject of this poem
Physical Therapy may be the solution to your ongoing problem
There is no reason to prolong your pain so take some action
Schedule an appointment with your local PT
And hopefully their interventions bring you glee!
-Caroline Talda, SPT