By Maya MacGregor
Online Sports Editor
Two years ago, senior Ana Thue was disappointed when she found out she had sprained her ankle while dancing. Little did she know that this traumatic event, which put her dancing on hold, would land her a career opportunity when the physical therapist who helped her recover suggested that Thue apply for an internship at Patty Brown Physical Therapy.
Over this past summer, Thue shadowed and aided physical therapists at Brown’s office three days a week for two months.
“I learned a lot about the anatomy of the human body and how muscles are supposed to work,” Thue said. “The internship was a great introduction to physical therapy, and I now know what I want to do for a career.”
Thue also learned exercises to help strengthen patients and aid them in recovery as well as how and when to use ice and heat packs while treating injuries.
“One of the patients I worked with was struggling to do a certain strenghtening exercise for her elbow,” Thue said. “She found that it was easier after I helped her, and that was a special feeling.”
Another patient that Thue worked with was recovering from a similar injury that Thue had in the past. Thue formed a personal connection with the patient as she helped her recover.
“I was able to connect with her and help her since I had gone through the same physical therapy process a few years ago,” Thue said. “It was inspiring to see her get better. Helping the patients was my favorite part of the internship.”
Based on her summer experience, Thue hopes to continue with a second internship at Patty Brown Physical Therapy this coming summer. She wants to help more physical therapy patients overcome their injuries so they are able to continue pursuing what they love.
“I loved seeing the patients improve as I worked with them,” Thue said. “They were always so positive and really wanted their injuries to heal. I hope that I will be able to participate in another internship again this summer to continue learning.”
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