My Spinal Cord injury Therapists

Me with my dude Blake.

Over the course of the past year, I have had to take my care into my own hands. Although as you are about to find out I’ve been guided by the best physical therapists in the world. My first therapist was assigned to me during my inpatient stay at Craig. His name was Eric and he helped me in more ways than his job called for. He comforted me, laughed with me, and most importantly believed in me. He saw my potential and sent me to work with the best therapist at Craig. Her name was Kara and as I have come to find out she has the biggest heart and truly wants what’s best for me. She pushes me out of my comfort zone and doesn’t ever let me take the easy way out. 

Unfortunately, we soon discovered one hour of therapy with Kara each day would not be enough to reach my goals. As a replacement for the copious amounts of inpatient therapies, we signed up for sessions in the peak center in Craig hospital. I didn’t feel like the sessions were conducive to my therapies with Kara and I wanted to work harder and focus more on my walking. My friend Jessie had mentioned Barwis, but because he doesn’t use a wheelchair I didn’t know if it would be a good fit for me. After testing the waters and meeting Nick and Jake I was hooked. In the first session they got me moving in ways I had never moved before. 

I was only able to train with Barwis for a couple weeks before returning home. Shortly after returning home, I met my current therapist in Duluth, Blake. He had been working with my friend Brock and many other sci and brain injury guys. He brought a positive attitude, the ability to motivate me, and was humble enough to admit there is always more to learn. At this time Nick barely knew me but wanted to come out and work with Blake. The time was outstanding we made videos of the session and Blake and Nick teamed up to help get me the best therapy I could ask for. 

Upon returning home I also met Mike, the Duluth equivalent to Kara. We work together twice a week using bracing for my lower left leg as well as stim to help me move my legs better. He comes prepared with ideas for our sessions and is always willing to try new things. Unfortunately soon my sessions with mike will end. The options for therapies with fewer aids are not as extensive as what Craig can provide and I can do many of the activities I do with mike alone or with one other person. 

This all brings us to last week when we flew Blake to Colorado to check out Barwis’s gym as well as Craig Hospital. During the day Blake intently watched and collaborated with Nick, Jake, and Kara. At night we got to explore Colorado. We went to a show at red rocks and hiked around garden of the gods. On the drive back from garden of the gods I said that I truly had found the best team of therapists in the world. Blake agreed, but said “well we kinda found you too” I was flattered as I reflected on all of the highly experienced therapists I get to work with on a daily basis, and how they would want to work with me just as much as I would want to work with them. 

Thank you to my therapists and anyone who has helped me adjust to this new life.