Adventures in Physical Therapy

One morning, as Fernando Figueroa worked with a patient who was receiving intensive physical therapy, he told the healing but still-suffering man a funny story about another patient who had been in a similar situation. He laughed at Dr. Figueroa's story-and the painful therapy became less stressful. The man greatly appreciated the distraction and insisted Dr. Figueroa put all his stories together in book form so other patients' pain could also be eased. After almost three decades in the profession, in "Adventures in Physical Therapy" Dr. Figueroa has compiled 28 short and easy-to-read stories from the experiences of his patients and colleagues. Many are humorous, some are inspirational, others are poignant-but all are important lessons in the strength of the human spirit. Dr. Figueroa says these stories, among others, have shaped, in many ways, how he views his life, his clinical practice, and his beliefs. Included: PREFACE CHAPTER ONE - The Lady and the Cat CHAPTER TWO - A Surgeon from the Vietnam War CHAPTER THREE - Mark, the Man Who Was in a Coma for Six Years CHAPTER FOUR - The Harley Guy CHAPTER FIVE - A New PT Treats the Wrong Patient CHAPTER SIX - Fire Ants CHAPTER SEVEN - A 101-Year-Old Man Gets a Traffic Ticket CHAPTER EIGHT - Falls: The High Heels; The Lady Without a Real Family; A Fall in the Shower CHAPTER NINE - Hurricane Stories: The Hearing Aid; The Boat; The Cat CHAPTER TEN - The Easter Weekend of Tragedy and Hope CHAPTER ELEVEN - New PT in Trouble CHAPTER TWELVE - Near-Death Experiences: A Surprise During Surgery; A Car Accident CHAPTER THIRTEEN - Beyond Manipulation CHAPTER FOURTEEN - My Friend, Bill CHAPTER FIFTEEN - Mr. Washington: An Example of the Perfect Patient CHAPTER SIXTEEN - Jimmy, My 6'8" Patient CHAPTER SEVENTEEN - The Cheerleader CHAPTER EIGHTEEN - Driving Test CHAPTER NINETEEN - The Difficult Patient CHAPTER TWENTY - Travel to Jordan CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE - Mary, the PT Technician CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO - The Wild and Brilliant Idea CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE - The 350-Pound Patient with Bilateral Knee Replacements EPILOGUE APPENDIX A: How to Find a Physical Therapist APPENDIX B: How to Become a Physical Therapy Professional ABOUT THE AUTHOR