“The eye sees only what the mind is prepared to comprehend.” – Henri Bergson
I analyzed someone’s gait today, noticing that the left arm didn’t swing as much as the right, one leg was turned out, and the torso lurched in one direction. I brought out my big mirror on wheels, and asked, ” Do you notice anything about how you’re walking?” “Hmmmm. I don’t know.” Once I pointed out what I saw, it seemed obvious to the person. How could I notice these things right away while the other person couldn’t?
Experience, education, expectations, income, skills, and opinions shape how we view our world. When presented with the same idea or picture, one person may interpret them completely differently than then next. An artist may see negative space, an accountant numbers, a teacher potential, a three-year old playtime. After physical therapy school, I started to see and experience things differently. It seemed like there were way more people with canes, walkers, and casts. I noted whether buildings had ramps or not. I noticed when someone had a limp and could tell which leg was weaker or more painful. I started buying shoes that were structurally better for my legs and back. Sports were more fun to watch and analyze.
In school, I took a course “Analysis of Human Movement.” We did this exercise where everyone was video taped getting down to the floor and up and we broke out into groups to analyze in slow motion the way in which each person got up. It was really fascinating to see how many different strategies people exhibited for the same, everyday, routine task. Physical therapy treatment plans incorporate this awareness, either consciously or not, of everyday movements such as squatting to the floor, getting out of bed, reaching for a plate, or opening a door. Our perceptions drive our actions, which is why it’s important to be more aware of your body as you go through physical therapy and ask your PT questions if something doesn’t feel right or to know how something “should” feel.
Sometimes the solution to a problem is only seen clearly through the eyes of a skillful observer. In addition to the 3 years of training that makes a physical therapist see how one’s body moves, many PTs also have a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology (the study of human movement), like I do. If your problem is pain or movement, see a physical therapist to get an accurate reflection of the problem and suggestions for a solution.
MoniqueSerpasPT
My name is Monique Serpas, PT, DPT, OCS. I am a physical therapist and board-certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist practicing at the Southeast Louisiana Healthcare System in New Orleans, LA. I realize how difficult it can be to overcome an injury or manage a chronic condition and am focused on helping my clients achieve wellness through a physically active lifestyle. I treat orthopaedic, balance, and vestibular disorders and practice using a combination of hands-on manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, and education. This enables my patients to assist in their own recovery and injury prevention. I also have developed fall prevention and golf-related rehab programs in the past. I hold a Doctor of Physical Therapy from Concordia University Wisconsin (2008) and a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Louisiana State University (2004). I am a member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), Louisiana Physical Therapy Association (LPTA), and the Orthopaedic and Neurology sections of the APTA.
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January 7, 2011
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