10/12/2025
October is National Physical Therapy Month. According to the American Physical Therapy Association, this month is an opportunity to…
1. Raise awareness about the benefits of physical therapy
2. Appreciate what PTS, PTAs, and students do to transform lives
3. Promote resilience, support strength, mobility, and wellness throughout the lifespan
Mark K., a member at BIN Plano, learned just how important Physical Therapy is in helping you regain strength, balance, and mobility after an ABI.
“During my onboarding at CNS, the physical therapy team performed their interviews and evaluations. One of the challenges I had after the stroke was balance. When I was asked what I liked to do pre-stroke, I said that I was an avid skydiver, scuba diver, hiker, and through-hiker. I would spend hours, days, and weeks on the trail with Simon, my 100lb lab mix. Even though Simon is well-trained, he does like to chase squirrels and rabbits when given the chance. The topic turned to after the stroke.
One day, during a Physical Therapy session, the PTs had me put on a harness that they connected to a rail system to assist people with relearning how to walk. They informed me that I would only be allowed to fall four inches before immediately pulling me back up. Next, the PTs laid mats on the ground, with items underneath, to simulate an uneven trail I would hike with Simon. Although I did fall a couple of times as advertised, my balance improved with every session.
The whole experience was fantastic because the PTs came up with a unique solution to walk on uneven surfaces. I credit this approach to getting me back on the trail. Today, Simon has me up to 10-11 miles a day without stumbling!!! Accolades to my PTs at CNS.”
