Working through a language barrier

From Heather Hall, DPT ‘11…

I studied Spanish for two years in high school and had a quick refresher course a few months ago, but none of that prepared me to be able to do physical therapy in another language.  Most of the day we had a translator with us, but we used every opportunity possible to learn key words: “stand up,” “bend,” “pain,” and “exercises” were some of the favorites.  When I imagined working in a clinic in the Dominican Republic, I hadn’t pictured three Americans trying to act out a hip stretch, but when the idea finally got across, it was all worth it!

Most of the patients seen by Cheryl Sparks, PT ‘98, Dr. Bob Bettingfield, chiropractor, and myself were not in severe pain and were easily treated with manipulations and exercises.  Some, however, will require surgery.

One gentleman was already scheduled for surgery when we saw him.  He had had neurological fibromitosis for over thirty-five years and suffered from back pain because of a large tumor on his lower leg that kept him from walking correctly.  When we saw him, the growth was so severe that he was unable to lift his leg onto the examining table!  Hopefully, when we see him next, he will be on his way to recovery and to a much better quality of life.

We were also able to distribute some of the packets of toothpaste, deodorant, and vitamins to the people who came to the clinic.  It took a lot of unexpected effort to explain to every parent that each child should only take one vitamin every day!  Still, at the end of the day, we had seen many people walk away with reduced pain and equipped to keep their bodies strong.