If you ask any person that has a 9-5 job, or government worker that spends time at a work place, or day-laborer or anyone that is not officially retired from the work force what is their favorite day of the week they would give you most often, the week-end – Saturday or Sunday.  For those workers that had to be on duty those two days serving the 9-5 crowd, they most likely would tell you Monday and Tuesday or any combination of a couple days ‘off’.

Frank’s was Thursday and it all had to do with Therapy, but at the time he didn’t call it that.

Just because during “therapy” there is normally much touching between men and women don’t confuse physical therapy with anything sexual. Soldiers from all our many wars need these professional therapists to teach them to walk again or write with prosthesis but civilians also lose limbs, have surgical implants, and lose functional abilities in parts of their bodies. Wars use bullets and bombs to cause damage to flesh and bone while civilians, unlike their military counterpart will use a 3,000 pound automobile as a weapon of destruction. Have you even seen a 130 pound lady thrown from a tumbling or rolling car? Being thrown is not the problem; it’s the hard landing that breaks bones and damages organs. The therapist is the one to help put a life back together after doctors and hospitals have done all they can. Don’t forget also that disease can cause major limb problems and accidents can happen on your way to the beauty shop, hardware store or an evening partying. Therapists are the ones to put you back on your feet after you have done something dumb or a surgeon’s scalpel has left you short handed or not need both shoes. 

Bionic people also need the therapist to re-learn many functions of arms, elbows, knees, hips and the like.

A fact that may be difficult to understand that in the co-ed saunas of Berlin, Heidelberg, Chicago, Houston, Bangor, Whistle Stop SC, Piney Grove Arkansas or Frankfurt Germany, their thinking and treatments do not differ a great deal from their friends of the Far-East. No matter what you call it, massaggio, Θεραπεία, терапия, therapy is still therapy meant to help make your life and body healthier.       

Therapy is not sexual and a therapeutic massage is not sex.    

Frank recently had a major problem with a knee and the idea of having a therapist help in what was to become a long period of recovery NEVER crossed his male-Far-Eastern-European-sex-oriented-brain. That was until he reported for his first post-operation appointment with the doctor that gave him the metal knee.

“X-rays look good Frank. How does the knee feel?” Dr. L said.

“Feel? You mean other then the pain?” Frank said as he rubbed and fingered the swollen and painful knee. “I can’t bend it without screaming and if I’m late taking my pain-killers the pain radiates throughout my body till new pills kick-in.” It was an honest response to a doctor’s standard question.

There was some bantering about pain before Dr. L said, “Who did you get as a therapist? What are they doing for you?”

“Therapist?” Frank tried. “What do I need a therapist for? You told me in the hospital I needed to be on the knee as much as possible, using and exercising it and if I didn’t it would be stiff for the rest of my life. You pretty much put the fear-of-God in me so I have been moving as much as I can – pain permitting.” Frank tried to justify his words by saying, “I bought a stationary bicycle but I can’t get the knee all the way around, but I’m working on that.” Frank showed serious signs of frustration trying to explain his non-ability to bend the new metal knee. 

“…and…?” Dr. L said with wrinkled brow, hands in pocket and raised left eye-brow.

Frank hates confrontations and by this time he was wishing for a hole he could crawl in or just wish this appointment away. Frank had always believed in his own body and his ability to heal himself and that he didn’t need outside help. 

“…and…and…” Frank sputtered. He knew he needed to say something but didn’t know what. As seconds passed you could see manliness building as he sucked his waist in a bit puffed his chest before saying, “I don’t need an outsider to massage my knee, I can do that.”

Dr. L had been here before so as discretely as possible he sat Frank down and educated him on the differences between Massage, Therapy, sex and what a Therapist can do for you is always longer lasting then a sexual rub-down. Dr. L enjoyed the next few minutes as Frank squirmed but nodded at all the proper moments.

Dr. L began, “Physical Therapy is a dynamic and ever changing field…Frank. Physical therapists are health professionals who evaluate and treat people with a variety of dysfunctions. They assess joint motion, muscle strength and endurance, cardiac and pulmonary function, development, functional ability, sensation and perception, integrity of the skin, muscle tone and reflexes, and performance of functional activities. They evaluate patients' needs, diagnose physical therapy problems, establish plans of care, and evaluate their effectiveness. There is normally never anything sexual about true therapy.”

Frank’s eyes were a bit cloudy as Dr. L gave him a cup of water then continued with, “Physical therapy is a people-oriented profession - Frank. Physical therapists have many opportunities to improve the quality of their clients' lives as individuals or in small groups. Physical therapists educate patients in health promotion and conduct research to improve patient care. Physical therapists must have excellent observational and psychomotor skills.

Physical therapists are involved with restoring function and independence at all levels. I’m give you a couple examples: Helping someone to walk again following a stroke, helping a child to develop head control, or helping an athlete return to their sport. You may not even need to go to them because therapists practice in a variety of settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, private physical therapy offices, community health centers, sports facilities, rehabilitation centers, clients' homes, schools and pediatric centers. Physical therapists also conduct research and teach in colleges and universities and practice as researchers in private industry.”

Dr. L was apparently enjoying his captive audience as he continued with, “…Physical therapists are valuable members of the health care team, who work with physicians, dentists, podiatrists, occupational therapists, nurses, speech and hearing professionals, psychologists, and social workers. Physical therapists may practice by referral from physicians, podiatrists, or dentists or have direct access to patients depending upon the jurisdiction.”

Frank’s face went blank but it looked to Dr. L as if he was trying to ask a question so he added: 

“Frank, the term therapy covers a wide range of health professions and activities. In general, it refers to the treatment of an illness, disease or disorder. This can include training or rehabilitation of such basic motor skills as speech or movement; healing or rehabilitation of physical or intellectual skills lost or impaired due to organic disorders, accidents or medical conditions; or even social and behavioral adjustment. 

The goal of all therapy is to enable an individual to live a more effective, satisfying and comfortable life - Frank.”

By this time the water was gone, the paper cup crumbled and Frank was sitting on the edge of his chair wanting to say something. “Yes Frank, you want to add something?” Dr. L said as he poured a cup for himself.

“I’m pretty good giving massages.” Dr. L sipped his cup of water waiting for the other shoe but that was all Frank apparently had to say. 

Dr. L was the true professional as he crushed his cup, leaned forward a bit and said, “Where did you learn your techniques – Frank?” 

“Korea mostly.” His eyes seemed to glaze a bit – remembering then he added, “I use to go to a massage parlor in Seoul and the girls would let me ‘practice’ on them.” There was an abnormally long pause as his eyes narrowed remembering. Frank opened his mouth again to continue but Dr. L interrupted with, “Any formal schooling or training Frank?”

“Formal school?” Frank said the words as if he had just been called a nasty name, but he finally did manage a quiet, “No.”

Dr. L saw the expression of disbelief on Frank that someone would need to be formally schooled to rub sore muscles around or be a voyeur in the parlor.

“Frank, you have a degree from a college right?” Dr L asked.

“Yea. A University actually. Have an AS in engineering and BS in architecture.” Frank said.

“Could you have been an architect without the schooling or paper?” Dr. L was taking this conversation somewhere and Frank was going along because he didn’t have a clue what was required to be a Therapist.  Dr. L handed Frank another paper cup of icy water and asked him to get comfortable as he was about to be educated – on Therapy. 

“Frank most professional therapeutic positions require at least a master's degree as an entry-level requirement. Most assistant and aide positions, however, can often be obtained with a bachelor's or even an associate's degree. The higher the degree obtained, the more qualified you will be to compete for a position and the higher the salary range you can command.” 

That had Frank’s attention.

“Physical Therapist and Physical Therapist Assistant/Aide: Physical therapists are health care professionals whose goal is to improve the overall physical functionality of their patients. This can include enhancing their muscle strength, functional ability, flexibility, endurance, or mobility. Physical therapists also work to relieve pain, prevent or reverse muscular degeneration and atrophy, and to restore independence in their patients.”

Frank seemed to be searching for words for Dr. L and even stuttered a bit as he asked about other kinds – of therapist.

Dr. L recognized the wrinkled brow, tight lips, quenched eyes, nervous fingers and feet pointed inward to be the classic look of this southern man searching his brain for a question, an answer or in this case just searching the gray-matter to see what was up there that could be of any use, right now. Frank didn’t find anything so after a few moments that seemed an eternity Dr. L tried to bring other kinds of therapy into the conversation that would not be offensive or making fun of Frank’s stuttering.    

Dr. L gently offered, “Speech Therapy?”

Frank beamed as if he had come up with the new word but stuttered as he said, “Yea.”

Dr. L continued with, “Speech therapists are also highly trained health care professionals who work with people who have speech or language disorders. Speech therapists assess, diagnose and treat these language, voice, and fluency problems. They also work with people who have swallowing difficulties.” 

“Like me?” Frank offered.

Dr. L let the question slide as he continued with, “We also have in the field, Occupational Therapist and Occupational Therapist/Aide: Occupational therapists treat individuals with conditions that are disabling, whether mentally, physically, emotionally, or developmentally. They assist patients in developing or recovering the skills necessary for independent day-to-day living. The mission of occupational therapists is to teach their clients the skills they need to enjoy independent, productive, and fulfilling lives.

All States require physical therapists to pass a licensure exam before they can practice, after graduating from an accredited physical therapist educational program.”

Dr. L paused only briefly then said, “According to the American Physical Therapy Association, there were over 200 accredited physical therapist programs in just this last year. Of the accredited programs close to a hundred offered master’s degrees and offered doctoral degrees.” Just to show off a bit Dr. L continued with just how well up-to-date his reading was by saying, “All physical therapist programs seeking accreditation are required to offer degrees at the master’s degree level and above, in accordance with the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education.”

By this time Frank’s eye had glazed, his mouth opened a bit as Dr. L said, “Physical therapist programs start with basic science courses such as biology, chemistry, and physics and then introduce specialized courses, including biomechanics, neuroanatomy, human growth and development, manifestations of disease, examination techniques, and therapeutic procedures. Besides getting classroom and laboratory instruction, students receive supervised clinical experience. Among the courses that are useful when one applies to a physical therapist educational program are anatomy, biology, chemistry, social science, mathematics, and physics. Before granting admission, many professional education programs require experience as a volunteer in a physical therapy department of a hospital or clinic. For high school students, volunteering with the school athletic trainer is a good way to gain experience.”

Dr. L was on a roll and Frank was seemingly glued to his every word (actually Frank was marveling at how eloquently 4 and 5 syllable words were rolling off Dr. L’s tongue – Frank didn’t know many of their meanings but they sounded like important doctor words) as he continued with, “Physical therapists should have strong interpersonal skills in order to be able to educate patients about their physical therapy treatments. Physical therapists also should be compassionate and possess a desire to help patients. Similar traits are needed to interact with the patient’s family.

Physical therapists are expected to continue their professional development by participating in continuing education courses and workshops. In fact, a number of States require continuing education as a condition of maintaining licensure.

Physical therapists held about 155,000 jobs in 2006. The number of jobs is greater than the number of practicing physical therapists, because some physical therapists hold two or more jobs. For example, some may work in a private practice, but also work part time in another health care facility.

Nearly 6 out of 10 physical therapists worked in hospitals or in offices of physical therapists. Other jobs were in home health care services, nursing care facilities, outpatient care centers, and offices of physicians.

Some physical therapists were self-employed in private practices, seeing individual patients and contracting to provide services in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing care facilities, home health care agencies, adult day care programs, and schools. Physical therapists also teach in academic institutions and conduct research.”

Frank was clearly impressed.  As Dr. L refilled his water cup Frank walked slowly toward the front of the clinic and pointing and nodding at the same time said, “You have a really nice looking luxury sports car out there Doctor L, Mercedes 450 SE?” 

Dr. L almost chocked on his water but while clearing his throat said with a huge grin, “No Frank. Don’t I wish?  “Mine is the one parked next to the butcher’s wheels. Mine is the Ford, Fairlane’96.  I would love to owe a Mercedes but they are a bit out of my price range. The Ford is all I can afford.”

“Really? I would think your income would be in the six-figures.” Frank was fishing but he got no bites.

“OK my friend; it’s time for you to do ten-minutes on the treadmill.” Dr. L said in a serious voice.

“But I….”

“No Butts Frank, now hobble over to the machine and get busy. Your knee is never going to get better just talking about it.”

Eight minutes later Dr. L was standing next to the treadmill talking to Frank about what actually was going on with his knee, what would be required to get him back to normal when he said, “Remember the difference between a massage in the Far East to a real therapeutic massage you need be schooled, tested and certified. There are excellent therapists here and I want you to start going.”  

Frank didn’t look thrilled with Dr. L but was curious as the good doctor had noticed then said, “Frank, that tattoo you have, where did you get it?”

“Basic training when I was in the army, just out the main gate of Fort Carson Colorado, Why?”

“Do you remember the person that did the tattoo?” it seemed an honest question to Frank.

Frank assumed that wrinkled brow, tight-lipped, toes inward position as he searched his memory of oh-so-many-years ago before finally saying, “Yea. A … actually a tough but youngish looking woman with colorful dragon-like tattoos all over her back, shoulders and arms… and even legs.” Frank looked to be reliving the moment. He continued describing her as he remembered, “If memory serves, she had spiked hair; tobacco stains on a sleeveless tee-shirt, no bra and was wearing combat boots.”

After many years there are some things that will always remain in a male’s memory. No bra and combat boots did it for Frank.

With concern in his voice and manner Dr. L said, “Frank, because you didn’t get hepatitis, AIDS, blood poisoning, your arm didn’t rot and drop off, plus you have a decent looking artistic skunk, you can thank our licensing system and that lady with spiked hair.”  Dr. L paused for an exceptionally long time before saying, “Frank… that tattoo artist…do you remember her name by chance?”

The name must have come forward when Frank was remembering the event because he immediately said, “…sure do… will never forget her…as she did my tattoo she said I was the only person she had ever drawn a Skunk on…sure I remember. Her name was Joan or JoAnn. Why?”

Dr. L had a slightly crooked grin and it was now his turn to remember and reminisce.  His voice was almost silent as he said, “Frank we are so regulated that that Tattoo artist had to be board tested, state licensed and monitored on a regular basis. If you had looked beyond her skin-art and spiked hair you would have seen she used all sterile equipment, had a master’s degree in Literature and Fine Arts and if you had noticed a few family pictures taped to the wall over her table next to her licenses and credentials you would have seen a picture of what I looked like as a youngster – when I had spiked hair.”