Heather Smith, a twelfth grader here are Reading High, has been in physical therapy on two separate accounts.
In eighth grade, Smith was diagnosed with scoliosis, a spinal disease causing abnormal lateral curvature of the spine itself.  In order to correct this problem, she had to endure about a month and a half of physical therapy treatment, consisting of various "pulling" stretches.
"One stretch I had to do was lay on my side over a towel," says Smith.  "Another one I had to do was hang from a bar."
Smith received her therapy treatment in the Exeter offices of Commonwealth Orthopedic Associates, which happen to be the official team physicians of the Reading Royals.
In late October of 2006, Smith had dislocated her knee.  "I've always had weak knees, and weight training wasn't helping, so I think that helped it along," says Smith.  "One day I was sitting down and when I stood up, it just popped and dislocated."
Smith has been going through treatment for about a month now.  Stretches she has to do include the leg press and balances.
Though the struggle and pain one encounters during therapy aren't the happiest, there are some things worth liking.
"I like that I have the same therapists I had for my back, so I can just go in, harass them, and just have a lot of fun," says Smith.  "I don't like, though, that I get different therapists and they all have different ideas and opinions on how to help."

Jospeh Stoudt, MSPT, has been a physical therapist for 13 years now.  In the physical therapy profession, Stoudt is the highest ranked.  He is able to fully work with all patients; examining, exercising, stretching, etc.
Stoudt originally wanted to go through med school, but during his fourth year and Bucknell University, Stoudt had a career change in mind.  He had assisted physical therapists at Geisinger Hospital which sparked the change.
"I like the interaction and involvement I have with patients," says Stoudt.  "I am able to help the patients achieve a goal which is satisfying."
As in any company, paperwork is a must.  "I don't like paperwork," Stoudt says.  "That, and dealing with insurance companies."

Sally Bauman is a physical therapist assistant for the ten years.  She chose this career because she's been involved with sports and athletics all her life, and was even in therapy.  Bauman volunteered at a hospital and was able to see the inpatient results and then experience the outpatient results for herself.
Bauman attended Temple University to earn a bachelors degree in exercise physiology for five years.  Following, she attended Alvernia College for two years to earn her associates degree of science, but it is not necessary.
"I like meeting al the different people," says Bauman, "of different ages and backgrounds.  I also like helping the patients with their problems and attaining their goals, but I don't like the noncompliant patients."