I’ll admit, coming up with this month’s blog topic wasn’t easy. After staring at a blank page longer than I’d like to admit, I turned to someone who always gets my mind moving: Gail.
Gail is one of my favorite people in the world. She comes to our Broadway office here in Morningside Heights for physical therapy. Every conversation with her is a thoughtful, engaging exchange. Gail has a way of making me think more deeply without even trying—and if you’ve ever met her, you know she’s as brilliant as she is beloved in the community.
As we were catching up last week, the topic I’d been struggling to find hit me like a wave. It’s not about a new technique or service. It’s not a hot trend in rehab or a study I recently read. It’s about something more personal.
I’ve been a physical therapist for over 27 years. I graduated PT school in 1998 and have been treating patients ever since. Over those decades, there’s been so much to love about this profession—helping people heal, getting people back to doing what they love, and yes, not having to sit behind a computer all day!
But above all, the most fulfilling part of this work has been the relationships.
The Human Side of Healing
The connection we build with clients isn’t just a byproduct of care—it is the care.
Whether someone from our community comes to us for help after a long work week, we spend real time with each person. We listen. We share stories. We root for them.
And in that process, they leave a mark on us too.
My relationship with Gail is one I treasure deeply. But she’s just one name among many who have profoundly impacted my life through this work.
Edith, Carol, Marcela, Minda, Jerome, Sylvia, Flona, Archie (late), Sister Celine (late), Jim and Peter (late)… These names aren’t just part of our patient records. They’re part of my life. They’ve shared their struggles and victories, trusted us in vulnerable moments, and in doing so, taught me more than I could’ve ever learned in school.
Why People Matter in Physical Therapy
We often talk about the technical side of what we do, but the emotional and relational side is just as important. Healing happens faster when you feel seen, heard, and supported. And as therapists, we’re also shaped by every relationship. Each story we witness adds depth to our own.
I’ve grown not just as a clinician, but as a person, because of the people I’ve met in our Harlem and Morningside Heights clinics.
Looking Ahead to 2026
So as we step into the new year, I’m looking forward to more than just helping people recover from injury or pain—I’m looking forward to the conversations, the laughs, and the shared experiences that make this job truly special.
To everyone who’s trusted us with your care: thank you. And to those we haven’t met yet, we can’t wait to welcome you in as a team that cares, listens, and values you.
Here’s to another year of healing, connection, and community.
