During my first clinical rotation in an outpatient orthopedic setting, I had the opportunity to work with a diverse range of patients, including post-operative shoulder, hip, and knee cases, as well as individuals managing chronic pain conditions. I was also exposed to unique and complex cases like Complex Regional Pain Syndrome and Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, which challenged me to think critically and adapt my treatment strategies. This experience allowed me to refine essential skills, including manual therapy techniques, creating effective Home Exercise Programs, and improving the flow of initial evaluations. Under the guidance of my clinical instructor, I received hands-on mentorship, constructive feedback, and step-by-step guidance, all of which enhanced my clinical reasoning and confidence. The most valuable lesson I gained from this experience was the importance of embracing a patient-centered approach to care. I learned to actively listen, prioritize patient goals, and tailor treatments to meet each individual’s unique needs. This rotation laid a solid foundation for my continued growth as a thoughtful, adaptable, and compassionate physical therapist.

During my home health clinical rotation, I worked primarily with geriatric patients over the age of 60, many of whom were recovering from various orthopedic surgeries or managing neurological and age-related conditions such as cerebral palsy, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, and general deconditioning. This diverse caseload offered valuable exposure to patients with complex medical needs in a setting that emphasized safety, independence, and patient-centered care. Throughout the experience, I refined essential skills including gait training, transfer training, balance training, and functional activity retraining, while also gaining hands-on experience with modalities such as ultrasound and shockwave therapy. One of the most meaningful experiences occurred with a patient who presented with bilateral plantarflexion contractures, lower extremity weakness, and a significant fear of falling. These impairments contributed to a pronounced posterior weight shift and severely limited her mobility. Initially only able to take a few steps with assistance, she progressed to ambulating over 70 feet with a front-wheeled walker and moderate assistance, demonstrating significant gains in confidence and function. My clinical instructor emphasized the importance of compassionate care, strong interdisciplinary collaboration, and home safety awareness. I learned how to effectively communicate with nurses, PTAs, schedulers, caregivers, and family members to support coordinated care. I also developed a deeper understanding of safety precautions, including how to assess vital signs, recognize red flags, and identify fall hazards within the home environment to better ensure patient safety.This rotation strengthened my ability to deliver holistic, individualized care in a patient’s own home, and reinforced my commitment to improving mobility, safety, and quality of life for aging adults.

During my outpatient orthopedics rotation in a sports-specific setting, I worked with active individuals recovering from a variety of musculoskeletal injuries and post-surgical conditions. These included anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions, patellar tendinopathies, shoulder injuries, low back pain, and ankle sprains. I also had the opportunity to observe and assist with cases involving complex surgical procedures—such as tibial tubercle osteotomies—which challenged me to deepen my anatomical understanding and clinical reasoning. I gained experience in return-to-sport testing by interpreting strength and performance data and comparing it to normative values tailored to each patient’s anatomy and goals. I learned how to intentionally progress plyometric exercises based on the stretch-shortening cycle and the patient’s ability to attenuate force. This experience helped me think critically about full-body biomechanics and how different systems influence recovery and performance.

One meaningful patient interaction involved working with a nurse and mother who had just been cleared for weight-bearing after surgery. We focused on gait training, balance, and strength progression. She made measurable gains from her initial evaluation, and more importantly, she saw the impact of her hard work. Watching her regain confidence and function as she prepared to return to her daily life made a lasting impression on me. I was also exposed to a range of advanced tools and techniques, including dry needling, blood flow restriction training, force plate testing, and isometric strength testing to assess force production. These tools allowed us to track progress with precision and gave me a deeper appreciation for how data-driven rehab supports better outcomes. One of the most important lessons from my clinical instructor was that everything we do should have purpose. Exercises aren’t chosen at random—each one is based on evidence, clinical reasoning, and patient-specific goals. This rotation taught me how to think critically, communicate clearly, and work collaboratively with patients to guide them back to the activities they care about most.