Rick Prawdzik (right), Air Force Veteran, starts to complete his final exercise for the day with John Kuhn, physical therapist at the Milwaukee VA. Prawdzik said he’s made great strides to be able to walk again because of the Milwaukee VA Physical Therapy department. - Phot by Antony Kamps
Rick Prawdzik, Air Force Veteran, woke up without the ability to walk more than two months ago. With hard work, determination and the help of the Physical Therapy department he can walk again and is scheduled to go home next week.
He is one of 70 patients seen on a daily basis by physical therapists at the Milwaukee VA. It’s the therapist’s job to guide them back to physical functionality.
“We often try to sit down with the Veteran and ask, ‘What’s important to you?’” said PT Lauren Elling.
The Physical Therapy department works with patients on an individual basis. The therapists develop a plan using treatment techniques to promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability. In addition, PTs work with Veterans to prevent the loss of mobility before it occurs by developing fitness and wellness oriented programs for healthier and more active lifestyles.
Therapists spend 30 minutes to an hour with each patient, either individually or as a group. To help patients, the PT department does their best to pair Veterans up with the same therapist every time.
“We try to do this as much as possible because it helps build continuity and trust between patient and therapist,” said Katie Kalfas, supervisor of the In-Patient Physical Therapy department.
Prawdzik works with John Kuhn, physical therapist at the Milwaukee VA, on exercises for his legs. Kuhn and Prawdzik have worked together for a couple weeks now building the strength up in his legs. The goal is to walk again.
“Every exercise is tough,” said Prawdzik. “If I didn’t do any of this, I’d still be up stairs lying in bed.”
The therapist will collaborate with the Veteran, his physician, social worker and family on the course of action for their rehabilitation. Kalfas said it is not required for them to participate, even if a physician refers a patient to PT.
“We talk to the Veteran about why therapy is so important to their recovery,” said Kalfas.
The therapist will lay out a plan to the Veteran on what they need to do to speed up their discharge from the hospital. Prawdzik, Kuhn, and his social worker had a meeting to talk about his plan of action. They determined he needed one more week of PT.
“It was the right call,” Prawdzik said. “I live by myself, so once I leave, that’s it. I need to be able to do it on my own.”
“I tell them my goal is to get you home,” Elling added.
Many Veterans’ lifestyles have changed drastically based on the reasons for being admitted to the medical center including total joint replacements, strokes, falls, heart attack or general loss of strength.
“I try to just be mindful of what they’re going through,” said Kalfas.
Both Kalfas and Elling said working at the Milwaukee VA is different than in the private sector because of the Veterans.
“They are, for the most, part really positive and enthusiastic. They’ll come in here and shout, ‘Let’s do this!’” Kalfas said. “They’re always cheering each other to go further.”
Elling added: “Definitely the camaraderie between the Vets is awesome.”
Prawdzik said the physical therapists keep the atmosphere in the gym light, and it has helped motivate him to keep coming back.
“The jovial atmosphere makes it easy, even when the exercises are tough,” said Prawdzik.
Today’s exercises are on the tougher end as beads of sweat roll down Prawdzik’s forehead. He’s not going to stop until the exercise is done. He’s determined to go home and get back to his life.
“I want to get back to my grandkids,” said Prawdzik. “Being able to go home to play and hold them is what keeps me going.
“Just think, two months ago my kids were told I might not make it and here I am getting ready to go home,” said Prawdzik. “What better care can you ask for?”