Please note that the photos in this post were taken pre-COVID. Our therapists and patients currently wear masks as a COVID precaution.
By Kyle Knapp, Rehabilitation Director, Tulsa Bone & Joint
In these unprecedented times of constant change and uncertainty, most professions have been forced to alter how they operate on a daily basis. Physical rehabilitation has been no different. As movement specialists, physical therapists are trained in evaluation and treatment of positional and movement dysfunction. We are accustomed to physical examination, manual techniques, and other treatments that are best done face to face and are an integral part of the therapy experience. As with any profession, we also thrive in learning new techniques, treatments, and philosophies because of our commitment to ongoing learning and perfecting of our skills. In 2020, the challenge has been handed to each of us to evolve in our profession at a speed never seen before.
Due to the changes brought on by COVID-19, the general workforce has come to expect changes not only in business but in individual behavior to aid in decreasing the spread of the virus. Some of these changes include social distancing, wearing masks, constantly cleaning and monitoring for signs and symptoms of COVID-19. Similar to other specialties of healthcare professionals, we have adopted changes first and foremost for the safety of our patients as well as our staff. Without a doubt, our greatest asset at Tulsa Bone and Joint physical therapy is our group of compassionate, highly skilled therapists and assistants who come from a variety of backgrounds and with varied interests. While working in a collaborative environment with a strong teamwork mindset, each day offers learning from each and every team member.
Thankfully, over the last couple of months, the pendulum has begun to swing back to the direction of what normal once was. Telemedicine is on the decline, and in person, face-to-face treatment sessions are on the rise. We know that we are not yet in the clear when it comes to COVID-19, and the safety precautions associated with the virus continue to exist and be exercised. Rest assured that we are doing what we can to keep our clinic as safe as possible. Anyone walking through the door can be confident in knowing that our staff of therapists and assistants is committed to safely helping you on your path of rehabilitation. We are abundantly willing to change as needs arise in our current state of seemingly constant uncertainty.
At Tulsa Bone and Joint Associates, we have a great team of physical therapists, assistants as well as support staff, and we look forward to being able to assist you in meeting your goals. We are 
able to maintain close communication with our physicians, and we use a collaborative approach with the patient and family members, therapist and physicians to establish your physical therapy diagnosis, goals and treatment plan. If you feel you would benefit from physical therapy, don’t wait to see a doctor to make an appointment. Oklahoma is a limited direct access state, meaning you can see a physical therapist without a physician referral. Most insurances allow 30 days of treatment before requiring a referral to continue treatment.
As one of our physical therapists puts it:
“So much in this world has changed in the last six months, but the enjoyment of working at Tulsa Bone and Joint Associates hasn’t. Each day, even with a mask on my face, I can still help serve the patients I love to serve. Physical therapy is a profession that truly combines my love for people with my love for science. Watching the progression of my patients from beginning to end has always been an honor to witness and be a part of. COVID-19 hasn’t changed what I do or the reasons I show up to take care of the patients I am entrusted with. It has only helped our team grown stronger and more resilient.”
– Ashley
