Physical Therapy At Its Best

Fifteen years ago, in Batesville, MS., Michael Meurrier watched the movie "Regarding Henry" and decided to become a physical therapist.

Now, Meurrier, 30, works at the Starnes Athletic Training Center on the Ole Miss campus, where he serves the UM staff, faculty, students, and athletes with serious injuries and helps them regain mobility in their injured limbs.

Meurrier says his dream is only wanting to help people.

“I’m not driven to be a therapist for the Orlando Magic,” he jokes.

However, Meurrier says that his profession allows him to “impact patients’ lives in ways a doctor can’t.”

Physical therapy takes time, and because he spends up to five hours a week with some patients, Meurrier says that he is able to develop a relationship with each of his patients.

“In fact, I’m in a patient’s wedding next month.” Meurrier adds.

Although patients are smiling and laughing as they complete their exercises in the background, Meurrier admits that physical therapy definitely has frustrating and tough times.

“When a patient just isn’t getting better, it is so frustrating,” says Meurrier.

How does he handle situations like this?

“Persistence. Don’t let a bad day set you back,” Meurrier says.

Even though they try to create a positive environment where patients can laugh and have a good time, several patients endure pain and discomfort during their physical training sessions.

“I haven’t let tears stop me from doing what I have to do.” Meurrier says.

He has to look ahead into the patient’s future, he goes on to explain.

One of his patients, who had torn an ACL, was crying during her therapy. However, because he did what he had to do, she is now able to play basketball again.

Meurrier describes physical therapy as a pattern of peaks and valleys.

“When patients come in for therapy, they are in a valley. It’s our job to keep pushing them out of that valley, onto the top of their next peak,” Meurrier says.