The Journey to Becoming a Physical Therapist
Welcome to the first of many posts on Rooted in Wellness! This blog is a space where I'll share my personal experiences and knowledge on physical therapy, sports performance, wellness, pelvic health, and much more. My goal is to help others feel supported in their health journeys and realize they are not alone in their challenges.
Since this is the first post, I thought it would be fitting to answer a question I’ve been asked countless times: What made me want to become a physical therapist? I’ve responded to this question so often that my answer almost comes out on autopilot. But today, I want to go beyond the rehearsed response and dive deeper into the true reason behind my career choice.
Finding My Path
From a young age, I knew I wanted to work in healthcare. The idea of helping others heal always resonated with me, though the specific career path wasn’t immediately clear. At different points, I considered becoming a paramedic, a physician assistant, or a medical doctor. I researched these fields extensively, but it wasn’t until my older sister suggested physical therapy—after experiencing it firsthand for her knee injury—that I decided to explore it further. This led me to a summer internship at a local physical therapy clinic.
I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect from the internship, but one experience in particular changed the course of my life.
A Life-Changing Moment
There was one patient I will never forget. He was a young adult who had been in a car accident caused by a drunk driver, leaving him with multiple fractures, a brain injury, and internal organ damage. When I first met him, he was wheelchair-bound and deeply depressed. The accident had impacted every aspect of his life, taking away his independence and mobility.
But he had an unbreakable spirit. He was relentless in his therapy, pushing himself every day, both in and out of the clinic. His determination was inspiring, and it was clear that he refused to let his injuries define him.
My internship eventually ended, and I moved on with my studies. Then, a few months later, I ran into that same patient at Walmart (as one does in a small town). But this time, everything was different—he walked over to me without a wheelchair, without an assistive device, and with a huge smile. He told me how grateful he was for the staff at the clinic and how he had returned to his job in construction without pain or limitations.
That moment solidified my future.
More Than Just Physical Strength
For me, physical therapy is about more than just helping people get stronger. It’s about restoring the ability to do what they love—whether that’s running a marathon, dancing, playing with their grandchildren, or simply walking without pain. It’s about improving quality of life, providing compassion, and being a source of hope in someone’s darkest moments.
Rehabilitation doesn’t just heal the body—it transforms lives. It equips people with the tools they need to reclaim their independence and build the future they want. And if you asked me today whether I would choose this career again, I’d say yes, a million times over.
Stay tuned for more insights, stories, and knowledge as we continue this journey together. Welcome to Rooted in Wellness!
— Dr. Rachel Wolinski, PT, DPT, Cert. DN
Rooted in Wellness Blog