Athletico Physical Therapy Internship

Experiences as a Rehab Intern

During my internship at a physical therapy clinic, I learned a lot about working in a real healthcare setting. I was able to use what I’ve learned in my classes and gain new skills that will help me in the future. This experience helped me grow in how I work with patients, how I talk with staff, and how a clinic runs day-to-day.

One of my main projects was focused on TMJ disorders. I worked on updating the materials we give to patients. I made the information easier to understand and more helpful. This taught me how important it is to explain medical terms in a way that makes sense to everyone. I also learned a lot about TMJ as a condition and how it’s treated in physical therapy.

I also worked hard on improving how I talk with patients and staff. I practiced listening better, asking clear questions, and giving simple instructions. Talking with patients and helping them feel more comfortable was a big part of what I did each day. I also worked with the therapists to learn how teamwork helps everything run more smoothly in the clinic.

TMJ Project Development
A key learning moment came from working on my TMJ patient education project. This wasn’t just about creating a handout it was about understanding how information impacts the patient journey. I realized that many patients felt overwhelmed or unsure about their condition. Creating clearer, more helpful materials helped me see the bigger picture of what we do in physical therapy. It also helped me understand how to break down complex medical topics into something more relatable and easier to follow.

Learning Through Patient Interaction
Another standout experience was working directly with patients during busy clinic hours. One patient in particular was having a hard time understanding their exercise plan. I took the time to break it down simply and check in with them during the session. The patient responded well and later said they felt more confident. That small moment taught me how big of a difference patient communication can make. It also showed me how important it is to be calm, patient, and present.

Overview of the experience

This internship gave me a deeper understanding of what it takes to work in a physical therapy setting. I was able to take what I’ve learned in the classroom and apply it in real life situations, which helped me see how important both knowledge and experience are in this field. This internship has taught me the importance of learning how to think on my feet, communicate better, and work closely with a team. These skills are things I will take with me as I move forward in my journey to become a physical therapist.

This experience also helped me see the importance of being flexible and open to feedback. Some days were challenging, but those moments taught me how to stay calm and focused, especially when working with different types of patients or when the clinic got busy. I now feel more prepared to take on future roles in healthcare because of the things I’ve learned and the people I’ve worked with during this internship.

In the end, this internship not only taught me more about the physical therapy world but also helped me grow as a future professional. It gave me a chance to work toward my goals of improving communication, teamwork, leadership, and problem solving. Most importantly, this internship showed me just how meaningful it is to help others feel better and get stronger. I’m thankful for the experience and excited to carry everything I’ve learned into my future career.

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