AN EXTENDED hospital stay; an injury on the job, at home, or in an accident; post-surgery; or the need to increase mobility following a stroke, age-related decline, or to improve flexibility, mobility, and coordination are a few of the reasons someone might require physical therapy.
Every step forward in the journey of healing must begin with a comprehensive plan — and Esther McConkey of STAR Physical Therapy in Shelbyville has helped people rebuild strength, restore balance, and return to what they love for more than 43 years.
When she was a child, McConkey’s grandmother underwent surgery, and it was McConkey’s job each evening to assist with her exercises so that her mother could prepare dinner for their family. Over the weeks that followed, she watched in awe as her grandmother’s mobility improved, and a desire to work as a physical therapist began to grow within her. This dream followed her through high school and additional years of college and postgraduate work.
“I have always felt that I was on this Earth to help others,” McConkey said. “I had this feeling that I was to pass on a ‘healing hand.’ My patients are always so grateful and appreciative. My philosophy for healing and recovery is that it’s important to know that not everyone moves at the same pace. Almost every patient has other health issues or problems that affect their recovery.”
The most difficult aspect of physical therapy isn’t the therapy or the patients — it’s dealing with the insurance companies, especially since our local STAR clinic uses emerging health care methods such as dry needling, where very thin needles are inserted into trigger points, which are tight bands or knots in the muscle tissue. This helps reset the muscle to a more relaxed state, increases blood flow, reduces inflammation, and decreases the pain signals sent to the patient’s nervous system.
“I also believe in a hands-on approach. STAR’s mission is to serve, and they truly mean this in every aspect. I teach students all the time that, as clinicians, we have to sometimes think outside the box. STAR offers different types of physical therapy that folks may not think of, such as dry needling. We see many athletes, and we have a physical therapist who is certified in concussion work and vestibular rehab. We also see patients who have prosthetics and some pediatric patients. We have lots of work-related injuries with employees who are trying to get back to work. We see a heavy load of all types of orthopedics. STAR is also very involved in clinical education, so we all take students from all over the country.”
Continuing education is very important at STAR. They provide many wonderful opportunities. Management ensures every employee is made aware of any new government regulations or changes. “They also provide many wonderful opportunities for continuing education to keep us all abreast of new, ongoing techniques. STAR clinicians are staffed with high-level clinicians, and patients are seen by licensed staff.”
Through the years, McConkey has seen thousands of patients. “We have been blessed to be involved in the rehab of many patients who have special stories to share — some with massive injuries, some with hardships, and many with impressive work ethics. I am proud to say we have many repeat patients at STAR. We are blessed to be busy. We are up on our feet all day, seeing patients and doing paperwork after hours. Being a physical therapist is a very physical job.”
Since McConkey is originally from Wartrace, many of her patients are longtime friends, or they know her family, or are family members themselves. “I feel that Shelbyville, being my hometown, has helped me get a better insight as to what my patients may need,” McConkey said. “Knowing where they work and what they will be required to do at work is very helpful. I am also aware of most available resources. Both of my parents worked in Shelbyville, and I remember a lot of their friends and their families.”
When it comes to encouraging the younger generation to follow in McConkey’s tennis shoes, she said, “Physical therapy is a seven-year degree. I tell young students all the time that we are masters of the musculoskeletal system and nervous system, plus we must have compassion and empathy. Even though physical therapy is a seven-year degree, the rewards are many and well worth the time it takes to earn it.”
McConkey and her husband, Tim, have been married for 45 years, and have two children and five grandchildren. Her advice to aspiring physical therapists also includes job shadowing at a clinic for either half a day or a full day. “See if this feels like something you might like to do. I have been practicing physical therapy for 43 years and can honestly say I still love what I do. I love working with patients and helping them get back to a fully functional level.”
Physical therapy is more than just a list of exercises to follow — it’s also about reclaiming muscle and joint movement, rebuilding confidence, and regaining independence. GN
For more information, go to www.starpt.com.
