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\u201cI have always felt that I was on this Earth to help others,\u201d McConkey said. \u201cI had this feeling that I was to pass on a \u2018healing hand.\u2019 My patients are always so grateful and appreciative. My philosophy for healing and recovery is that it\u2019s important to know that not everyone moves at the same pace. Almost every patient has other health issues or problems that affect their recovery.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The most difficult aspect of physical therapy isn\u2019t the therapy or the patients \u2014 it\u2019s 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\u2019s nervous system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI also believe in a hands-on approach. STAR\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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. \u201cThey 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Through the years, McConkey has seen thousands of patients. \u201cWe have been blessed to be involved in the rehab of many patients who have special stories to share \u2014 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Since McConkey is originally from Wartrace, many of her patients are longtime friends, or they know her family, or are family members themselves. \u201cI feel that Shelbyville, being my hometown, has helped me get a better insight as to what my patients may need,\u201d McConkey said. \u201cKnowing 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n When it comes to encouraging the younger generation to follow in McConkey\u2019s tennis shoes, she said, \u201cPhysical 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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. \u201cSee 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/goodnewsmags.com\/shelbyville\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/12\/4-6-1024x683.jpg\")
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