Physical Therapy in Nepal

Volunteering through Projects Abroad was a wonderful experience. From the time you book your trip to the time you land at your final destination their staff are with you 24/7. Working in a hospital was exciting because we saw a variety of patients. Many cases we saw in the physical therapy department were different than cases you may see in your native country. For example, many farmers had lower back pain from bending over all day; this was a common pattern diagnosed and treated in the clinic. Many women were treated for wrist and elbow problems from repeatedly wringing out wet clothes. A man once came in with half his face paralyzed from a rare virus that entered through his right ear. Cases like these were so interesting to diagnose and treat. It's important as volunteers to assimilate as best we can into the lives and culture of Nepal. For me, this was best achieved by getting to know the patients. It is so important as therapists to sympathize and understand our patients. That was my favorite and most enriching part of volunteering: conversing with the patients and doctors enough to try and understand the Nepalese situation and way of life. Although it's tough to do, I found it to be the most important impact of my volunteer work.