The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics is redefining the way musculoskeletal care is delivered across the region with locations throughout Maryland, DC, Virginia and Pennsylvania.
January 24, 2018
Meet PVOA: Sarah Chesney
1) Introduce yourself!
Hi! My name is Sarah Chesney, and I've been a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) with Potomac Valley Sports Medicine for 3 years. However, I've been a member of the PVOA family for nearly 10 years now, starting out as a PT aide in 2008 after obtaining my Bachelor's in Psychology from the University of Colorado. In 2011 I moved onto the role of an orthopedic technician before returning to school to earn an Associates in Physical Therapy from Carroll Community College in 2013.
2) What do you do at PVOA?
As a PTA, I am basically an extension of the Physical Therapists (PTs). I see and treat patients (with exercises, modalities, manual therapy, etc.) according to the PT's plan of care. While I cannot perform evaluations of patients, I work very closely with the therapists to plan, progress, and modify each patient's program based on the results of these evaluations and the patients' individual unique needs.
3) What are you passionate about?
Since getting into Yoga as a personal practice a few year ago, I started to realize how beneficial the asanas (poses) would be to utilize for the orthopedic problems that we so frequently encounter in our culture. The movement through the most common and foundational poses promotes simultaneous stretching and strengthening of the myofascial and muscular chains that is so critical to physical recovery. Also, yoga is meant to cultivate awareness of the body through the integration of conscious movement with breath, promoting mindful movement and a centered calm that is also beneficial to injury recovery prevention in the midst of our demanding lives. I have found that the poses meet all of our criteria for effective therapeutic exercises in the clinic. It is because of the belief that through utilization of the Yoga practice for PT we can not only treat injuries, but also promote the maintenance of overall physical conditioning and mental health for continued wellness way beyond the time of discharge from therapy that I traveled to Bali for a 200 hour yoga teacher training course to become a registered yoga teacher (RYT 200) this past summer!
4) What's the best part of your job?
The ability to work so closely with patients a few times per week over an extended period of time allows me to see them get progressively better. There is no better feeling than getting to witness and be a part of someone healing and getting stronger.
5) Any secret talents?
I don't know about that, but at times I feel like my intuition is pretty on point - if you can call that a talent?!
6) What would your life slogan/mantra be?
Practice the power of presence with everything you do.
7) Favorite food?
I have been addicted to Quinn's microwave popcorn lately, but mac & cheese has been a pretty consistent favorite of mine my entire life. Now that I am eating vegan though, I'm still trying to find the perfect substitute.
8) Are you reading/watching anything interesting right now?
Right now I'm reading "Frequency," by Penny Pierce. It's about the power of your personal vibration.
9) What fictional character (from TV, books or movie) best represents you?
I'm not sure if there is one character I completely relate to, but I've always loved the master with the bow, the reluctant revolutionary, Katniss Everdeen from the Hunger Games!
10) Have you ever broken a bone?
I have only ever broken a toe (knock on wood!), but have experienced plenty of sprained appendages....