Show Notes: Ep. 6 – Healing from a Total Knee Replacement

Host: Dr. Kate Oland
Guest: Dr. Carol Beckel, Director of Clinical Education (now Dean of Health Sciences at St. Louis Community College)

In This Episode:

• Tribute to John Barnes:
  Dr. Kate opens with a moving tribute to John Barnes, the father of myofascial release, reflecting on his legacy and impact on the field of physical therapy.
• Meet Dr. Carol Beckel:
  Dr. Kate introduces Dr. Beckel, sharing their history as student and professor, and highlighting Carol’s career path from clinician to educator and now academic leader.
• Home Health Stories:
  Carol shares memorable and sometimes humorous stories from her years in home health, including lessons learned about patient environments, breaking stereotypes, and the importance of cultural sensitivity.
• The Emotional Side of Healthcare:
  Both Dr. Kate and Dr. Carol discuss the psychological and emotional challenges faced by patients and clinicians, especially when dealing with hoarding, mental health, and the boundaries of professional responsibility.
• The Knee Replacement Journey:
  Carol details her lifelong struggle with juvenile arthritis, the decision-making process leading up to surgery, and the realities of recovery—pain, setbacks, and the importance of assistive devices.
• Patient Perspective:
  Insights into how being a patient changed Carol’s perspective as a physical therapist, including the value of empathy, communication, and listening in healthcare.
• Rehabilitation and Recovery:
  The episode covers Carol’s prehab, surgery, and post-op experiences, including physical therapy milestones, nerve pain, and the role of social support in healing.
• Pro Bono Clinic at SLU:
  Carol describes the pro bono physical therapy clinic at St. Louis University, its impact on students and the community, and how listeners can get involved or seek services.
• Transitions and New Beginnings:
  Both Dr. Kate and Dr. Carol reflect on leaving their teaching roles at SLU, embracing new opportunities, and the bittersweet nature of change.
• Holiday Music Recommendation:
  Dr. Kate closes the episode with a music recommendation: "Christmas Child" by Carbon Leaf.

Resources & Links

• Learn more about the pro bono PT clinic at St. Louis University: www.slu.edu/doisy/degrees/undergraduate/physical-therapy-program
• "Healing Ancient Wounds" by John Barnes
• "Christmas Child" by Carbon Leaf (available on major streaming platforms)

Key Quotes

• “He taught us to slow down, to take care of ourselves as healthcare providers, to honor the inseparable relationship between body, mind, and emotion.” – Dr. Kate Oland
• “Every body is different. Your body’s different from mine.” – Dr. Kate Oland
• “If we can make our patients feel heard, it can really help ease some anxiety.” – Dr. Kate Oland

Connect with Us

• Have questions or want to share your own healing journey? Reach out via email at ThriveHealingJourney@gmail.com

Musical Intro (Comfort) and Outro (Red Punch, Green Punch) by Carbon Leaf

Voice Intro and Outro by Marcel Brown, my IT guy with a sexy voice.

Executive Producer: Jake Sebok