PSYOP Soldier Doubles as Physical Therapist

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

09.24.2004

Courtesy Story

DVIDS Hub       

CAMP AL-TAHREER, Iraq - When not creating better relations between Multi-National Forces and the Iraqi community, Capt. Brett Parish, from the Dallas-based 345th Tactical Psychological Operations Detachment, volunteers his time and skills as a physical therapist for the 210th Forward Support Battalion.

Parish is a physical therapist in his civilian life. He enlisted as an active duty Soldier when he was 17 and transferred to the Army Reserve after his initial enlistment was complete. He graduated from the University of Texas with a master's of science degree with physical therapy as his specialty.

Parish is currently serving in Baghdad while his unit is attached to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team (Commandos), 10th Mountain Division. Soldiers at 210th FSB's medical tent were excited to hear Parish would volunteer his time every Sunday morning for four hours, said Sgt. David Annable, from the 210th FSB.

Parish said he set aside his personal time for the FSB because he wanted to work with Soldiers.

"I saw there was a need," Parish said. "We have Soldiers working in extreme conditions who need a physical therapist. It also gives me a way to keep my skills up. I offered to volunteer my time on Sunday mornings. I see four to six patients any given hour."

Having their own physical therapist is a tremendous asset to Soldiers and units alike, Annable said.

"When Soldiers deploy, their pain doesn't go away," he said. "Having a physical therapist here is beneficial to their health and to mission accomplishment."

Units usually don't deploy with a physical therapist. Soldiers can get help for their pains, but it can be time consuming and tedious.

"If someone comes to us with chronic ailments and we can't heal them, they have to go to [Baghdad International Airport] and get on a bus to the Green zone to see an orthopedic surgeon," Annable said. "Parish gives Soldiers the help they need without the inconvenience. Physical therapy is different from other medical fields because therapists try to find the root of the problem and stop it, Parish said. Prescribing painkillers will numb the pain, but it won't stop what he calls a "pain merry-go-round" of recurring symptoms.

"The difference between me and a regular doctor is a doctor is looking for symptoms," he said. "I'm looking for the cause of the problem. I address the cause of the discomfort, not treat the symptom."

Treating the problem includes strength and muscle-memory training. This can help Soldiers deal with the pressure of carrying heavy loads or recover from a twisted ankle, Parish said.

"The longer Soldiers are on patrol, the more aches and pains they get," he said. "Most people come in with back pain. The knees, ankles and shoulders are a close tie for second. I give them stretches end exercises. They usually hold the stretches for one minute, and I also give them exercises with rubber band resistance."

Spc. Mariana Abrew, from the 210th FSB, said Parish's advice is very beneficial to her and other Soldiers.

"I wish he was with us from the beginning," she said. "He gave me exercises to do to make me stronger. I had a physical therapist at Fort Drum, but this is the first time I got to see [one] here." Many people in pain usually just want someone to care, Parish said. He enjoys listening to people's problems and helping them solve their physical problems.

"People want to be listened to," he said. "They also want to be helped. I love what I do. It is rewarding to see people get better and have their quality of life improve." The Commando community will miss Parish's skills when he returns home in October, Annable said.

"We appreciate him volunteering," he said. "We hope we run into the same luck in the future."

Parish said he was glad to be of service and is happy he had the chance to help fellow Soldiers, as well as the Iraqi community.

"It's been fun, I enjoyed it," he said. "When I go back home I can say that I helped people."

• Date Taken: 09.24.2004
• Date Posted: 09.24.2004 09:43
• Story ID: 411
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ