Skip to main content

A transformative relationship, in many ways.

Defining Moment Polly and Charlie
Polly Swingle, PT, GCS, CEEAA, RYI, with her business partner and former patient Charlie Parkhill.

Listen to 'Defining Moment'

When I first saw Charlie Parkhill, I had no idea he would become such an important figure in my life. I just thought I could help him.

It was 1998 and I was working as a physical therapist (PT) at the Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan in the town of Novi. Charlie, a certified public accountant with a successful business, had sustained a severe neck injury while on vacation with his wife in Mexico. The wave that knocked him down had bruised and partially severed his spinal cord. Physicians had told him he'd never walk again.

Log in or create a free account to keep reading.


Join APTA to get unlimited access to content.


You Might Also Like...

News

FTC Drops Legal Appeals, Abandons Noncompete Rule

Oct 8, 2025

In August 2024, the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas permanently barred the Federal Trade Commission's ban on employee noncompetes.

News

PT For Future Me: APTA’s New National Physical Therapy Month Campaign

Oct 1, 2025

October is National Physical Therapy Month — a time to celebrate the profession, spotlight the many benefits of physical therapy, and showcase the impact

Feature

In the Ring: Supporting Athletes in Combat Sports

Oct 1, 2025

Combat sports push athletes — and PTs — to their limits. Learn how PTs apply evidence-based care in unpredictable, high-risk environments.