Pictured: The author works on breathing techniques in a patient’s home. Photo by Gwyneth Roberts. (Note: Photo was taken before mask-wearing protocols were introduced in response to the COVID-19 health emergency.)

Margaret had been living with debilitating, complex chronic pain for more than five years. Riding in the car was difficult for her. In many ways it simply felt wrong for me to ask her to come into the clinic for sessions, because for her to do so was taxing.

Physical therapy transforms lives. It empowers people. It brings hope to those who need it most. But people can only experience transformative care if it’s provided in a manner that works for them.