Since stepping into the world of physical medicine, I’ve constantly heard the phrases “health is wealth” and “movement is medicine.” As someone who’s always lived an active lifestyle, my first thought was always, “Well, of course!” These words sounded like common sense until recently, when they took on an entirely new meaning.
I’ve played sports my whole life and, thankfully, the injuries were always minor. That changed after one spontaneous night out with friends when I sustained a full-thickness tear of my ACL—my worst injury yet. I never imagined my life would suddenly pivot (🙂) in this direction, but then again, whoever does?
Seeing things in a new light.
As a chiropractic student, I’ve studied injuries that reshape people’s lives—but I realize now how little I truly understood what that felt like. These past few weeks have been humbling. For the first time, I’ve looked at stairs with hesitation. I’ve had to plan my day around my physical limitations. I’ve felt what it’s like to want to move freely and simply not be able to. Those two little phrases, “health is wealth” and “movement is medicine”, have never felt more real.
I can’t change what happened, but I do recognize the gift within this experience. I’m now learning firsthand what many of my future patients are going through. I’m reminded every single day why our profession matters so much—and why restoring and optimizing movement is about so much more than strong joints and muscles. It’s about giving people their lives back.
A new understanding.
Though this process has been challenging, it’s also been eye-opening. Every day I learn something new about my mind, my body and my resilience. And every day, I feel more connected to the reason I am here in the first place. Sometimes life has a way of slowing you down just enough to make sure you really understand the words you preach. These next couple months will give me lots of time to understand the weight that these phrases really have.
Learn more about Christina’s Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine student journey.
