From Tragedy to Triumph: My Journey into the Heart of Rehabilitation after 9/11

As we flew home from Prague on Sunday 9/9/2001, the events that unfolded cast a shadow over our trip. Before departing, we searched the city for Dr. Janda’s home near the US embassy but were thwarted by roadblocks. The atmosphere was tense, as we were asked to provide emergency contact information at the airport—a request we had never encountered before. Just days after our return, the tragedy of 9/11 shook the world, dimming the excitement of our recent journey.

By November 2001, I was back in action, providing care to rescue teams at St. Paul’s church in NYC's Financial district. Though unable to utilize my Reflex Locomotion training, the principles of care guided my musculoskeletal cases.

During this time, I enrolled in an online and in-person workshop hosted by French PT Hugues Lagache, delving into Vojta diagnosis and therapy. This comprehensive course covered everything from baby evaluation to postural reactions and movement development. Eager to deepen my understanding, I traveled to Europe in February 2002 to work with Hugues.

Accompanied by my family, we journeyed to Hugues' home near the Belgium border in Northern France. My first meeting with Hugues was filled with anticipation and curiosity. Though unable to answer all my questions, Hugues imparted valuable insights into Reflex Locomotion application.

Each day with Hugues was enlightening, blending learning with hands-on treatment of children with CP. His stories, particularly of preventing Cerebral Palsy in infants through early intervention, left a lasting impression.

Despite witnessing the efficacy of Vojta therapy in children, I still sought more knowledge. Though attempts to learn Czech faltered, reaching out to the International Vojta Society in Siegen, Germany, proved fruitful. My exchanges with Fionn Bailey, a New Zealand PT, revealed a potential opportunity to delve deeper.

My visit to Siegen in October 2003 was a pivotal moment. Touring the facility and witnessing physician evaluations and treatments reaffirmed my dedication to learning. The prospect of an adult-focused course, though conducted in German, filled me with excitement and trepidation.

Despite the challenges ahead, the opportunity to become the first English-speaking chiropractor to undertake the course was too enticing to pass up.