Physical Therapy’s trip to Costa Rica

In December, the Doctor of Physical Therapy program will graduate its first group of cohorts, and they are coming into the world ready to take over and spread the Word. 

At the start of the fall 2023 semester, students came to Dr. Janet Tankersley, director of the physical therapy program, asking to design an immersive mission and work trip. Seeing the desire and passion in these students’ eyes, Tankersley agreed. So, starting in August 2023, students got together and brought their vision to life. 

After reaching out to local churches to intertwine their work into spreading the Word, students started working closely with the Bonilla family, worship leaders at North Palm Church. The church frequently led mission trips to Costa Rica and were looking to expand their horizons into helping medically as well. The trip was set for Dec. 18-22.

Tankersley hosted a former student of hers to discuss with the group how to share faith through their practice and work. The students also hosted a drive where they gathered equipment such as transfer belts and put together lectures on how to train staff on biomechanics. Since the students were versed already in some physical therapy tactics, they focused on planning to teach body mechanics, posture, and mobilities.

“If you really want to see what God as planned, you’ll just give it up to him,” said Tankersley as she worked with the students to create their itinerary. The students made contact with two elderly homes in separate regions of Costa Rica. Both family-owned and Christian driven, these homes had a huge need for training, education, and working directly with the elderly and staff. The group worked with staff in transferring patients from bed to floors. With residents, they worked on stimulating activities for dementia and cognition through games and movements.

This was the main aspect of their trip, but through the Lord’s grace, the group found contact with a school of 14 children with disabilities who were wanting to learn new physical therapy approaches. 

The CSU team gathered at a university in the mountains with the students, their parents and special education teachers. The students did research on what individual students needed and were assigned to them, creating a bond from the start. The group worked on mobility, and they worked with the teachers on things they could do with the students such as how to adjust their wheelchairs and manage their equipment. The CSU team also brought Christmas gifts to give as they celebrated the Christmas spirit with cake.

Toward the end of their trip, they were granted an amazing opportunity. They gained contact with the Costa Rican Women’s National Soccer team through the Bonilla family. The CSU team met for the soccer team’s final practice before the national championship. They opened it up for the students to come watch and meet the soccer team’s physical therapist. This was a great opportunity for CSU students to experience a member in their career field. 

On their final days, the team got to enjoy some team building, taking a catamaran out to the Tortuga Islands to snorkel, swim, hike, and banana boat rides. 

Every morning the CSU team woke up and performed devotionals and debriefs. They also were  open to eating the authentic food of the area. Tankersley recognized that there was so much more that is needed in education, so she has agreed to host virtual sessions as well, expanding the Costa Rican’s knowledge. These students not only got to experience an amazing educational opportunity but also make connections as well. They are following up with the children and parents while they continuously are building on their education and learning from what they have already done. “These students have started this, really from nothing, but we have built these connections,” said Tankersley. “The next class is already talking about picking up where they left off and building on the training and education.

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