Get To Know Your PT: Jonathan Lim Sze How, PT, DPT

Physical therapist Jonathan Lim Sze How takes some time to share his favorite ways to stay active, how he knew physical therapy was the career path for him and what he listens to to get pumped up.

 

“Gradually challenge yourself to do more and more, you will be able to achieve anything.”

 

When did you know that you wanted to be a physical therapist?

I always knew I wanted to be in a profession where I could be actively help people, while not having to sit behind a desk all day long. I realized during my undergraduate education how amazingly complex and resilient the human body is while learning about anatomy, physiology and biomechanics. This pushed me to learn more, become a human movement expert and help others, thus pursuing physical therapy as a career.

What’s your favorite song to get you motivated?

Any classic 90s rock song!

What is the biggest challenge involved in being a PT?

One of the challenges we face, in my opinion, is that our patients often take too long after sustaining an injury to come in for a consultation with a physical therapist. Often this can delay their recovery process while causing other compensating issues to surface and complicate things.

How do you like to stay active?

I became quite an avid runner over the past several years. I love the feeling of just being on my own and challenging myself both physically and mentally. When I moved to San Francisco, I got into trail running and started exploring the countless number of beautiful trails the Bay Area has to offer.

What surprised you the most about the physical therapist profession?

I was gladly surprised by how far reaching our profession is. You can find physical therapist’s working with newborns and their parents in the in neonatal units, or getting ICU patients who hooked up to several machines up and moving.

Are you currently pursuing any further education/certifications?

I am really interested in public health and health policy making and may pursue this path in the future.

What’s your go-to breakfast?

A nice cup of black coffee in the morning.

What do you wish everyone knew about PT?

We are not the “torturers” you think we are. We will always motivate you to do more and challenge yourself because we are your “cheerleaders”.

What is the most important personality trait that a PT must have?

In my opinion, patience is a very important trait for any physical therapist to have. Patience to really listen to and empathize with our patient’s issues, as well as having the patience to work with each patient at their own pace.

What do you do to de-stress/unwind?

Playing some tunes on my guitar.

Finish this sentence: On Saturday mornings, you can usually find me…

In a perfect world, I would be up early and laced up, ready for a morning run, or on my way to a good fishing spot.

What is your favorite piece of wellness advice to offer?

Get Moving!!! I know it is easier said than done, but if you pick an activity you like, have a solid plan, start easy and gradually challenge yourself to do more and more, you will be able to achieve anything.