A Michigan man with a tumor that covered four vertebrae in his neck and pinched nerves stretching to his lower body defied doctors' prognoses and walked again on his own about one month ago, according to Heritage Newspapers.
Bob Spaly developed the benign tumor in 2009 and doctors determined the tumor also covered his spinal column, which made it inoperable. He devoted six weeks to radiation and also entered physical therapy, and the tumor ceased developing. He also said he believes the tumor began shrinking.
He credits the hours he put into physical therapy with learning to walk with a walker and swimming.
"He's literally brought my entire body back and he's brought my life back," Spaly told the publication.
He first encountered his physical therapist in April while walking with a friend and a walker, achieving one-quarter mile in 41 minutes. The physical therapist removed Spaly's leg braces and guided him through stretches. Thirty minutes later, Spaly's flexibility had improved 50 percent. The physical therapist told him he would be walking in six months.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, prospects for physical therapy jobs are projected to grow quicker than average.