UA Little Rock Student Athlete Takes Next Step Toward Physical Therapy Career
University of Arkansas at Little Rock senior biology major Madison Thomas strengthened her passion for physical therapy this summer through an internship at Re/Align, where she gained hands-on experience working with athletes and other patients.
Thomas, a native of Houston and member of the Little Rock Trojans track and field team, interned at Re/Align in Humble, Texas, under Israel Lopez, a physical therapist and owner of the practice. Re/Align specializes in sports therapy, with a focus on injury prevention and rehabilitation.
During the internship, Thomas observed Lopez as he worked with patients, learning how he evaluated their needs and developed individualized treatment plans. Under his guidance, she also gained experience with patients and learned techniques such as scraping, cupping, and mobility stretching.
“This experience gave me a better understanding of how physical therapists work with athletes and how mobility and recovery can impact performance,” Thomas said. “Most importantly, it confirmed my interest in pursuing a career in physical therapy.”
Thomas said one of her biggest takeaways was recognizing the importance of understanding human anatomy and how different parts of the body work together.
“The body does not work in isolation; every muscle, ligament, and tendon is connected and can influence how the body moves as a whole,” Thomas said. “Understanding how these structures work together and how movement in one area can affect another is essential to effectively evaluating and treating patients.”
The experience also gave Thomas an opportunity to connect what she has learned at UA Little Rock with her future career. She applied terminology from her Science of Biology course during the internship and looks forward to taking anatomy this fall.
“I am very excited for this semester because I will be taking anatomy, and I am confident that it will allow me to better understand what I learned from Re/Align,” Thomas said.
As a student-athlete, Thomas also found that the strength and athleticism she developed through track and field helped her while working with patients.
“I learned that physical therapists need to be mobile, strong, and comfortable using their own body weight when working with patients,” Thomas said. “My experience as an athlete helped me feel more comfortable using my strength while also learning how to apply it safely and effectively.”
Thomas’ connection to Re/Align began when her brother sought treatment from Lopez for a shoulder injury that had restricted his range of motion. Thomas accompanied her brother to an appointment and struck up a conversation with Lopez about her interest in becoming a physical therapist.
Impressed by Lopez’s approach to working with athletes, Thomas asked if she could return to Re/Align for observation hours.
“I was amazed by the results and immediately knew I wanted to learn more about his approach,” Thomas said. “I asked Israel if I could come to Re/Align for observation hours, and the rest is history!”
Beyond the clinical experience, Thomas said the relationships she built during her internship were among the most meaningful parts of the summer. She met people from a variety of backgrounds and learned from their experiences and perspectives.
“These connections showed me the importance of building relationships and being open to learning from everyone I encounter,” Thomas said.
The internship ultimately reinforced Thomas’ goal of becoming a physical therapist by showing her the impact physical therapists can have on their patients.
“I saw firsthand how proper treatment, guidance, and understanding of the body can help someone recover, move better, and return to doing what they love,” Thomas said. “It made me realize that being a PT is not just about treating injuries, but also about helping people become the best version of themselves.”
For other UA Little Rock students interested in internships, Thomas recommends taking advantage of every opportunity to learn.
“I would tell students to be a sponge and soak up as much information as possible, especially when you are doing something you genuinely love,” Thomas said. “Every experience is an opportunity to learn something new, so stay curious and be willing to ask questions.”
She also encouraged students to build meaningful relationships and be themselves.
“Everyone is their own brand, and how you present yourself, communicate with others, and let your personality shine can take you a long way,” Thomas said. “Most importantly, be yourself, stay open to learning, and take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way.”
Looking ahead, Thomas is excited about classes that will bring her closer to her goal of becoming a physical therapist. She is also looking forward to fall training with her track and field teammates and coaches and continuing to grow as an athlete and teammate. Thomas will also serve as an ambassador for the Chancellor’s Leadership Corps, an organization she said has played an important role in her college experience.