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Barbara’s Physical Therapy Story

TheraSport Physical Therapy - Summerfield, NC
TheraSport Physical Therapy - Summerfield, NC

Barbara is a current patient at Therasport Physical Therapy in Summerfield.  Barbara started physical therapy in April after she tore her rotator cuff and had surgery to repair it.  She works with Diana Rizza, PT and Darlene Page. .

What were your goals and what types of activities were you unable to do before starting services?

I wanted to regain my mobility and strength.  I’m an artist, so reaching up is important if you’re working on a big canvas.  I was also unable to do daily chores like brushing my teeth, fixing my hair, or reaching into a cabinet to get a glass.

How would you describe your progress toward your goals?

I’ve made tremendous strides — night and day.  I had to go buy an electric toothbrush, and now I can brush my teeth and dress myself.  I’m still working on reaching.

What is your favorite and least favorite part of each visit?

My favorite part is just being here around nice people and working on my goal to get full use of my arm.  My least favorite part is that the stretching hurts, although it is for your benefit.  No pain, no gain!

How would you describe the styles of your physical therapist?

She’s been great; she’s very methodical.  Her emotions are smooth, and she is gentle and firm.  I have been doing exercises at home that Diana gave me, and it has helped.  I have had an excellent all around experience with Diana and Darlene.

If a friend was recommended for physical therapy services, but was skeptical about starting, what would you say?

It’s well worth the time and money to be able to function to your full capacity.

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Stone’s Physical Therapy Story

Mandy, LPTA with Stone, a physical therapy patient at DOAR Chatham
Mandy Adkins, LPTA with Stone

Stone first used physical therapy services at DOAR Chatham 5 years ago, when he had rotator cuff surgery. He is now a second-time patient undergoing rehab after a total knee replacement. He has worked with Joey Scearce, MPT, Physical Therapist and Mandy Adkins, LPTA, Physical Therapist Assistant.

Do you have a physical therapy success story? Share it here!

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Paula’s Physical Therapy Story

Paula is receiving physical therapy for her shoulder at DOAR Central.  She is well-acquainted with therapy and with DOAR, having been a physical therapy patient with  neck problems, a pulled hamstring, and most recently, a torn rotator cuff. She has also been an occupational therapy patient with wrist problems. Currently, Paula’s primary physical therapist is Kate Albright, PT.  Over the years, she has also worked with Beth Neal, OTR/L; James Turner, DPT; Cindi Mathena, LPTA;  Jeff Durand, ATC; and Rachel Bricker. Here’s Paula’s story, in her own words:

I started  having pain in the front of my shoulder and bicep last May. I went to the doctor, and we tried steroids and cortizone shots before he suggested physical therapy. We were trying to avoid surgery, but I wasn’t getting better. Kate suggested I talk to my doctor again. We went ahead with the surgery in November. During surgery, they found out that my rotator cuff was torn, which hadn’t shown up on my MRI.

Since the surgery, I’ve come a long way! After the surgery, I couldn’t do anything, I could barely move my arm. Basically, Kate was moving my arm for me, using passive range of motion. She guided me to know what to do and what not to do at home. Around the eighth or ninth week, I was able to do more. I went back to my doctor, and he said I didn’t have any more limitations. My motion is a whole lot better, but I’ve still got a long way to go, so that’s what I’m working on now.

I’m a full believer in physical therapy! I’ve had physical therapy before for neck problems and a pulled hamstring. I also had occupational therapy years ago with Beth after my wrist surgery; I went from not being able to move my wrist to having full range of motion.

I would definitely recommend therapy to anyone who needs it. I don’t know what people do who don’t come to therapy after surgery. I wouldn’t know what I could do with out someone guiding me. I wouldn’t have my range of motion.

Nobody wants to have surgery, but since I did, I really enjoy coming here. Everyone is very nice, and seems to be very knowledgeable. What gets me is the patience they have!  When Kate shares her knowledge of the anatomy and how everything is supposed to work, I know I can trust her, which gives me the confidence I need to get better. I will miss everyone when I’m done!

Thank you, Paula, for sharing your experiences with physical and occupational therapy. Good luck as your continue your journey toward full range of motion!

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What are some physical therapy treatments for tendonitis?

Although tendonitis can result from an acute injury, it is usually the result of a repetitive muscle force, placing persistent strain on a tendon. Some of the more common forms of tendonitis include laterl/medial epicondylitis, patellar tendonitis achilles tendonitis, rotator cuff tendonitis and plantar fasciitis.

So now that we know what we are dealing with, how do we treat the symptoms? Initially, the individuals can do two things to treat themselves: 1) identify the aggravating factor and stop doing it, and 2) ice, ice and more ice (10-15 min at a time or until “numb”).

However, most people, including fellow healthcare workers, tend to ignore the initial symptoms and push onward. After all, no one wants to stop a favorite hobby or take a sick day from work. So tendonitits usually progresses to a more chronic issue, an these indivudals become patients. Physician-prescribed teratemnts often begin with anti-inflammatory medications and possibliy injections to the involve region. If these are no sufficient, patients may be referred to physical therapy.

As a physical therapist, my plan of care for tendonitis usually involves treating the symptoms and again, identifying and modifying the aggravating factor(s). Adaptations may include ergonomic changes, body mechanics re-training, or an unloading brace. Referencing the tendonitis protocol, I use continuous ultrasound to penetrate and heat the tendon restrictions followed by cross friction massage to release these adhesions. We then reinforce the proper tendon gliding by stretching the involved soft tissues and initiating gentle strengthening with isometrics and/or eccentrics.

Once symptoms decline, I usually add isotonic strengthening and develop an individualized home program of stretching and strengthening to minimize the risk of recurrence. If you have questions or concerns about this or any related topics, please contact one of our physical therapists.