Patient of the Month: November 2012
We are proud to honor our first ever Patient of the Month! The criteria for selection were patient compliance, attitude, attendance and Iron PT evangelism. We could not think of anyone who embodies this more than Naomi. It was a true pleasure to have her in the clinic and a special treat for Dr. Mayes to run the Harrisburg Marathon with her earlier this month.
Name: Naomi G.
Injury: Chronic Ankle Sprain
Occupation: Federal Law Enforcement
Three Words That Describe You: Adventurous, Positive, and Organized
What brought you to PT?
Over the last ten years, I have sprained my right ankle several times. I enjoy being physically active and completing a marathon was always a life goal.
I tried to train for a marathon a few years ago and was sidelined due to a stress fracture in my ankle. This past July, I started a four-month marathon training program and about half way through the training, I developed a shin splint related to the brace I was wearing to support my ankle. I couldn't run without significant pain and was devastated thinking that I would not be able to achieve my goal.
How have you benefitted from PT (physically or mentally)?
I have been to physical therapy before with little confidence in the process and the practitioners. However, Dr. Mayes who is a runner and an athlete, is a different kind of physical therapist who provides specific, personal, and targeted attention. I did not know PTs like him even existed!
He used techniques to work out the scar tissue built up from years of injury, worked on my range of motion, and helped me plan a modified marathon training schedule. After less than 6 weeks, I was amazingly able to achieve my goal of running the marathon with his help!
What would you recommend to someone who has the same injury?
The first time you sustain a sprain, you have to rehabilitate the injury or it will reoccur. Also, if you have specific physical fitness goals and have a current or previous injury, seek out a physical therapist you trust that will work with you throughout the training process in order to achieve your goals.
What activities are you most excited about getting back to? Any new goals now that you are feeling better?
I enjoy doing different activities like obstacle races and triathlons. Maybe another marathon down the road? But for now I am just going to enjoy running pain free!