Back on the Golf Course after Two Injuries!

Patient of the Month

Our patient of the month, John, probably got to know us a little better than he would have liked this year! Just as he was finishing up therapy for one injury, he had an accident that caused him to come back for something completely different! 

John was determined to not let it keep him down though! His positive attitude and willingness to do anything asked carried him smoothly into this new phase of rehabilitation. John is an example of how consistency and dedication can bring you back to the life you love, from going up the stairs, to getting out on the green!

In his Own Words…

Three Words to Describe Me:

 Stronger Every Day

What brought you to PT? 

Early this year I was being treated by Dr. Wortman for tennis elbow. Then I had an accident in April and tore my quadriceps tendon off my kneecap.  I immediately contacted Dr Wortman - I didn't consider going anywhere else for treatment.

How have you benefitted from PT?  

I actually look forward to my sessions. Dr. Wortman has been extremely helpful in strengthening my knee and creating flexibility. She has given me confidence to move ahead with my recovery, and I am "ahead of the game" because of her efforts.  She is extremely attentive during our sessions and has recently been pushing me hard so that I can get back to normal activities.

What would you recommend to someone who has the same injury as you?

Go directly to IronPT - Dr. Wortman and Dr. Mayes are terrific Physical Therapists! Follow your doctor's advice and do all of your at-home exercises per your physical therapists instructions.

What activities are you most excited about getting back to? After 4 months I was able to get back onto the golf course using a golf cart and knee brace, per my doctor's orders. He has been impressed by my progress. 

Any new goals now that you are feeling better? I look forward to walking the golf course and playing without the brace in a month or so. 

Positive Attitude + Physical Therapy - Back Pain = Wellness

Patient of the Month

Meet Mark, our May 2015 patient of the month! Mark is someone who exemplifies the power of a positive attitude amidst life's challenges. He not only brings enthusiasm to every session, but he is one of the funniest people I have met. He literally has the entire clinic laughing by the time he leaves. As a doctor, I most appreciate Mark's ability to receive and apply the information we discuss. I know that he will really utilize the knowledge and skills he's learned in therapy as he moves forward. It was a true pleasure to support Mark in his journey towards wellness! 

In his Own Words…

Three Words That Describe You:  

Artistic - Amiable - Altruistic

What brought you to PT? Word of mouth recommendation along with a bulging disk that prevented me from doing movements that I took for granted.

How have you benefitted from PT? Mentally, I realized how important a daily regimen is. Physically, I recognize and understand how important core strength is as well as balance. All in all, I now realize how important it is to keep moving and not become complacent or sedentary ever.

What would you say to someone with the same injury?

I would (of course) recommend Iron PT to anyone I come across who is suffering. Actually I already have. In the 3 months that I have been a patient, I have seen many different injuries or ailments come through the door that needed resolution. For example, my wife was a patient for her painful wrist. Now, she not only has no pain, but also knows what she did wrong that created the situation and strives to implement the corrective measures learned at Iron PT. So at Iron, you not only get pain relief, but also get educated on top of it…a win/win in my book.

What are you most excited about getting back to?

I am excited to get back to the links. I drove 20 or so practice balls the other day pain free. I’m just excited to get out of bed and stand without much pain anymore, and of course I will use all of the education I learned going forward.

Back on the Slopes After Knee Surgery (POM 3/15)

Coming Back from Knee Surgery

Meet Rosalie, our amazing patient of the month! Going through chronic pain and surgery can take it's toll on your body, mind and spirit; but this busy mom and athlete was determined to make a full recovery.

Even while she might be cursing Dr. Mayes as she gasped for air during her exercise program, she always had a smile, laugh and the determination to keep going! We are so excited to see Rosalie get back to the things she loves, but we will definitely miss her fun, feisty and kind-hearted presence in the clinic. 

In her own words…

What brought you to Iron Physical Therapy? Unfortunately, my knee surgery brought me to PT.  Prior to my surgery I had been experiencing knee pain for about a year which resulted in my injury.  

How have you benefitted from PT? Dr. Mayes has encouraged me to realize the importance of committing to a healthy and fit regimen that has ultimately changed my life. I'm eating healthy, working out, and thinking more positively.

What would you say to someone with the same injury? Exercise is not an option (especially after the 12th anniversary of my 30th birthday! LOL)  I have never felt stronger physically and mentally!  

What are you most excited about getting back to? I am looking forward to continuing my new regimen and I am especially excited about skiing and biking with my family!  

Why This 40+ Mom Tried CrossFit!

Claudia Head Shot Small

By Claudia F. -Wife, Mom, Designer, Manager, Dog Lover, CrossFitter

My stomach had been churning for hours. It felt like the first day of school…only worse! Who would have believed I’d be going to do something I always thought was for muscle heads. I’m so anti-gym and definitely didn’t want to look like a body builder, right?? I’d always liked to walk and even did a half marathon, but I was 40+ and about to try CROSSFIT!

How I Ended Up in the Box

It all started when I took a job as the Manager of Iron Physical Therapy in January 2014. I’d been in a bit of a rut, and I was excited about a fresh start but I had no idea what I was getting myself into.

If anyone knows Dr. Geno Mayes, the owner of Iron Physical Therapy, then you already know that the words “I can’t” or “I’m too afraid” do NOT exist in his vocabulary. I knew my time had come to put fear aside and challenge myself to become active again. Geno helped me find the part of me that had been longing to come out. I believe that everyone has competitiveness to some degree within. I’m definitely one of those people, and as an avid CrossFitter, Geno thought it was just the thing for me.

I observed a CrossFit competition one Saturday and thought to myself, why do these people want to do this to themselves? I could NEVER! Well then Martha from Crossfit Caldwell came into IronPT one day. She convinced me to try a free class and assured me there wouldn’t be any pressure to join. Well, that was almost five months ago.

I remember going there and thinking everyone was looking at me saying, “What is she doing here?" I never worked so hard in my life, but I finished the class. I signed up for the fundamentals class thinking I'll give it two weeks, and then I’ll be good…and then I signed up for a month and another after that.

Five Months Later

I still feel the same in the morning when my alarm clock goes off at 4:00 a.m…“Why am I doing this”? But being a mom and working full time, the 5:15 a.m. class is the only one that works for my schedule. Even though it’s hard, it’s been worth it.

Claudia

I was skeptical about how much my body could change in such a short time, but my co-worker took my measurements, and I’ve lost three inches around my thighs and one inch around my waist. Now THAT is a great feeling! I have also increased my strength more than I ever thought possible. My back squat went from 65lb to 115lb and my deadlift went from 95lb to a PR of 165lb.

What I’ve Learned

Doing CrossFit is scary, hard and satisfying all at the same time. As a busy mom, it was exactly what I needed to start making time for myself again. Being active has given me the confidence to believe, “I can do that too.” I may not do CrossFit forever, but I now feel bold enough to try other things. It has also made me feel less self-conscious about my appearance. As we get older, it’s not as easy to keep things in place as it used to be ; ) The strength training helps move things around a bit, but more than that, it makes you appreciate your body for everything it can do rather than just how it looks.

Going from 0 to 60 MPH does come with a few aches and pains, but I am learning how to address any issues and take better care of my body so that it serves me over the long haul. 

My first competition!

If you’re on the fence about trying a free class at CrossFit, I say go and check it out. It’s a challenge…ALWAYS! Just go at your own pace. YOU are the only one that matters. I have said that I’ll give myself one year and then see how I look and feel. But then again, I was only going to do the fundamentals class – ha!

I Do CrossFit!!