In June 1997, a "distracted" driver ran a red light and t-boned my vehicle. As a result of the accident, I sustained multiple pelvic breaks, broken ribs, a deep chest wall injury and over two decades of chronic low back and left SI joint pain.
Since the accident, I've had YEARS of physical therapy and chiropractic treatments, multiple manipulations under anesthesia, nerve blocks, an SI joint injection, medication, pain management doctors and multiple spinal surgeries. I had a doctor tell me the pain was in my head and she sent me home with a prescription for an antidepressant. Many times, I questioned if the pain was "real" or if was just "crazy."
Prior to the accident, I had always been physically fit and was an avid runner, hiker and gym rat. I tried to stay active but by 2001, the pain forced me to give up running and switch to lower impact exercises. Over the years, I also gave up yoga, then cycling, then weight lifting and finally hiking in January 2022. Hiking was becoming too dangerous as I was constantly falling and the grinding pain in my SI joint was unbearable at times.
In June 2022, I consulted a surgeon who was convinced an SI joint fusion would resolve the last 26 years of chronic pain; however, I needed MORE physical therapy before my insurance company would approve the surgery.
At the recommendation of a family member, I scheduled a consultation with Tom at Above and Beyond Physical Therapy. I went for the appointment with very little (if any) hope that my results would be different. Though I didn't know it at the time, this consultation was the path to getting my life back.
Tom was patient and listened to the details of my injuries, the treatments, therapies and surgeries. He observed my movements (walking, sitting, standing, bending, etc). He asked questions. He didn't send me home with a piece of paper with "at home" exercises. He didn't push my body past its limits (which has happened with two other PT clinics over the years).
For 26 years, I lived with no answers to my chronic pain and within a few sessions, Tom was certain my source of pain was from a FAI and labral tear of my hip. Tom recommended I have a consultation with a hip surgeon (the amazing Dr. Tim Bert), who agreed with Tom's assessment and I was scheduled for surgery.
Prior to surgery, Tom met with me to show me how to: sleep post-op, use a walker, get in/out of bed, a chair and a vehicle, put on/take off my pants and socks, and get in/out of the shower. He made recommendations for items that would be helpful post surgery (slip on shoes, a handheld shower faucet, an elevated toilet seat, a shower chair, shower handles, etc). He adjusted my walker. He recommended I remove any rugs or any trip hazards from my floors,etc. I didn't realize just how valuable these sessions were until after surgery as I navigated the next 30 days without putting weight on my left leg.
It's been approximately 9 months since the surgery. I have remained fully committed to my recovery and physical therapy has been my priority. I drive 50 minutes one way for my sessions (even though there are two physical therapy offices less than 5 minutes from my house). Approximately 98% of my chronic low back/ si joint pain was resolved with the surgery.
In July, I had a 6 month post op appointment with Dr. Bert, who gave me approval to begin a return to running program. Tom provided me with a program, which I have been working on for the last three months. Although I didn't run for 22 years, I now run 2 miles (without stopping) 3 times per week. I am able to run an 11 minute and 3 second mile. Earlier this month, I did a short hike (total of 200 ft in elevation) for the first time without slipping or falling.
My therapy with Tom and the team at Above and Beyond PT has completely changed my life. I am forever grateful for the direction that initial consultation has taken me! For the first time in 26 years, I don't feel like my body is broken and I owe that to Tom's knowledge and experience. read more
