I suffered an Achilles tendon injury at work that required major reconstruction. Five or six months after the surgery, my Achilles had swelled significantly. So much so that, instead of the inward curve a normal Achilles had, mine looked like someone inserted a toy football where my Achilles was. It was also hard to the touch. I had obviously developed a significant amount of scar tissue. Additionally, my progress from physical therapy had come to a screeching halt. All I had was pain and no improvement. There was no way I could get my foot in a work boot, and I was worried that my career had come to an end. To make matters worse, Workman's Compensation would not provide massage therapy with my physical therapy.
I knew Krystal worked in a Chiropractor's Office and worked with several clients that had both chronic or acute injuries like mine. The doctor believed that massage was a significant component to a patient's recovery, coupled with the chiropractic work he was doing. So I knew Krystal had significant experience in what I was needing accomplished if I was ever to walk normal again, let alone run. So I asked her to help me.
Krystal creates a very positive and comforting atmosphere with you. She is very professional, has a great and infectious laugh, and is very personable. She communicated with me right off the bat concerning the type of work I was needing and how much it was probably going to hurt, but she assured me that we could stop at any time if it was too much for me. While she was working out the blob of scar tissue that was my Achilles, let me tell you it hurt like hell just like she told me it would. The first time I cried out, she stopped and asked me if I was OK. I said I was fine but asked for a pillow. LOL. I knew what needed to be done and her hand strength was incredible. She continued working on me, but she also continued checking with me to be sure I was OK. I just said to keep going. Afterwards, she gave me several instructions for hot and cold therapy and to make sure I drink lots of water to flush out all the tissue she had broken down in my Achilles. After a few days of rest, I continued with my physical therapy, and after a couple of weeks I started seeing slow improvement and strength again.
I went back to Krystal again for another appointment a few weeks later and she remarked that there was a significant reduction in swelling and hardness than she had seen before in my Achilles, and this time, there was significantly less pain when she worked on it. I told her that I love details and I love to talk, so she spoke with me the whole time telling me what she was feeling in her hands and what she was discovering, what she was pinpointing and why. I love that kind of feedback and she is great at it if that is what you like. Again, she communicates with you to determine what you prefer and what you need.
After another month, I was able to put on a work boot. A few months after that I was able to return to work. I was maybe 80% back to normal but at least I was able to return to work. Now, I have a scar, but my Achilles is as close to normal as I could ever expect.
I really only prefer using massages for overworked muscles or injuries, and if this is something you need, you would be extremely hard pressed to find anyone as good at what they do as Krystal is.
Thank you Krystal. I truly believe that you saved my career. read more