I had been dealing with lower back pain and a bulging disc for almost 8 months. The pain would settle at around 4-5 (out of 10) but I did not feel like I was living a full life. I couldn't sit on the couch, do the dishes, or even shower like a normal person. It finally got unbearable, I was completely hunched over in pain, and I needed a walker to go to the bathroom. That was when I finally found Dr. Langwell. He made time for me that day and didn't leave until I was standing up straight again. I have had many physical therapists and dealt with medical professionals from being an athlete my whole life so I can say with certainty that Dr. Langwell is unique and I will only be going to him (and recommending him) for physical therapy from now on:
1. Communication and transparency--Unlike most professionals in the medical community, who do a piss poor job of explaining what's actually happening to your body, Kory took the time to make sure I understood what was going on and potentially what caused it. He never made me feel stupid by over simplifying certain things but also did sugarcoat the diagnosis or the recovery time. He simply gave me the facts and gave me plenty of room to ask questions and process all the information.
2. Patience and kindness--I personally felt embarrassed and almost ashamed of the pain I was in but Kory quickly addressed this. I didn't know I needed it at the time but it helped that he assured me that the level of pain I was in is valid while still making sure that I understood that what I was experiencing was common and treatable. Being in pain makes you feel extremely vulnerable but Kory's genuine kindness and patience helped my anxiety and state-of-mind even before we began the therapy.
3. Command and expertise--After the first session I was already standing up straight. Kory immediately knew what to do and wasted no time. I was anxious that the therapy wouldn't "work" but Kory stayed with me and encouraged me repetition after repetition. His confidence in my progress alone helped reassure me. The well-design sessions and progressive exercises truly made all the difference. By the second week my pain levels when from 10 to 5. By the third week I was down to 3-4 and as I am writing this I have not felt lower back pain in 6 weeks. In addition to the therapy sessions Kory checked in on me often, making sure that I was doing exercises on my own, not getting too much in my head, and sticking to our plan. I have been working out a lot and have stayed active (motion is lotion!) so if I feel tightness or discomfort Kory made it so I can easily self-manage and taught me how to choose the right exercises to cope.
It goes without saying that I highly recommend Dr. Langwell. read more
