Knee Surgery (x2): What's it Really Like?

Patient of the Month

Meet William! We knew we were going to have fun in therapy when he rolled into IRON wearing green toe socks.

With two separate knee surgeries for torn meniscus, recovery has been arduous, but Bill has attacked each session with full force and focus. He is also fiercely dedicated to his home exercise program and has even created a "mini clinic" to stay on track at home.

Although he's an animal in the gym, he's also one of the kindest, wittiest people I get to work with. He has a way of sensing the mood in the clinic and bringing out the best in each of us.

Thank you for inspiring us to laugh OFTEN, connect more, and embrace the unconventional!!

In his own words…

What brought you to PT? I was looking for a physical therapist who was not only interested in hearing about what hurt, but also interested in helping me achieve my physical goals. I had heard great things about Dr. Mayes through the Essex Running Club and others who he has guided through the healing process.

How have you benefitted from PT? I have been to going to physical therapists for most of my athletic life, and Dr. Mayes is the first one interested in treating the sum of the parts. He taught me that the knee functions only as well as the muscles and tissue that connect to it. My legs have become stronger, I have become stronger and for the first time in my life, I am looking forward to a summer without pain.

What would you recommend to someone who has the same injury? Do your home exercises and prepare yourself for recovery. I had one knee surgery prior to going to physical therapy and then the second knee surgery done while going to physical therapy. The difference in recovery was remarkable. It’s amazing how many people I talk to who are living with torn meniscus. They complain of the pain and how it prevents them from living a healthy lifestyle. I encourage everyone I meet to go see Dr. Mayes and get their life back.

What activities are you most excited about getting back to? I am most excited to be able to run after my daughter, dance with her and sit on the floor and read her books. Beyond that it’s all gravy. BUT – that gravy includes resuming my distance running, triathlons and golf. My new goals include weight loss (from being inactive for so long) and beating my wife’s PR in 5K and 10K races. A noble but hopeless cause.

If I may add a couple of tips for going to see Dr. Mayes and his team:

• Go to Iron PT for the exercises but stay for the Graston.

• Don’t be afraid of the pink Kinesio tape.

• Burpee and plank penalties are more fun when the assistants do them with you.

• Don’t forget to smile.