Lifelong Athlete Finds A New Way To Relieve Lower Back Pain
Each month, Iron Physical Therapy highlights a special patient to tell their inspiring story. We want to honor the people who go all in - body, mind and spirit. They show us what’s possible - that you can move on from a setback to do amazing things...to challenge your body, to chase your dreams, to address pain in a healthy way to #getbetterbebetter.
Read Fred’s story below and then click here to read more inspiring patient stories.
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Check out fred in his basketball prime!
Fred originally came to Iron PT for some nagging hip and low back pain. He not only hit his goals, but surpassed them. During our PT sessions, we learned that Fred was once a star high school and college basketball player. Immediately we challenged him to get his hands back on a basketball. He amazed all of us when he started “showing off” his dribbling, passing and shooting skills.
He’s demonstrated increased confidence with harder balance activities, has less fear of falling and even achieved returning to a sport he was once very passionate about. It has been a great privilege and honor to not only help Fred achieve his PT goals, but also to return to some of his flashy ball skills. When asked if he’s been playing at home, he said, “I have my ball filled, but my wife still doesn’t let me dribble in the house!”
In Fred’s Own Words…
List Three Words to Describe You:
Tenacious, optimistic, old (ha!)
What Brought You Into Physical Therapy?
Lower back pain and bursitis
How would you describe physical therapy to people who don't know what it is?
It is like having your own personal trainer who devises a program of exercises at a speed and tempo that best meets your needs.
What exercise or technique helped you the most?
I was impressed with the variety of exercises, and I appreciate the fact that I could do all of these exercises at home.
What would you say to someone who is living in pain and putting off physical therapy?
I've found physical therapy very beneficial. It has helped my pain and mobility. I can't see how it would not be beneficial to anyone who is experiencing pain.
What activities are you most excited about getting back to?
I am most excited to getting back to walking longer distances. I used to be able to walk two or three miles.
What did you enjoy most about your PT experience?
I enjoyed how the Iron PT staff immediately built a rapport with me. Their knowledge and professionalism was evident from my very first session. I enjoyed the variety of exercises which made the sessions fun, and the hour always went by quickly.