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.

Check out Will’s story below and then click here to read more inspiring patient stories.

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Will came into the office after a long journey trying to heal his shoulder and elbow injury that ended with a necessary surgery. Immediately in his evaluation, it was clear that this baseball player was determined to give his rehab everything to make sure he would finally have a shoulder he was confident in and could do what he loves without pain.

With patience, diligence, and lots of work in and out of the clinic, Will has not only been able to start throwing again as he prepares for his senior year of baseball, but he is also on his way to being even stronger than he was before. We are excited for his return to the mound this spring.

— Dr. Taylor Maginnis, PT, DPT

In Will’s Own Words…

What was the hardest part about being injured, and how did you stay focused on your goal of getting back to baseball?
The hardest part about having surgery was not having the mobility to do the things I wanted to do, like working out or exercising.

I tried my best to keep myself focused on how good it would feel to finally start pitching again with no pain. Staying focused on the end result really helped me through every step of the recovery process, especially when progress seemed slow.

How did working with a PT who understands the mindset and challenges of an athlete make a difference in your recovery?
My physical therapists reminded me to stay focused and to control what I could control. They were super supportive in my recovery, and having the support of fellow athletes made it easier to keep moving forward.

When you were finally able to start throwing again, what did that moment mean to you?
About three months ago, I could finally start throwing again. The moment I was able to successfully throw about 10 feet was everything. I went from not being able to raise my arm over my head to throwing again in such a short amount of time.

How has physical therapy helped you feel stronger and more prepared to take on your senior season?
PT has made me more confident in my athletic ability. Not only has Iron helped me with my physical abilities, but they’ve also guided my thinking to keep my confidence high, even when things weren’t going my way. Confidence is one of the most vital assets you can have in any endeavor.

For anyone nervous about starting PT, what would you say to encourage them to take that first step?
For anyone struggling to start PT, I would say that PT allows you to see your progress in real-time. Every session, you can see your improvement, and coming off a major surgery, there’s no better feeling than regaining the abilities you had prior to being injured. PT offers a space for you to be proud of your accomplishments, even if they’re as small as raising your arm over your head.

To anyone nervous about starting PT, I’d say that it can feel intimidating, but it’s important to remember that physical therapy is designed to help you get better—not just to treat pain but to improve your strength, mobility, and quality of life. The first step might feel like the hardest, but it’s also the most important one. Taking that first step could be the start of feeling better, moving more freely, and living with less discomfort. Even if it feels hard at first, know that progress, however small, is still progress. Each step forward adds up over time.