Paddle Tennis Player Gets Out of Ankle Brace and Onto the Court with PT
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 Melissa’s story below and then click here to read more inspiring patient stories.
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It's hard to believe that when this month's star, Melissa, first came into the office she was nervous and discouraged! We quickly learned that her positive attitude and burst of joy were just being masked by her injury!
With hard work and determination, she never gave up!! We knew she wouldn't be held down by this injury, even as she gets back to tennis and dance. Melissa’s smile was always felt, and she brought a warm presence to the office that brightened the day of staff and patients alike!
- Dr. Marnie Wortman, DPT
In Melissa’s Own Words…
1) List Three Words to Describe You:
Happy, creative, energetic
2) What Brought You Into Physical Therapy?
I rolled my ankle playing paddle tennis. My doctor wanted me to start physical therapy 3 weeks post injury. I was nervous because there was still so much swelling and discomfort.
3) How would you describe physical therapy?
I had never been to physical therapy before this injury. So when I started, I had no idea what to expect. My friend recommended Iron PT to me. She told me that Iron was different because it was a very personalized program. And, she was so right!!
For me, physical therapy helped me start to move safely without thinking that I was injuring myself more. It helped me get that connection back with my ankle that had been in a boot for weeks. I literally struggled to move it. Like my brain forgot I had a right foot. Dr. Wortman was so patient with me, answering all my questions and helping me understand what I was feeling inside my ankle. It allowed me to get out of my head and start moving slowly.
4) What exercise or technique helped you most?
I think using the band in PT and doing at-home exercises got me loosening up my ankle to get to the next level of strengthening those muscles again. I continue to do lots of balancing exercises to regain strength.
5) What would you say to someone who is living in pain and putting off physical therapy?
Jump on in! Or, carefully step, if you are injured! But don’t put it off!
If I hadn’t started PT, I would have been afraid to start any activities and probably would have caused more damage and scar tissue from my inactivity.
6) What are you excited to get back to after physical therapy?
I have slowly started back with tennis and I will add on my cardio dance classes soon.
6) What did you enjoy most about the physical therapy experience?
I love how Iron PT is like an extended family. When you walk in the door, you feel like people care about you, get to know you, and get you better. It’s not just about your injury. They are treating the whole person! I also love that I was encouraged to get moving and get back into my activities once I was cleared by the doctor.
