Emersynn
We can’t think of anyone more deserving of December’s Patient of the Month than Emersynn!
Emersynn is a great student athlete at RV High School who plays Softball and Basketball. In late April 2023, she underwent revision surgery to stabilize her right shoulder and began physical therapy shortly thereafter at 3DPT Medford. Her latest injury playing basketball was not Emersynn’s first experience with shoulder pain. While playing competitive softball, she suffered 2 separate shoulder injuries, which required surgery and respective bouts of physical therapy.
Most people with a history of 3 injuries to the same shoulder in such a short time would succumb to not only the pain that comes with the injury, surgery and rehab, but also the difficult commitment and work that is involved. But not Emersynn! She has handled her recovery perfectly, never misses a session, comes in with a positive outlook, and easily applies everything she is taught with exercise.
These characteristics will surely carry Emersynn well into her future where she plans to play Softball at Muhlenberg College and study Psychology and Criminal Justice.
Keep reading to hear what Emersynn had to say about her injury and experience so far!
Tell us what brought you to physical therapy and how this affected your life.
Emersynn:
I originally started going to physical therapy after I dislocated my right shoulder for the first time in July of 2021. I found out that I would need surgery to repair the labrum tear caused by the dislocation. My doctor wanted me to get some range of motion back before surgery so I would have an “easier” recovery. One month post op, I was back in physical therapy 3 days a week for 6 months and was cleared for Softball in April of 2022. I found myself back at 3DPT that June after I subluxed for the first time and was cleared again a month later. After that I was injury free until January of 2023 when I subluxed again, however this time I was unable to stabilize my shoulder with therapy alone and needed a revision surgery which I got on April 27, 2023. I have been in physical therapy since. This injury has put me out of softball, the sport I have loved since I was 3, for a total of 2 years. It becomes your full time job. Everything you do from that point forward revolves around this injury. You want to make sure you do everything right so you don’t end up back where you started. It really consumes your life.
Tell us a little about your recovery process. What has been the hardest part of your therapy? What was your favorite part of physical therapy?
Emersynn: The hardest part of my therapy was dealing with the constant pain and setbacks. I was supposed to be out of therapy two months ago according to my surgeon’s time-line. But my shoulder was in no condition to allow me to return to softball. In addition to the labrum tear, I was diagnosed with tendonitis and ulnar neuritis in the middle of my recovery. With so many things going on, my therapist was able to figure out that my first rib was a part of this problem. It’s always something!
But therapy also had its perks. Even though my recovery was horrible and painful, all the 3DPT therapists are so friendly. They make my time at therapy more enjoyable by talking to me about anything from softball to Taylor Swift. They go above and beyond to make physical therapy a happy and comfortable environment regardless of the circumstances that brought you there.
What advice would you give to other people who suffered similar injuries or are going through the same situation?
Emersynn: My biggest piece of advice would be that it’s worth it in the end. Recovery is hard and everyone knows it would be easier to just give into the injury, but the feeling of finally overcoming it and knowing you’re stronger than your injury makes all the hours worth it.
Why would you recommend 3 Dimensional Physical Therapy?
Emersynn: I would recommend 3 Dimensional Physical Therapy because they never gave up on my injury. I was in constant pain that nobody could understand and everyone was frustrated because of it. It was a group effort at times, but they all continued to work and collaborate to understand what was happening and why I wasn’t getting better. They all went through my journey with me and listened and adjusted to anything I was feeling.
On top of them pushing through the frustration with me, every day at 3DPT I was doing a new exercise or a new game to make the experience fun while also getting stronger. Each exercise is unique and targeted at a specific muscle or movement which my therapist, Sean King, explains to me so I can also understand why I am doing each exercise and how it is benefitting me. I am aware of the effort it takes to treat my injury. 3DPT will never know how appreciative I am.
What are you most looking forward to this holiday season?
Emersynn: This holiday season I am looking forward to being able to spend time watching holiday movies with my family. Each year we watch new Christmas movies together and see which ones we enjoy. It really is my favorite part of the holidays.
Physical Therapy can help you reach your goals too! Click HERE to make an appointment with a 3DPT physical therapist