Nick
Nick is a dedicated police officer who has been working with the team at 3DPT Williamstown to overcome challenges with back pain and leg weakness. His journey began over 10 years ago when a car accident led to the discovery of a tumor in his back that required surgery. After his procedures, he attended physical therapy, but the care wasn’t personalized and Nick eventually stopped after only a few visits.
For nearly 10 years, Nick has lived with severe leg weakness as a result of the surgery. Despite this, he continued pushing forward in his career and daily life. It wasn’t until he saw the Williamstown team leading a community exercise program for older adults in the very community he serves as a police officer that he thought about giving physical therapy another chance. Encouraged by that experience and the recommendation of another patient Nick decided to start care at 3DPT.
Since then, Nick has made tremendous progress in strength and quality of life. His determination shows in every session: he walks in with a smile, a sweat towel, and the mindset to give his best effort. His hard work, positivity, and consistency have made him not just a patient but a part of our 3D family.
Here’s what Nick had to say about his journey and time at 3DPT Williamstown:
1. Tell us about what brought you to physical therapy and how this has affected your life.
I was diagnosed with a rare cancer called Chordoma back in 2013. I received radiation therapy followed by two surgeries to resect my L3 in my low back. Ever since then, I have lived with chronic back pain and leg pain. My left leg has always been weaker than my right.
After my initial physical therapy in 2014, I never went back. As a police officer, I stayed physically active and didn’t think PT would really help me. In 2023, my pain doctor recommended that I try physical therapy again, but I put it off, until I came across 3DPT on Facebook. I saw them giving local seniors physical therapy advice and it caught my attention. In July of 2024, I decided to give it a try. I’ve now been going to 3DPT in Williamstown for over a year, and it has made a huge difference in my life.
2. 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?
Through this process, I’ve noticed a big difference in my strength, especially in my left leg. Tasks that used to be difficult, like climbing stairs while carrying groceries, are much more manageable now. It’s not always perfect, but I can now use both legs more evenly, even without a railing
The hardest part of recovery has been continuing to deal with weakness on one side. My physical therapist, Jon, pushes me at every session, and even when I’m working with other therapists, they all challenge me in the best way. They understand my limitations, but they don’t let those limits hold me back
My favorite part of 3DPT is the atmosphere. It never feels like a chore to show up. The team of therapists and assistants make it feel like a family. I always leave feeling like I got a great workout, but also like I had fun, smiling, laughing, and enjoying myself while making progress.
3. What advice would you give to other people who suffered similar injuries or going through the same situation?
Don’t put off physical therapy! If you want a team that will truly listen to you and understand what you’re trying to accomplish, try 3DPT. They are always coming up with new exercises to build muscle and get you moving. I see the way they work with every patient, we’re all there for different reasons, but the team at 3DPT adapts to help anyone in their recovery journey.
4. Share a fun fact, item on your bucket list, or a goal you want to reach!
One of my bucket list goals is to one day run a half marathon. I never considered myself a runner, but I’ve grown more and more interested in the challenge. Hopefully, I’ll complete a half marathon and maybe even a full marathon one day.
Take a look at Nick in action at 3DPT Williamstown!
Nick’s story is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to start again—and that with the right approach, support, and mindset, meaningful progress is always possible.
Physical therapy can help you reach your goals too! Click HERE to make an appointment with a 3DPT physical therapist!