Pat

From the first day Pat came to 3DPT, it was clear she had some major goals she wanted to achieve!

Five years ago, she had endured a fall that resulted in a total hip replacement. She had some balance problems after this, but these problems worsened after undergoing bilateral knee replacements over the next two years.  She had completed her physical therapy plan of care, but unfortunately was still having some major difficulties with walking. When Pat came to 3DPT, she was definitely frustrated but mostly worried that she had achieved her maximal function after rehabbing for the past few years. She was able to walk independently, but heavily relied on a cane to maintain her balance and keep her safe. 

The problem was her hip was so weak, she was walking with a significant limp caused by a “hip drop.” This means when standing on the affected side, the opposite hip has a severe and sudden drop. This usually occurs due to weakness or paralysis in the gluteus medius muscle. At first her PT, Dr. Brooke Chisholm was concerned that Pat’s glute med muscle was not firing at all, but after evaluating she found that it was contracting, but just barely. As she walked this was causing her hip to drop and creating a very unsteady walking pattern. 

After her evaluation, Pat took a home exercise program and went to work for the next two weeks on her own until the office in Cinnaminson opened. On the opening day of the Cinnaminson office, Pat was one of the first patients in the door and she was ready to work. Over the following weeks, she showed incredible determination and focus. Her program was filled with a lot of strengthening exercises. It was hard work and she never complained.

Brooke knew she and Pat were on the right track when Pat arrived at the clinic one day with walking sticks and said she had walked to the office from her home – about 1 mile! 

Over time Pat exercises progressed from a focus on strengthening to a focus on balance, control, and obstacle negotiation. Eventually she was able to safely walk around our clinic without her cane and her “hip drop” had significantly improved.

Pat recently finished up her plan of care and we are so proud of her.! She worked extremely hard during her therapy sessions, but what Brooke admired the most about her and the reason she is our patient of the month, is because of her perseverance and belief that with consistency she would get better. We’re so happy Pat reached her goals and it’s been so rewarding to see her walk the way she wants.

Here’s what Pat had to say about his injury and experience at 3DPT Cinnaminson

Tell us about what brought you to physical therapy and how this affected your life.

I have been having difficulty walking for some time.  I’ve tried other physical therapy locations.  Then I went for a visit at my orthopedics’ office to find a solution, this is where they suggested trying 3 Dimensional Physical Therapy.  I found out that an office was opening in Cinnaminson and that is where I began my therapy and met my amazing team Brooke, Colin, and Emily.  From the start, I knew this place was a head above the rest.  Their philosophy which is a hands on approach with a watchful eye when doing your routine.  They are knowledgeable along with their positive attitude, I can’t begin to tell how it allowed me to make strives and to believe I will be able to walk again with confidence.

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?

I really enjoyed how they changed my routine each time and planned exercises that really strengthened my weak side and core.

Check out this video to see Pat in action

I believe that the hardest part was believing that my situation could change.  I was encouraged in such a way to never doubt yourself.  You have the ability to make a change and I did!  My limp has disappeared and have increased my strength over all. 

One of my favorite parts, I enjoyed was the heat and massages that relieved tense muscles and pain.  It definitely was a part of the healing process.

Why would you recommend 3 Dimensional Physical Therapy to your friends?

Don’t think you can’t get better.  This team has a healing touch and they will help you to heal and become a better you.

What are you most looking forward to doing as it gets warmer now that you’re feeling better?

I can’t wait to get outside and practice my walking.  I’m getting better and better and so can you!  Thanks to my team at 3 Dimensional Physical Therapy!

Physical Therapy can help you reach your goals too!

Click HERE to make an appointment with a 3DPT physical therapist