It’s been said that with age comes great wisdom, but on the less attractive side of the coin lies the responsibility of acting on this wisdom. And as time goes on, those once reliable schemes of “rubbing dirt on it” won’t cut it anymore. Let’s face it, suffering an injury at some point in our lives is inevitable. It’s not a bad thing, it’s just life’s way of keeping us in check. In response to this, what we can do, however, is treat our bodies with the care they need through therapeutic interventions such as physical therapy. But finding a physical therapy clinic close to home or work isn’t always a walk in the park, unless you are going through ATI, wink, wink, nudge, nudge.
For 62-year-old John Brahm, a frequent traveler, he was tasked with the challenge of finding several locations to undergo treatment. After suffering a broken arm after a horrific fall from his attic, John was worried the injury may affect his ability to travel for work. After his first visit to the San Antonio ATI clinic, John’s treatment progressed and he was able to get back on the road.
Worried his treatment couldn’t continue due to his travel demands; John was fortunately still able to find an ATI clinic within miles of where he was traveling for work. As John began to recognize ATI’s true footprint across the nation, he was relieved to know that his treatment could continue wherever his travels took him.
After a rather atypical and rigorous treatment journey jumping back and forth from clinic-to-clinic across five states, John eventually found himself in a healthy place. Now that his treatment is nearing a successful end, we caught John in between his travels to learn more about his experience and how PT has changed his life.
What circumstances led to you needing physical therapy? How did this play into you needing physical therapy?
Earlier this year, I broke my left arm just below the shoulder after falling out of my attic. I fell through the opening and landed on the metal drop down ladder. The pain was excruciating and made traveling for work a struggle.
Were you hopeful that physical therapy could get you back to full, pain-free mobility?
I had very positive expectations going into therapy. I was confident that therapy could restore my physical condition so that I can perform my job and enjoy my recreational activities such as swimming and ice skating. My mother broke her hip at 81 and through physical therapy, progressed from a wheelchair to a walker to a cane. She still enjoys walking and short hikes in the woods. [Physical] therapy made this possible.
What was your treatment like? Was it tougher or easier than you expected?
Therapy can be tough, but I believe the steady results are rewarding. Everything in therapy is step-by-step so I did really enjoy it. The atmosphere at ATI is positive and enjoyable.
Were you able to manage your scheduling of appointments with ease?
I travel all over the country for my job and I was worried that I wouldn’t find a clinic everywhere I went. Luckily, I found an ATI clinic in every state I traveled to. Scheduling appointments was very convenient and fit my schedule to keep me on the path of progress.
Were you treated with the same level of care at all of the locations? Was there one location that stood out from the rest?
ATI is very consistent in providing the same level of excellent care at each location. The therapists reviewed my profile and progress and were ready to continue the program effectively. I had therapy in Chicago, Dallas, St Louis, Indianapolis and multiple locations in San Antonio and Wisconsin. I started with Justin Rebber at my first location in San Antonio, where helped me get scheduled at the other locations near my work. All of ATI’s team members are excellent, friendly and efficient.
In what ways has physical therapy helped you in your daily life?
Physical therapy has enabled me to enjoy all of my favorite activities again. I’ve been passionate about swimming and ice skating all my life and this injury prevented me from participating in them. After completing therapy, I’m able to travel to work pain-free and my arm is feeling better than ever.
Was there anything in particular that stood out during your treatment?
What stood out to me the most during treatment was the atmosphere. ATI has a positive environment that encourages progress and demonstrates a genuine caring attitude every time you step foot in the door.
Pain and discomfort getting in the way?
At ATI, we pride ourselves in offering convenient locations to make sure our patients get the immediate care they need. If you have sustained an injury and are unsure of the steps needed to get back to life before the injury, stop by your nearest ATI Physical Therapy clinic. Our team will assess your injury, provide next step suggestions in care and get you on your way!