Joe’s GET THERE Story
If you’ve ever watched a chef at a Japanese restaurant prepare sushi, then you would probably agree it’s not just a skill, but an art form.
Now, imagine your sushi chef with an injured hand . . . no sushi for you!
Joe Fontelera of Skokie, IL has been cooking professionally for seven years. Most recently, he has specialized in Japanese cuisine. When a knife injury caused a severe laceration to his forearm, his days in the kitchen came to a screeching halt. Following a tendon, nerve and arterial repair operation, Joe’s surgeon recommended ATI Physical Therapy for hand therapy. Joe faced a long and complicated recovery due to the severity of his injury, combined with a few setbacks that required an additional surgery.
At ATI Physical Therapy’s Chicago – Avondale location, Joe worked with Occupational Therapist Karen Schwartz. With 20 years of experience as a hand therapist, Karen remembers meeting Joe for the first time.
“When Joe first came in, he was in pretty bad shape. The day-to-day treatment required a lot of patience on Joe’s part. The protocol for flexor tendon repair does not allow for any active motion for several weeks, compounded by other restrictions due to his other complicated injuries. It was a step-by-step process that could not be rushed, or we would risk rupture of a tendon, nerve or artery,” said Karen.
Getting back to his job was Joe’s goal from the start, but he also stayed motivated for simple goals like returning to his work-out routine, and driving a car independently.
“Never mind complicated tasks,” said Joe, “ I could not do anything as mundane as pick up loose coins off a table, or even button a shirt or pair of pants to get dressed.”
Joe remained focused on his goals and smaller, more attainable, fun activities were set to get him through his rehabilitation. At his final session in therapy, Karen wanted to be sure he could achieve his biggest goal; so she had him prepare spring rolls, which require delicate chopping and rolling. With a huge smile, Joe presented his visually beautiful and delicious creations to the Avondale staff who applauded his achievement and completely enjoyed the tasty treat. As a continued show of support, the clinic staff later went to see Joe in action at the restaurant where he worked once he was back in full swing.
“Karen’s expertise was integral to my recovery. She matched my intensity of getting the work done as well as re-energizing me and keeping me motivated on my not-so-good days. I also have to credit the rest of the ATI staff . . . the team was always happy, welcoming and sincere, and it made coming to therapy that much more rewarding. ATI’s extremely qualified therapists and compassionate staff make for the best, most conducive environment for recovery. I certainly would not have had the recovery I had without them. I highly recommend anyone with any injury or ailment to seek out ATI.”