Every patient has a story. Whether they’ve suffered a sports injury during competition or had a fall in their home, they were able to get up and get the support they needed. But not ever patient has a story that simple. For Lauren Rader, she doesn’t have a story she was able to walk away from. Without immediate assistance or a teammate to help her off the field, her story began with the fear of never being able to walk again.

As a high-level soccer player, Lauren’s love and passion was always on the field. Nothing could get in her way until one drive would change her life forever. In what should’ve been like any other day on the road, Lauren was involved in a head-on collision leaving both her legs broken. Thankfully, she survived the violent car accident, but would be faced with a new challenge – learning to walk again. Scared and fearing the worst, Lauren put her trust and future in the hands of ATI Physical Therapy.

After undergoing four surgeries to repair a right tibial plateau fracture and a left tibial shaft plateau fracture, Lauren began therapy at ATI in Puyallup, Wash., where she would meet Amy, Jason, Ian and the team. For the first eight weeks, Lauren spent therapy in a wheelchair, working on strength and range of motion for her legs, ankles, core, hips and upper extremities. Within the first few months, Lauren was already beginning to show progress and began more challenging activities to improve her core strength and work towards her eventual goal of running and playing soccer.

As therapy progressed, Lauren was able to return to work, but was asked to transfer clinics to maximize her visits. As advised, Lauren continued therapy at ATI in Bellevue, Wash., where she met Suzanne and received treatment on a more consistent basis. As the number of visits increased, so did the results. Since graduating therapy, Lauren has returned to her love on the field and plays soccer three to five times a week.

With every great story, there is a great outcome. For Lauren, she overcame all fear and was able to walk away from the injury, forever changed with the help of her new friends at ATI. With Lauren’s great outcome, we felt that the best way to hear her story is in her own words.

Lauren Rader (bottom right) huddles with her friends after finally returning to the soccer field. (Photo Credit: Lauren Rader)

What circumstances led to you needing physical therapy?

I was in a horrible accident a little over two years ago. It was a head on collision. My legs were severely broken. I was in the hospital for almost a month and had over four different surgeries. I came to ATI with scary-looking legs.

What expectations did you have going into therapy?

I entered therapy with a very negative attitude, but left everyday a little more positive. I was so angry and in so much pain that every morning it took so much to get me out of bed. One of my reasons for getting out of bed was that I was going to be going to ATI for physical therapy. Ian and Amy motivated me to stay strong.

There are always people in our lives that inspires us to do our best. Amy inspired me to do my best. Every day I found myself more determined to get back to soccer. I honestly don’t know what I would have done if Erica hadn’t answered the phone and if I hadn’t worked with Ian and then Amy. Amy is more than amazing — she is one of my heroes.

What was your treatment like? Was it tougher or easier than you expected?

I started out in a wheelchair. One leg was in a cast the other was in a leg brace. Both legs have metal and the pain has and will always be there. Everyone knew that, but that didn’t stop them from pushing me to get back to life. Was it tough? Yes, but that was so I could get better. If they would it made any easier, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

At what point during your treatment did you start noticing a difference in your health?

I will never forget when I got to walk on the treadmill, when I was able to kick a soccer ball and jump on a block all for the first time. Those are just a couple of the goals that we made, but there were always new goals (running, jumping, stairs, etc.). The fact that they kept making new goals for me was awesome.

In what ways has physical therapy helped you in your daily life?

Physical therapy was a huge part of my life. I needed to be able to walk again and play soccer just as much. I woke up and counted down the days and hours to when I had a PT appointment, then the days until I could play soccer. I don’t need help getting anywhere anymore. I can do whatever I want and if I need help that means everyone else does too.

Was there anything in particular that stood out during treatment?

Amy, Ian, Suzanne and Jason — everyone had faith in me. They pushed me and never gave me time to think I couldn’t do something. Amy and Jason knew it was time for me to leave Puyallup. I was living too far away so they went out of their way to find me someone much closer to me. Jason drove down here to meet with me and Suzanne. I was so scared and nervous. In the end, I was so lucky. Suzanne plays soccer and was ready to keep me going. Two different locations with the same goal.

How have things been since graduating from your PT treatment?

I am playing soccer and running 5Ks. I play at least three days a week and have ran three 5Ks since I finished PT. I wake up every morning in pain and I go to bed in pain, but that doesn’t stop me. The ATI team has done a ton for me and I want to show them I was worth their time. I will never quit until I cannot stand the pain and surgeons tell me to stop. I talked about how hard it was not playing two or three games a night. We all get older and can play less, it just happened a little sooner for me. So I am very happy. There are random road blocks in everyone’s life. For this one, I had to jump on even when it hurt.

To get a better understanding of the role ATI had in Lauren’s recovery, we spoke with Amy Tevis, PTA, to hear about her experience in Lauren’s journey.

What were the biggest challenges during Lauren’s treatment?

Lauren was very scared and angry about her situation. She was very negative and not willing to accept anything we had to offer initially. She was convinced she would never walk, run or play her beloved sport of soccer. She had many issues with her appearance and people staring at her and looking at her legs. Most of the first two to four weeks of her initial therapy was to gain her confidence, improve her overall outlook for the future and start the rehab process with small successes. One of the biggest successes initially was to get her to come into the gym and be around other patients.

What stood out about Lauren during her treatment?

I could tell Lauren wanted to get better, she just had to believe she could. She was and is a fighter, all we had to do was to show her how to succeed. Once she believed she was improving and could see the improvement, she blossomed and became a fierce, determined young woman. I will never forget the first day she was able to walk with the walker. With tears of pure joy — and some pain — her mom was here to videotape while the entire clinic celebrated her accomplishment. Lauren was always appreciative of what we were doing for her but now she was willing to try anything put forth in front of her. She was not going to look back now.

What do you feel were the keys to Laurens treatment successes?

Positive reinforcement and pushing her to do the things I knew she could do. Pushing her to the edge of her comfort zone, but always allowing her to succeed. She needed tough love or someone to “get in her face” about negativity. Lauren truly is a great success story, one I am most proud to have had a hand in. To this day, I am her biggest fan.

Are aches and pains getting in the way of your daily activities?

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 for a complimentary screening and get back to doing you. Our team will assess your injury, provide next step suggestions in care and get you on your way!

The moment you step foot in the door of an ATI Physical Therapy clinic, the difference in service can be seen almost immediately. With exceptional care and trained experts that treat not only your physical needs, but help with your emotional ones as well, you’ll always leave therapy with a smile on your face. For Debbie Gossen, she wants people to know that there is a big difference in where you have physical therapy. Her experience at ATI changed her life within the first visit.

After experiencing severe bilateral shoulder and arm pain that led to weeks of discomfort, Debbie was desperate for a change after pain pills didn’t help relieve the intense pain anymore. Upon visiting her neurosurgeon, she had hoped for an answer to finally take back her life. While her neurosurgeon couldn’t pinpoint the exact issue, she did receive some good news — the injury wasn’t spine-related. The next steps in her recovery journey led her to ATI Physical Therapy. After her first appointment, Debbie felt an immediate improvement from the treatment provided. For the first time in months, she was able to have a good night’s sleep.

With the first day of therapy in the books and spirits riding high, Debbie was hopeful for a pain-free future. After living with intense pain for weeks, she was amazed that help was so readily available at her nearest ATI clinic. Prior to starting therapy, Debbie experienced debilitating back pain to the point that she couldn’t walk, stand or sit for an extended period of time. But to no surprise, a few visits at ATI allowed her to walk without a walker and have a significantly improved quality of life.

Our therapists challenged Debbie every day with skilled critical thinking, while providing the highest quality of care and technical knowledge. With a combination of personal care and a genuine concern for achieving maximum functions — that was the ATI difference Debbie experienced.

With her life back on track and pain-free again, we caught up with Debbie to hear first-hand the difference choosing ATI made on her life.

What circumstances led to you needing physical therapy?

Physical therapy occurred following my two back surgeries in 2017. During that nine-month period, I worked with three different PT sources. Therapy stopped when a broken arm restricted my back exercises. I felt that they gave up on me because my progression of goals was not a steady incline of success. After three months without PT, my physician asked if I would be willing to give PT another try. He recently had positive patient feedback about ATI Physical Therapy and I was grateful for the recommendation and the possible resolution to my pain.

What expectations did you have going into therapy?

With the diversity of PT treatment experienced prior to walking into ATI, I was not really sure what to expect. A reduction in the significant pain and an increase in mobility were my top priorities!

What was your treatment like? Was it tougher or easier than you expected?

I learned quickly that I was directly responsible for achieving any potential improvement. Treatment success was dependent on my ability to make a serious commitment to doing home exercises. Treatment was more challenging when I shared in the responsibility of active participation versus a passive approach. Therefore, my treatment was an intense focus on learning correct techniques. I wanted to be able to do the exercises right at home so I could get the maximum benefit!

At what point during your treatment did you start noticing a difference in your health?

I walked in the first day using a walker. The pain was unbearable. After my first visit, I felt a reduction in pain and improvement continued with each visit. It wasn’t long until I was walking without a walker.

In what ways has physical therapy helped you in your daily life?

Physical therapy was tailored to me and my life needs. Everything we worked on in therapy was specifically applicable to my individual daily life. I was given tools that I could use and apply immediately! I left every visit with new knowledge and application that I could directly incorporate into my day-to-day schedule.

Was there anything in particular that stood out during treatment?

I was impressed that there was never a “cookie cutter” approach in my treatment. There was not a rigid, standard protocol being followed with a structured approach. I was blown away by the critical thinking, advanced technical skills, flexibility to prioritize frequent change in symptoms and sincere care and concern for me as a person! They really cared about improving my quality of life! The education provided was beyond value as I could apply learnings at home.

Was there anything in particular that stood out during treatment? (Continued)

I struggle with the opinion that current healthcare is so specialized and focused on symptoms that consideration of the “root cause” and “total person” can be neglected. The first line of defense is often throwing medication at the symptoms without consideration of other implications. ATI actively sought to seek the underlying cause and focus on strengthening to improve the problem, helping to reduce the symptoms. The therapists at ATI provided the ultimate quality of care for me as a total person! 

How have things been since graduating from your PT treatment?

I continue to benefit from my therapists, as their words continue to resonate in my mind. They remain my source of emotional support as I continue application of everything I learned. I am forever grateful. Thank you, ATI, for changing my life!

Are aches and pains getting in the way of your daily activities?

If simple home interventions are not helping to lessen aches, pains and discomfort, it’s time to see a physical therapist. Stop by your nearest ATI Physical Therapy clinic for a complimentary screening and get back to doing you.

Every patient, different or alike, has a passion. For 17-year-old Julianne Long, hers is dancing. Like all sports, what starts out as a recreational hobby becomes a passion. And soon that passion develops into a lifestyle. Julianne began dancing at four years old and her love for the sport became more than just a hobby. Her passion for competitive dancing began after developing a natural skill from countless years of practice. To say she developed an addiction to the sport is an understatement. After years of hard work and dedication, Julianne’s talent led her to the dance program at Arizona State University, where she’d continue doing what she loved. Nothing could stop her from competitively dancing, until the years of sharp twists and overstretching finally came back to haunt her.

During her normal routine performing at a cheer camp the team hosted in November, Julianne suffered an MCL sprain in her left knee. The injury prevented her from performing her school-level competitive dance routines without experiencing significant pain. After the diagnosis, Julianne displayed clear symptoms of patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) and stabilization deficits in proximity to her left lower extremity. Julianne began to fear that the injury may result in her no longer being able to attend Arizona State University and ultimately end her dancing career. With her entire future in jeopardy, Julianne turned to ATI Physical Therapy.

Julianne began therapy immediately following the diagnosis of her injury. With dance being the most important aspect of her life, our staff was determined to reunite Julianne with her passion for dance. After one month of therapy, Julianne was discharged and ready to compete again. Her quick recovery led to an improved ability to dance and a new hope for what the future holds.

Now that her treatment is over, we caught up with Julianne to learn more about her experience and how PT gave her the strength to overcome all obstacles.

What circumstances led to you needing physical therapy?

As a competitive dancer, our team hosts a camp for young girls as a fundraiser every year. On the last day of camp, we were showing the girls one of our routines and part of the routine required me to lift one of my teammates in the air. I didn’t have a strong enough grip on her and she was about to fall on her head so as I was trying to brace her fall until my left knee snapped and I fell down on it. I couldn’t finish the routine and had to go to the doctor the next morning. I found out I had bruised MCL and a minor tear.

What expectations (positive or negative) did you have going into therapy?

This was actually my third time going into physical therapy at ATI. I’ve had problems with my right knee my whole life and my orthopedic doctor had me go for two to four month periods. Because it was never a specific injury to treat, most treatments involved continuous stretching and strength exercises to make sure both sides of my body were equivalent in strength. This time, however, it was a whole different experience because I was having a hard time even walking and they had to focus on my MCL specifically. It’s frustrating when you’re being restricted from your sport, but I was excited to be treated as fast as possible.

What was your treatment like? Was it tougher or easier than you expected?

My treatment was tougher than I expected. Not because I expected it to be easy but because I was so restricted and held back with my injury, which led to more frustrations and wanting to give up. It wasn’t the exercises I struggled with, but the mind block I faced during recovery.

At what point during your treatment did you start noticing a difference in your health?

I was supposed to be in PT for two weeks. After the two weeks, one of my therapists did the same tests when I first arrived and saw little improvement. I still couldn’t walk straight and my leg was still in constant pain. It was so defeating and he added on two more weeks. I was frustrated and mad because I was ready to give my all and I didn’t want my teammates and coaches to be upset with me. I kept on wearing my knee brace and I kept icing every day, taking it slow and knowing my limits. Until one night everything changed. I remember showing up to therapy and saying I felt perfectly fine. My therapist disagreed and said I was just tired of coming into therapy. But after one night I was walking, jumping around and starting to dance again. This was only about three and a half weeks into my treatment.

In what ways has physical therapy helped you in your daily life?

If it wasn’t for my therapists Steve, Kent and Paige at the Griffith, Ind., clinic, I would not be dancing the way I am today. For someone who dances six days a week, I was fully recovered and back to my lifestyle by the time I graduated from ATI.

Was there anything in particular that stood out during treatment?

I was actually sad when my treatment ended because I grew really close with all my therapists. I would tell them everything about my day and they would all listen and give me good advice. They even helped me study for my Anatomy tests. It was such a friendly and personal environment and that’s what stood out the most.

How have things been since graduating from your PT treatment?

Since graduating from PT, I’m back to dancing. Our team is currently undefeated for the season and looking to defend our title as regional champions and striving to earn a state title. If I had not recovered from my injury, I would never be able to enjoy these moments with my team and contribute to our success. I’m so thankful for ATI for being my biggest fan and encouraging me to keep pushing. If it wasn’t for their confidence in me, I would have never healed as fast as I did.

Are aches and pains getting in the way of your daily activities?

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 for a complimentary screening and get back to doing you. Our team will assess your injury, provide next step suggestions in care and get you on your way!

There’s nothing more relaxing than gliding gracefully on the water, being carried by the waves with a full wind in your sails. The immaculate beauty that nature bestows is as endless as the ocean is deep and brings true purpose to those that enjoy it. Grady Honeycutt, 67-year-old retired, self-proclaimed adventurer, spends most of his days on the ocean sailing and enjoying the beauty that nature has to offer. But recently, Grady’s leisures on the water came to a halt after he broke the upper part of his right Humerus – resulting in a compound fracture that required surgery and a great deal of rehab.

To better Grady’s chances of a successful outcome, his surgeon had to embed a plate that ran from his elbow to his shoulder, fastened with half a box of deck screws. After returning home from the hospital, Grady was unable to straighten his arm or raise his hand above his nose. The pain he suffered was unbearable and all hope at returning to the water seemed lost. To Grady, this was the end of his sailing days. While recovery seemed impossible and a life of pain was imminent, the ATI Physical Therapy Murrells Inlet team knew exactly what had to be done to get this adventurer back on his sailboat.

From the moment treatment began, Grady was determined to put his injury behind him and get back to the ocean. Physical Therapists Gabrielle and Savannah from the Murrells Inlet, S.C., clinic were tasked with the challenge of giving Grady his life back. After his 10th week of therapy, Grady was able to straighten his arm, raise his hand completely above his head and has regained complete range of motion.

When we got word of this incredible story, we immediately got in touch with Grady to hear all about his treatment. Here’s what he had to say…

What circumstances led to you needing physical therapy?

Physical therapy was required after I had surgery to fix my compound fracture after I fell against a countertop. My right upper arm slammed against the counter and I broke my upper right Humerus. The injury was a compound fracture 23cm, almost one inch apart.

Were you hopeful that physical therapy would help get you back to sailing?

Having seen other people my age with shoulder injuries, I never expected to regain 100% range of motion again. After talking to some of the PTs, they generally thought I should gain most if not better than 80% back. I figured if I could gain at least 90% I would be doing great.

What was your treatment like? Was it tougher or easier than you expected?

Overall, my treatment was not as tough as I thought it would be. The first few sessions were difficult and I did have tears in my eyes, but I knew I was gaining ground and knew the finish line was getting closer and closer each and every treatment.  

How has physical therapy helped you get back to life before the injury?

I knew if I was to come back better than 90%, I had to work harder. I bought the exercise bands that the PT's use and used them at home when I wasn’t at the clinic. I had therapy two days a week at ATI and did three days at home. After 12 weeks, I was discharged from ATI and from my surgeon, Dr. Putman. I continued to use the bands at home as well as on my boat. I feel much better overall when I exercise. I have, through ATI, achieved 100% range of motion with my right arm and shoulder. Truth be known, I may even have better range of motion now than I had before because of my weekly exercises. 

Was there anything in particular that stood out during treatment?

The PTs knew I wanted them to keep taking me to the limit every session and they did. I didn't know how they knew my movement limits so one day I asked. The PT told me she watched my eyes, and when I squinted, she knew she was there. I thought that was funny and it worked for me! 

How have things been since graduating from your PT treatment?

Great, simply great. Dr. Putman had to open my muscle up for the repairs so I'm still building strength in that arm. Today, I'm doing everything I would normally do, if not even better than before.

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!

In trying to keep life centered, at some point along the way we all face challenges that throw us off course. And when these challenges evolve into situations with serious health consequences, our true character is put to the test. Thankfully, with the right team by your side, whether it be family or friends, getting through these situations together is what builds hope and allows us to persevere.

Here at ATI, we are often times the first line of defense in helping others get through these difficult times, so we put in every effort in making our family yours. With that, we do whatever it takes to help our patients no matter what obstacles stand in the way, because that’s what family is for, right?

In driving home this pledge, not too long ago, our team was tasked with defying insurmountable odds with Aidan Young, who was a micro preemie born at 23 weeks. Due to bilateral brain bleeds that occurred a week after birth, he was diagnosed with moderate spastic hemiplegia, a form of cerebral palsy. This condition weakens movement by impairing the ability of the brain to send the proper nerve signals to the muscles.

In Aidan’s case, the entire left side of his body was impaired significantly by cerebral palsy. In an effort to help Aidan improve his skills and weakened motor functions, his family received disheartening news. The neonatologists taking care of Aidan told them that he would never be able to walk due to the severity of the bleeds he suffered at birth. With the odds stacked against them, Aidan and his family refused to give up and chose to continue fighting. It was this moment, that Aidan’s parents decided to seek out the ATI clinic in Southeast Indianapolis and see what could be done to help Aidan.

Aidan underwent extensive physical therapy under the professional guidance of clinic director Megan Burnett and physical therapy assistant Andrea Smith. Thanks to their patience, dedication and care, as well as Aidan’s willingness to power through all challenges, Aidan and his family were given news they never expected to hear – Aidan would be able to walk again! And walk again he did - a feat medical professionals said wouldn’t happen.

We recently meet up with Aidan’s mother, Gayle Buttram, to learn more about this incredible journey through the impossible. Here’s what she had to say…

What made you choose physical therapy over other treatment options?

Initially, we tried an early intervention program, but didn’t achieve the outcomes we were hoping for. Soon after, I reached out to Megan about my frustrations, which is when she informed me of her experience in pediatric therapy through her clinical rounds at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. And since our developmental Pediatrician at Riley Children’s Hospital believes strongly in early intervention, especially with her micro preemie patients, she was confident that we would see better outcomes for Aidan once we got him in to see a therapist, like Megan. It was then that we knew Megan was the right person for the job!

Were you concerned that the outcomes of physical therapy wouldn’t help Aidan walk?

Plateaus are scary, especially when you think your child might not achieve a skill that is a necessary part of “normal function.” Plateauing was the aspect of therapy that intimidated us the most. I knew that Aidan would master some skills but I was more concerned about him plateauing and not being able to move forward. Megan was awesome at this point in our journey. She educated us that sometimes patients, especially pediatric patients like Aidan, need a little bit of a break because we throw so much information at them that they need time to process it on their own. Our progress was slow at times. Aidan suffers from Moderate spastic hemiplegia so the entire left side of his body is affected by CP and he is so spastic sometimes that it becomes difficult for him to move. Megan powered through with his treatment and just adjusted his sessions based on how he was doing each day. 

What was treatment like for Aidan? Was it tougher or easier than expected?

Treatment was rough in the beginning. Aidan started therapy very early, around age 1, and he was not able to verbalize his desires and/or needs with us. Some sessions we made great strides and in other sessions we made minimal improvements. The best part of our experience is that Megan was always so optimistic about Aidan’s outcomes. She really believed that he would one day master the skills we were working on with him no matter what type of session we had. 

How has Aidan been since graduating from PT treatment?

Aidan has improved by leaps and bounds since our last session with ATI. He now walks (well mostly runs) everywhere that we go. He receives therapy services as a part of his individualized educational plan through school, and we do go to a pediatric outpatient clinic once a week. He still has minimal use of his left hand and he walks with assistance of bilateral ankle-foot orthosis (or AFO), but when we started therapy, we were anticipating that we would need a reverse walker to get around once he became mobile. 

What have been key takeaways through this experience? What advice do you have for other parents with children dealing with similar conditions?

One key takeaway from our experience is that the road is never easy but it is so worth traveling. Having a child with needs that are considered “outside of the norm” can completely blindside and overwhelm you. Megan made it a point to let us know that we were all in the journey together. She was truly invested in Aidan being able to live as normal of a life as possible. Sometimes it is easy to feel like you can’t handle the stress of having a pediatric patient like Aidan, but to see the joy they express at being able to complete a task as simple as walking or riding a bike for the first time is such an emotional experience.

From his birth, we were told that “he wouldn’t” or “he can’t” because of his early arrival and the brain bleeds that followed. Through our experience with ATI, we were shown that miracles happen despite projected outcomes. I would tell other parents to never give up, it sounds so cliché but I truly believe it. We don’t know our outcomes until we try and if we never try we will never achieve anything different than what was originally predicted for us. 

To completely understand how important of a role ATI had in Aidan’s recovery, we also met with clinic director Megan Burnett to hear about her experience with Aidan and his family.

What preparations were made to make Aidan and his family feel confident in the treatment?

Aidan was seen twice a week and I made sure that I was the treating therapist at all times. I made sure each family member knew me and our goals for each therapy session.

What were the biggest challenges during Aidan’s treatment?

Aidan is the sweetest boy you will ever meet and he quickly makes you fall in love with him. Some of the biggest challenges we faced was resistance to therapy. In some sessions, if he was too tired or if we were working on tasks such as crawling we had to be very patient and give him space to try and grasp the task at hand. This was challenging because we all hate to see a child struggle, but I knew he would master the task at hand if we gave him the space to fail and then learn.

What were the keys to Aidan’s treatment success?

Aidan’s family made it a point that they were doing therapy daily with him at home. They were constantly taking videos and pictures so I could see how he was functioning at home. The persistence with his home exercise program allowed for him to master goals in therapy. Another key to his success was the relationship we were able to build. Aidan trusted me and we had fun playing together. He responded well because it was play to him, but developmental gains per my definition.

What advice would you give a parent with a child needing PT?

I would say call around and find a therapist that is knowledgeable and can commit to building a relationship with the child. Know that therapy may be a slow process depending on the child’s deficits and this relationship between therapist and child will only improve if the child is working on HEP and committed to coming to therapy appointments. Lastly, trust that your therapist cares deeply for your child and will do anything to see them improve.

The road to recovery is never without its own slew of setbacks and can often times be afflicted with challenges tougher than the ones that put us there. For Janesville, Wisc., native Evan Webster, his road to recovery saw its beginning after he collided with a deer while riding his motorcycle back in September of 2017. After the accident, Evan quickly began to lose the ability to use his left leg. Realizing this was far from normal, he decided to go see a doctor where he discovered his posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) was completely torn. Unfortunately, Evan didn’t have insurance at the time, so he chose not to undergo surgery to repair his PCL. As a professional roof inspector, this was especially tough for Evan because he relies heavily on his mobility to perform his day-to-day duties.

Performing the simplest tasks at work soon became a struggle for Evan, so much that he began losing the ability to climb a ladder, run, jump and even walk. Terrified that he’d never recover from his injury, Evan looked to ATI for help.

Evan came to ATI’s Janesville clinic and met clinic director Ryan Kluck, PT, DPT, CSCS to see if there was anything that could be done. Together, they assessed the strength and mobility of his knee, set a goal and focused on rebuilding the muscles in his leg once a week for three months. As the weeks went on, Evan slowly began to regain his flexibility and strengthen the muscles in his knee. Therapy was tougher than anticipated, but Evan remained committed to working through the pain and never lost focus on making it to the finish line. Thanks to this commitment and the Janesville ATI team’s support, Evan was able to power through this incredibly misfortunate situation and get back to doing what he loves – riding on the open road – and working, of course.

Rather than us tell the story, it only made sense to hear it from Evan and Ryan directly. Enjoy!

What circumstances led to you needing physical therapy? About a year ago, I hit a deer on my motorcycle. Upon impact, its body hit my left side and tore the PCL in my left knee. I couldn’t afford surgery so I was stuck waiting to see what would happen. Over the course of two months, I began to lose the ability to go up and down stairs or get up from a chair without feeling pain. I also began losing the knee strength to do my job, so I knew something had to be done.

What expectations did you have going into therapy?

Going into therapy, I was confident I would regain most of the strength back in my knee, however, I was under the impression that the pain was there to stay. I also thought it was going to be expensive. As fate would have it, I was very mistaken, on both accounts.

What was your treatment like? Was it tougher or easier than you expected?

We first had to determine the strength and flexibility in my left leg compared to the right, so we started with some light flexibility and body weight exercises. As the weeks went on, I slowly began regaining my flexibility and muscles strength. Working on my tissues was also a huge part of therapy and Ryan found adhesion spots to work on every session. It was a lot tougher than I anticipated, but like anyone with a body limitation, working through it with a positive mindset was the most important thing I could do. With the help of Ryan and the entire ATI staff, making progress was easy, but there’s no substitute for hard work. 

In what ways has physical therapy helped you in your daily life?

Physical therapy not only gave me my job back, but it also gave me my life back. I now have the freedom to run, jump and play sports again. Work is pain free and I no longer have to worry about the future anymore.

Was there anything in particular that stood out during treatment?

I really enjoyed how involved Ryan was e during my treatment. He was up to speed on everything going on and was fully invested in my development and helping me regain my strength. I was shocked at his work ethic and the undivided attention he gave me during every visit, especially since I wasn’t his only patient. This gave me something to look forward to every time and always made my experience a memorable one.

How have things been since graduating from your PT treatment?

Since graduating ATI, I’ve gotten a lot stronger and I’m an all-around happier person. Before my accident I had no idea what physical limitations felt like, so I feel like this was a taste of it. Since I’ve left [physical therapy] I have a new found love and appreciation for everything the ATI team does - they literally save lives.

To learn more on Evan’s progressions and efforts throughout treatment, we spoke with clinic director Ryan Kluck, PT, DPT, CSCS, to get his perspective on the recovery.

What were the biggest challenges during Evan's treatment?

Evan was only able to come in once a week, so the biggest challenge was having him keep up with weekly exercises, without me there to watch his form and make sure that he was completing what was prescribed. He also has a very unique job requiring him to walk on very steeply pitched roofs, so trying to replicate the angles he has to navigate was a challenge.

What stood out about Evan during his treatment?

Evan was very motivated to get back to his prior level of function. He learned the exercises quickly and always had a great attitude towards the challenge that lay before him. 

What do you feel were the keys to Evan's treatment successes? 

I credit much of Evan’s successes to his positive attitude, determination and ability to follow the plan I set for him. He was always into exercising, so that helped him grasp the home program he had to follow. As his function improved and he could do more exercises, he became more motivated to get back to the workouts he was used to doing before his injury. 

Are aches and pains getting in the way of your daily activities?

If simple home interventions are not helping to lessen aches, pains and discomfort, it’s time to see a physical therapist. Stop by your nearest ATI Physical Therapy clinic for a complimentary screening and get back to doing you.

Contributions by: Abby Persicketti

Looking to our past, we can all agree that there are days in which we can never quite erase from our memory, whether good or bad. For retired law enforcement officer, Steve Deckelman, January 18, 2017 was one of those days, and one that would forever change his life. On that day, as Steve went about his daily routine, he unexpectedly suffered a right side pons brain stem stroke. Before we go on, it’s important to note that the pons is a part of the brain stem that regulates ones breathing rate and helps the transmission of signals to and from other structures in the brain. Hearing, balance, deep sleep and taste are also affected by the pons.

As a result, Steve lost all movement and function on the left side of his body. This included his fine motor skills and his ability to walk, talk and swallow using the left side of his throat. Steve never had imagined sustaining such a debilitating condition would remodel his fully-functioning and healthy lifestyle.

With much hope lost and the road ahead looking bleak, Steve put his last coin of optimism into the ATI Physical Therapy team at the Morris, Illinois West clinic. As fate would have it, through patience, strength and courage, Steve persevered, and had this to say, “I couldn’t have made a more beneficial decision to undergo PT [physical therapy] with ATI - they undeniably led me to better health. I never thought I’d be given a second chance like this.”

Steve underwent his extensive PT and occupational therapy (OT) treatment under the professional guidance of clinic director Dave James, MS, ATC, and Stephanie Rodriguez, PT, DPT. Given the nature of Steve’s condition, his treatment demanded uncharacteristic levels of discipline both in the clinic and out. Rather than us tell the story, we felt it was only necessary to hear it direct from Steve and his ATI support team, Dave and Stephanie.

Steve Deckelman (third from right) huddles with the ATI Physical Therapy crew who helped him through his treatment

(Photo Credit: Steve Deckelman)

What expectations did you have going into therapy?

Steve: My PT treatment gave me a sense of worth. The entire staff made me feel welcomed from day one; almost as if I was part of a big family. This really made a difficult and scary situation much easier for me to manage.  From day one, they were not easy on me, but firm.  I realized it was up to me to do the hard work, of course with their professional guidance, so I wouldn’t hurt myself.  I worked tirelessly, and each of the above-mentioned staff cheered me on, so I never got discouraged.  As my health progressed, their encouragement lifted my spirits and gave me even more desire to push myself.                                                                             

What was your treatment like? Was it tougher or easier than you expected?

Steve: I had to relearn my balance and how to walk again, so PT was an exhausting three times a week. The hand therapy side had me relearning very basic fine motor skills by incorporating exercises that were specific to my needs and progressions. This had a huge impact in my success. Throughout my treatment, I fought like hell because even though it was very, very difficult, I did not want to let the staff down.

At what point during your treatment did you start noticing a difference in your health and physical strength?

Steve: I would say after a few weeks, and with the little signs of observable progression, it gave me even more determination to fight harder. The more I showed improvement, the harder I wanted to try, and the more I wanted to encourage others around me to join in.

In what ways has physical therapy helped you in your daily life?

Steve: It gave me hope that you CAN bounce back from a life changing event such as a stroke.  I apply this learning to my daily life, and continue to give my all no matter what I’m doing.  The level of motivation I received at the Morris West clinic, under Dave’s tutelage, was the real winner here. Without them, I’m not sure where I’d be.

How have things been since graduating from your PT treatment?

Steve: I’ve kept up on my program, and continue to be positive about my physical conditions. As a retired police officer, I always had great physical abilities, which have been diminished by the stroke. But ATI gave me hope, and a chance at a new beginning by helping me get some of my physical function back. They are truly my heroes. For those reading this, if you or anyone you know has/is dealing with the aftermath of a stroke, I highly recommend giving ATI a chance.

On the opposite side of the treatment table, ATI specialists Dave James, MS, ATC, and Stephanie Rodriguez, PT, DPT share their perspectives on Steve’s progressions and efforts throughout his treatment.

What stood out about Steve during his treatment?

Stephanie:  Steve had such a dignified attitude, commitment, and courtesy towards our team and other patients in the clinic.      

Dave:  Steve was such a riot to have in the clinic.  He always made other people laugh and smile with his sense of humor. His determination was exceptional. He never gave up and was always positive.

What do you feel were the keys to Steve’s treatment successes?

Stephanie:  With Steve, it was important to continually address patient-centered goals and make each treatment session fun.

Dave:  I agree with Stephanie, but I’d also add that his determination and positivity really drove his success.  I can’t stress that enough.  He was so determined to conquer anything that we gave him to do, and conquer he did!

Given Steve’s high-energy personality, we want to hear some of the memorable moments through his treatment?

Stephanie: Aside from Steve’s infectious “can-do” attitude, I’ll never forget the time when he said that the wall on “PT” side of the clinic should be painted with Harley flames.

Dave:  Initially, Steve was being seen for OT and PT, so his commitment to time in therapy was great.  He was very positive through both courses of treatment.  At times, he would say, “I don’t know if I can do it, but I am sure going to try”, so that should give you an idea of the warrior Steve is. Adding to that, his genuine appreciation for when he was finished with therapy, his gratitude, and level of sincerity were a true inspiration for all of us. This is what it’s all about!