ProSport Physical Therapy: Testimonials

It wasn’t a tragic accident or major medical scare. Simply, someone with 40 years of wear and tear on their knees doing something boneheaded. Let’s face it – we’ve all been there. I tore muscles around my left knee by jumping off an 8 foot retaining wall – yeah, it was stupid – something I would have done when I was 20, and back then my knee probably could have taken the blow. Not this time. Within three days of the fall my knee and surrounding leg tissue swelled to the point where I couldn’t walk or weight bear on my left side. A leg brace, series of wraps (hot & cold), pain meds and crutches followed. And every day my leg got weaker. I tried to walk several times, but the pain and swelling would come right back. It was the day after New Year’s and I woke up to glare at the crutches by my bed. I had had enough. I wanted to get better ASAP, but I wanted to do it the right way: safely using techniques that would provide long term benefits to my health and strength.

That’s when I started at ProSport. The amazing PTs and trainers started the process simply. Just helping me flex, increase my range of motion, and the smallest bit of resistance training. Pretty soon I was hopping (still of crutches) around the ProSport facility – standing tentatively on the “bad” leg, regaining some strength, working on my balance. Then – the big moment! My leg was feeling great (thanks, Annie!!) and my trainer Andrew suggested we do some leg presses. The weight machine was about 5 yards away and I said “I think I can walk over there”. Andrew, with a huge smile of encouragement, simply said “Try”. I walked the short distance to the weight machine and it was awesome – amazing! Not just the feeling of freedom and the confidence to ditch the crutches, but the way it seemed like the whole facility – PTs, trainers, even other clients, were cheering me on. Joe cruised by, patted my foot and said “Atta Girl!”

After that day, the trainers and I kicked it up a notch. Increasing reps, weights, every new challenge proved to be fun and rewarding. On my last day, I even got to practice on a sliding board just like the NHL players! My knee is better – almost 100% -- I can bike on Newport Coast and go ice skating with my nieces again. I still do the exercises I was taught at ProSport (and yes, Danny, I am keeping my abs pulled in!) when I work out to keep my legs strong – with the added and unexpected benefit of looking a bit better in my favorite jeans!

I am sincerely grateful to the managers and staff at ProSport. Thank you for rehabilitating my injury, helping me return to an active life, and creating a fitness routine wherein I can weather accidents, aging – or simply stupid maneuvers – more gracefully.

Nancy Kohler:

In October 2008, I had a freak fall at home and broke my elbow. I had surgery to put a metal plate in my arm along with 8 screws. After my surgery, I decided to go to the physical therapy office that was associated with my doctor. In hindsight, that wasn't a good decision. The physical therapist had many years of experience, but he was too aggressive in his approach which caused the screws in my elbow to loosen. I had to have a 2nd surgery on my elbow in December 2008 to reinsert the metal plate and screws. This time, through recommendation of my brother, David Kohler, I decided to go to Pro Sport in Rancho Santa Margarita for the follow up physical therapy. I remember my first appointment was with Robert Spang. I was paranoid to have any physical therapy at this point because I was in fear of having to have a 3rd surgery on my elbow if it did not go well. Robert was so nice, understanding, professional, and patient with me. He clearly saw that I feared physical therapy in the worst way. My arm was around a 43 degree angle so he had his work cut out for him. He needed to make progress on my elbow and straightening my arm while not being too aggressive initially. After a few sessions, I came to completely trust Robert and his abilities. He knew exactly what he was doing and he would spend whatever time he needed to make sure my elbow was progressing in the sessions. I have no pain to this day in my elbow. I learned that who does your physical therapy is just as important as the doctor who performs your surgery.

In January 2010, I had the hardware removed from my elbow and went back to Pro Sport for a little more physical therapy. Pro Sport has become a family affair as my entire immediate family has all gone there for treatment within the last few years. My brother, dad, mom, sister, and myself. Pro Sport is the only way to go! It's the best! I appreciate all that you have done for me and my family! Thanks!

Dear Joe,

Thank you! I was referred to ProSport Physical Therapy by my surgeon, Dr. Steven C. Dennis. My first appointment was four weeks after major spine surgery. I arrived using a walker. Six weeks (twelve sessions) later, I graduated. My walker, a not-so-fond memory. I am walking two to three miles a day on my own, and my stamina is beyond what I had ever hoped for.
Your organization is truly wonderful. Every individual I worked with was friendly and efficient. I wouldbe remiss if I did not point out one member of your team who is exceptional; Laura Scott M.P.T. Laura has a rare combination of attributes. First and foremost, she is very professional and focused on one goal; my recovery. She pushed me to my limits, but was always sensitive to not pushing me too far. Secondly, she is very personable and friendly. In our first meeting, I felt we would be friends -- and we are. During treatment, we discussed a number of things above and beyond my therapy (including, but not limited to, the fact that she has her husband remove his shirt whey they eat pasta to avoid the red stains). Her combined professionalism and personal contact are rare and very effective.
Thank you for your team. If I am ever in need of physical therapy, ProSport will be my only choice.

Sincerely,
Mike Baiocchi - Costa Mesa, CA

Joe,

For several years I have experienced a very painful back problem. I have consulted a highly recommended orthopedic surgeon, a pain specialist, an acupuncturist and have had numerous injections and MRI's, all negative results.

I recently started physical therapy treatment with Annie Bellitti, a physical therapist with your organization. The results of her efforts have been marvelous. Last weekend, I had the first pain-free day in years.
Your whole staff is very helpful and caring. Keep up the good work.

My initial visit to ProSport Physical Therapy came about as a result of throwing my hips out of alignment during training. As a full-time triathlete, the hip injury represented a serious setback and could have resulted in a substantial decline in my performance in future triathlons for years to come. However, through the help of Lee, Joe and the rest of the ProSport staff, I was able to return to the sport stronger than I was prior to suffering the injury.

The thing that set my experience at ProSport Physical Therapy above all prior injury rehabilitations was ProSport's focus on not simply aiding in the recovery from an injury but rather on tailoring a rehab program to increase strength, flexibility and stability in the injured area so that a patient returns from the injury healthier and stronger than he or she was prior to sustaining the injury. In other words, ProSport looks not simply to short-term healing but rather to increasing long-term athletic performance and ability so that the patient is actually more resistant to injury after leaving their care. As Lee said to me several weeks into rehabilitation, 'Our goal is not to return you to the sport at 100% but rather at 110%.' In addition, ProSport understands that each patient is different in both the ability to recover from an injury and in one's future objectives once the injury has healed. Because the ProSport staff knew that I planned to quickly return to full-time competition once my hips healed, Lee developed an incredibly rigorous rehabilitation program that trained the muscles and ligaments surrounding my hips not just to sustain the impact resulting from competition but also to better perform under the stresses that triathlons place on my body.

Such individualized care was essential to my recovery and, as a result, I returned to competition a better triathlete than when I left it. Now, due to the success I achieved in ProSport's rehabilitation program, I visit their offices on a regular basis even when I am not injured in order to keep my body injury-free and to continue to increase my athletic performance over the long-term.

I am extremely thankful for the recommendation I received to go to the team at ProSport Physical Therapy for my rehabilitation. Initially, I had a knee surgery for a tear in the articular cartilage in my knee. I chose a relatively new surgical procedure and entered physical therapy quite nervous about their knowledge of that surgery. To my welcomed surprise, they were quite familiar with it, and had already helped a few professional athletes with the rehabilitation of the same issue. For the next 6 months they answered my questions, and guided me through a smooth recovery. Their knowledge and experience gave me the confidence to push at the right moments, and pull back in others.

Once the knee was rehabilitated, I gained the confidence to have an old shoulder injury looked at. An MRI discovered a Labrum tear that was painful and restrictive. The surgery went well, and I was back in physical therapy to reclaim the strength and flexibility that I had pre-injury. The road to full recovery with the shoulder was hard work, but now I have full range of motion with an arm that I can use without restriction. As a self-employed person, ProSport worked with my schedule, and budget to maximize my therapy dollars. I greatly appreciated their efforts on that front.

In both cases, the road to full recovery took a great deal of commitment, both physically and mentally during my therapy sessions. On the days when I wasn't at my best, the team would give me the kick in the butt or the pat on the back that I needed depending on the day. From the therapists who worked directly on my injuries and developed my plan to success to the trainers who guided me through the exercises, I am deeply grateful for their efforts.

In May 2006, after a full week of testing including several invasive tests (I think I experienced every test imaginable!), I was finally diagnosed with ALS/ Lou Gehrig’s disease. Then, in June, my neurologist indicated it was time to start physical therapy. He decided to recommend ProSport Physical Therapy. He also indicated that ProSport was where he preferred me to go to receive my therapy. Another incentive was they were conveniently located close to me place of business.

I did not know what to expect. When I arrived for my first appointment, I was told that the therapists work in pairs. I was assigned to Lee Perkins and Erin Stansbury. I thought, “how neat.” Although I know now that my disease was a novelty to them since it is quite rare, one would not have thought this with the level of treatment I received from day one. The staff at ProSport has been so attentive.

Lee and Erin worked as a team with me until Lee relocated to another state. When I received the news that Lee was leaving, my heart sank. I started to look around at the other therapists, trying to decide which one of them I could spiritually connect with and they with me. They all seemed so wonderful and experienced. This made it very hard to choose. Then, I was drawn to Jason (Jay) Villareal with such a strong connection. I asked Lee if Jay could be my new co-therapist. Lee asked and Jay accepted me as one of his clients. I have never regretted making that choice. Jay and Erin work very well with me as my body continues to go through so many changes due to ALS. The rest of the team, including the aides (to name a few: Evan, Heidi, Danielle, Allan, and Sarah) always greets me with a smile and encouraging words.

In 2007, I participated in my first annual Walk to D’Feet ALS. ProSport was extremely supportive by attending the walk and decorating my wheelchair which won first prize (thank you, Evan!).

I look forward to going to therapy at ProSport most of the time. On the days I don’t feel up to it, I’m yet to regret arriving there. I walk in the door and all of my apprehensions dissipate. I get a feeling of warmth when I walk through the door. If I’m crabby, they make me forget why I’m crabby. If I’m down, their smiles lift me up.

Their attention to detail makes me appreciate them even more. Their professionalism makes me feel so safe when I’m there going through my exercise routine, and when they are massaging or assisting me in any way. My family and friends who have attended my appointments with me are very pleased and appreciative of ProSport and their staff.

I am overwhelmingly grateful to my doctor for choosing ProSport for my physical therapy. Thank you, ProSport, for all that you have done and continue to do to enable me to be active and deal with this new chapter in my life.

It Takes a Village: The Journey to Competing at the 2008 Adult National Figure Skating Championships

In the early spring of 2006, I herniated a disc in my neck. It was so painful and needless to say not a good thing for a then 54-year old competitive figure skater!

As I had with many sports-related injuries in the past, I turned to Joe Donohue and the PTs at Pro Sport. Bringing me back to life ( AKA as competitive figure skating) was nothing new to the folks at Pro Sport.

My injury history with them includes a slight tear in my MCL in my knee, two torn hamstrings, major hip pain, neck spasms, and rotator cuff problems. I know — I am a glutton for punishment but it was for the cause!!!

This time things were different. It was unclear if I would need surgery for my herniated disc. The doctors worked with Pro Sport to design a course of action. I had 5 months of hands on PT and 7 months total of home traction. During this time Pro Sport gave me amazing care and special exercises to not only build up the weakened neck muscles but to build up all of the supporting back, neck and chest muscles so my body would become strong. The question was would my body heal sufficiently for me to ever put ice skates on again?

After a total 12 months I started to skate again in February of 2007. I worked hard with my coaches and trainers and slowly began to be able to skate for longer periods of time. After several months I regained most of my jumps and spins.

I started to compete in June of 2007. I was amazed that my body could tolerate this type of activity. Staying on a strict training regiment originated by the Pro Sport team, I became stronger than I was prior to the herniation.

On April 9, 2008, I competed at the US Adult Figure Skating Championships in Lake Placid in the 56 and over category. To my astonishment, I had the skate of my life and won the Gold! I am still shocked and thrilled by this multi-level victory. I simply couldn’t have accomplished it without Pro Sport. These are folks that always strive to get you back in your game – not just to get over the initial injury. This winning philosophy made all of the difference. Thank you Pro Sport! On to the next…

I am a competitive triathlete and am so thankful to ProSport for getting back to the sport I love. I had severe curvatures in both knees from degenerative arthritis; however, waiting for technology to advance enough that I’d be able to return to triathlons after a knee replacement, I continued to run on my bone on bone knees for 10 years. While competing in the Kona Triathlon in 2001, my right knee completely fell apart and it was then that I decided it was time for surgery.

I began to research the materials used in knee replacements as well as orthopedic surgeons in the area who specialized in this surgery. I had very specific parameters in choosing a surgeon: 1. they had to be athlete themselves 2. they had to be fit 3. they had to be no more than 50 years old 4. I needed an independent practitioner and not someone who was part of a huge group and 5. they absolutely had to be skilled and knowledgeable in the use of zirconium oxide (ceramic) for the prostheses as I had done extensive research on which materials to use and knew ceramic was the only choice for me. After personally interviewing 12 surgeons, I knew I had found the right doctor in Dr. Mark Newman when he was the first surgeon to ask me “What are your goals?” In July 2002 I had a total knee replacement on my right knee with a ceramic prosthesis.

Now I had to find the right rehab center. Dr. Newman initially referred me to another P.T. clinic; however, ProSport came highly recommended by other athletes. Again, I had specific parameters I needed for my postoperative care: 1. the staff had to have an athletic mentality regardless of their individual fitness levels and 2. I needed people who would find out what my specific goals were and would work towards them with me. I knew I was in the right place on my first visit to ProSport Physical Therapy. I had Brian Frank as my first therapist who was excellent! With the help of Brian’s care and the rest of the staff at ProSport, I was able to return to competitive triathlons on a new right knee! However, as time went on and after 2 failed arthroscopic surgeries on my left knee, I now needed a 2nd total knee replacement; this time on the left knee.

Again, I turned to Dr. Newman and in August 2007, I had my left knee replaced using the same ceramic materials that worked so well for me the first time around. This time I knew right where to go for physical therapy. I worked with Jason “Jay” Villareal. I cannot say enough good things about Jay especially when the first question he asked me was, “What are your goals?” I was impressed with the entire process at ProSport. I liked the attitude of the staff; they were attentive, intuitive and knowledgeable and knew when to advance my exercises. We had agreed in the beginning that I needed to be pushed and they did just that in safe manner.

It is November 2008 and I have now completed 7 more events with bilateral total knee replacements. In those 7 events I have placed 5th, 3rd, 2nd and 1st place in my age group. I have done 2 time trials, the most recent being 28:05 at the Santiago Canyon Time Trial on 11/8/2008! In all I have completed over 36 triathlons with my new knees. I see Dr. Newman every 6 months for x-rays and to date there is no damage to the prostheses. Two total knee replacements later, I am back in action and feel 100% plus! I was so pleased with the care I was given and would absolutely recommend ProSport Physical Therapy to anyone, athlete or not. From Joe Donohue on down to the entire staff, everybody is outstanding. If you want to return to your active lifestyle and athletic competition, ProSport is the place to help you get there!

After 12 years of practicing vinyasa flow yoga (lots of shoulder work!) and a lifetime of bad scapular habits, I landed at ProSport Physical Therapy with chronic pain and a decreased range of motion in my left shoulder. My passion for yoga is as strong and as deep as any athlete’s passion for his sport, and I was seriously concerned that my shoulder problem might mean an early retirement from doing what I love.

Joe and his staff have not only gotten my shoulder on the road to (non-surgical!) recovery, they’ve also given me the confidence that, whatever ailments crop up in the rigors a physical career, I have an amazing resource for treatment and recovery. Best of all, Joe and his staff actually make it fun to do physical therapy! Everyone is friendly, knowledgeable, and pleasant to be around. I would recommend ProSport PT to anyone. My experience there has been 100% positive.