A success story of physical therapy after knee surgery - by Linsey Olson

Many thanks to Linsey Olson, one of our stars at Alpine Physical Therapy, for submitting this success story about one of her patients, Debbie.

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I recently treated a dear patient of mine, Debbie, for her second total knee replacement. Prior to this, I’d seen her multiple times for rehabilitation from her past knee surgeries.

She progressed well in her physical therapy at Alpine. But soon we came to a crossroads in her rehabilitation. I could discharge her from physical therapy and have here continue with her home program on an independent basis. Or she could start to advance her exercises at the Peak Health and Wellness Center. This second option created its own concerns.

She admitted to having had a membership for a long while but had not used it since signing up due to her intimidation of the gym atmosphere (She didn’t even have a swipe card activated for this reason).

Knowing that the Peak is the least intimidating fitness center I have encountered, I quickly introduced her to the desk staff, retrieved a swipe card, introduced her to our many classes and equipment, and showed her the opportunities that await her as a member.

Currently, she is involved in the Wellness Program at Alpine with consistent check-ins as to her weight loss journey, cardiovascular fitness, and overall positive lifestyle changes. I am proud to say I have ‘caught’ Debbie working out at the Peak as often as I am here (yikes)! She has returned to playing racquet sports that she hadn’t dreamed of ever returning to.

As a physical therapist, this is one of my greatest accomplishments: PERMANENTLY changing someone’s life. Debbie now has both the tools AND motivation to improve her physical, mental, and emotional fitness.
Way to go Debbie!
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In the words of the tag line of the Peak Health and Wellness Center, “Fitness is a journey, not a destination.”