Kathy the Runner
"I'm a runner. You probably know one of us. We're stubborn. We run in weather that's dangerous and compete whenever possible. We are able to ignore minor injuries - after all, no pain, no gain, right? Wrong! After successfully completing a marathon and a summer series of shorter road races I discovered some pain. "Ignore it," I told myself. Generally, that doesn't really work, but always worth a shot when I don't want to stop running. However, when the pain was so excruciating that I could barely walk... I did what every runner should do. I visited my doctor.
After a series of exams, x-rays, etc., it was determined that I was experiencing a compressed vertebrae along with some swelling on the nerve that was causing a sciatica type of pain. My doctor decided to send me to a physical therapist and then she made the best mistake possible. While thinking she was sending me to one place, she actually sent me to Bodywise in Epping. I was leery at first - nervous that I might not get to run again. What I discovered was a cheerful husband/wife team-run clinic where I felt like part of the family after the first visit.
Karen was my primary therapist. She explained clearly what was wrong with my back and then drew up a treatment plan that lasted 6-8 weeks. It included great stretching, eventually some weight lifting and running on the treadmill, and always ended with my favorites - the decompression machine and the heating pad with electrical stimulation.
Not only am I fully recovered, but I was able to shovel wet, heavy snow in the most recent storm, without back pain!! Karen was great about showing me techniques for everyday tasks like picking something up off the floor, proper posture, and of course, shoveling snow.
I was able to experience Ryan's care as well and he is certainly of equal ability. Both Ryan and Karen are friendly and quick to make patients feel comfortable. Although I hope not to need to return, if ever I do, I would not hesitate to return to Bodywise, the best mistake my doctor ever made!"
"Off and running,"
- Kathy, Hampton NH
Michelle's Broken Leg
"When I came to Bodywise on my broken leg, I was on crutches. I had yet to even put any weight on the leg. With the help of Karen and Ryan, I am now walking, and even can run again! Each time I went to physical therapy, I saw more improvement in weightbearing as well as range of motion. I have full range of motion back again and feel so much better. Karen and Ryan's approach, reminding me that I would be back to normal again, even through tough times, was the backbone of the success I have experienced. Thanks Karen and Ryan!"
- Michelle, Lee NH
