I broke the tip of my ulna, in my right elbow. While I walked towards the Walhalla Football Stadium for the last home football game of the 2006 season I fell face forward. (Graceful, huh?) Threw both hands out to break my fall, but instead my right elbow broke. Then during the surgery to repair the bone I got a staph infection. The Staph infection required 2 more surgeries to speed the process of healing.
2. What things did your injury prevent you from doing?
· All forms of personal grooming with my right hand. (Try brushing your teeth with your left hand.)
· Crocheting, Puppets, driving a car, using a knife to peel potatoes, using scissors, opening jars,
· Opening medicine bottles, (That is frustrating trying to open the bottle of pain pills, while in pain and can only use 1 arm!)
· Typing on the computer. Picking up the dogs. Using a knife to cut my food. Getting in the truck on the drivers side. Sleeping on my right side.
· Touch my face and mouth with my right hand. (And that is only the beginning of my list.)
3. How did therapy help?
I had the fourth and final surgery on June 1st 2007 to remove the metal and any scar tissue. Before this last surgery my arm had very little range of motion. I could move it about 6-9 inches. Doug helped increase my range of motion to almost normal, plus increased the overall strength in my arm. After therapy I could do all the items I listed above! Doug used different treatments in therapy to relax and stretch the muscles in my arm so they could move again.
4. What kind of person is Doug and why would you come back to see him instead of going to another therapist?
Doug has a heart for patient care. He explained every step of therapy in technical terms and then in layman’s wording. Doug enjoys people and is interested in his patient’s life. Doug is considered the “Best” in his field. If I needed therapy again I would see Doug because of the wonderful job he performed on my arm, plus I consider Doug a friend!
Becky"
"David has been my primary PT over the past 4 years, providing therapy following a total knee replacement, rotator cuff surgery, spinal disk surgery, and other arthroscopic surgeries. David is very dedicated to his profession and his clients. He is very knowledgeable in his field and is very caring toward his clients always taking time not only to talk to them but also to listen to and hear what they are saying. The continuity of care he provides is invaluable. He knows what works well for each individual and builds on this knowledge for subsequent visits. David's treatment of his clients doesn't end in the clinical setting nor after the PT prescription has expired. He always seems to be "on call" whenever I have needed him. David will do well where ever he goes. Clemson has truly been blessed with the opening of Excel Rehab and Sports." Claudia Hubbard