For forty-five year old Amanda, staying active had long been part of everyday life. With a military background, she says she was accustomed to pushing through discomfort and persevering. But when chronic lower back pain focused around her sacroiliac (SI) joint began interfering with walking, standing, and even sleeping, she says pushing through was no longer an option. After years of seeking answers, she found KCP Physical Therapy and describes a treatment experience that helped her feel hopeful again.

“This Could Not Be My New Normal”

Amanda says she first noticed changes in her body several years before finding KCP and later began living with chronic pain. Over the course of a year, her walking dropped from six miles a day to barely being able to finish one mile. She reports that she could not stand for more than ten minutes, and pain woke her several times each night as she tried to find a comfortable position. “I was losing hope,” she says.

She sought help from doctors, physical therapists, and a spine specialist. She says she underwent an MRI and was prescribed medication, but side effects and limited progress left her frustrated. Amanda says she preferred a holistic approach and wanted to better understand what was causing her pain. When the pain became so severe that she missed a full week of work, she says she decided to keep looking. “This could not be my new normal,” she says.

Finding Stories She Could Relate To

This time, Amanda searched for a practice that offered both physical therapy and fitness training. An internet search led her to KCP Physical Therapy. She read the reviews and spent time exploring the patient stories on the blog. “I prayed the reviews were real,” she says, adding, “I could relate to a lot of the stories, and these people really seemed to be getting help.” After experiences she describes as frustrating, Amanda says she hoped she had found a place that would be different.

“Joy Talked With Me, Not At Me”

During her initial appointment with physical therapist Joy Pfuhl, Amanda says she noticed a difference in the conversation. Joy asked about what she had been doing, what she was feeling, and her goals for daily living. “Joy talked with me, not at me,” Amanda says. She describes feeling relieved that Joy took time to talk with her about her experience. She says the discussion focused on her daily needs and goals.

Amanda says Joy’s physical evaluation identified pelvic instability. She describes receiving hands-on manual corrections and discussing a plan for core strengthening and specific stretches and exercises for her back and hips. Amanda says that conversation helped her understand her treatment plan. “I left that appointment feeling educated, hopeful, and empowered,” she says.

Back to Walking, Camping, and Better Sleep

Amanda reports that she experienced relief at that first appointment and has slept without interruption every night since. She says that early improvement helped her trust her treatment plan. She has now “graduated” from physical therapy and says she is returning to the things she enjoys, including walking more and going camping. Amanda describes being back to activities she loves after a period when pain had limited how much she could do.

For others still looking for help, Amanda has a simple message: “I’m so glad I found KCP and would recommend them to anyone who needs them.”

To schedule an appointment with KCP Physical Therapy, call 704-541-1191 or request an appointment online. The team will confirm availability and follow up with you.