Bill has always enjoyed athletics of some sort for most of his life. Over his life, he has especially enjoyed swimming, basketball, and running. In his 40’s, he began Taekwondo lessons with his daughters. He had achieved the level of third degree black belt when he had a sparring match with a younger third-degree partner. At one point in the match, he threw a punch that missed. He remembers feeling a tug on his shoulder and thinking “That felt weird.”
He didn’t seek treatment at the time, but the “weird” feeling progressed into the inability to move his arm over his head. At a company softball game, Bill attempted to throw a ball from the outfield and realized he couldn’t even throw the ball. He was experiencing more pain and was unable to sleep on the affected side. “Finally, I went to a orthopedic doctor and they discovered that I had pulled the bicep off my shoulder, which they call a slap tear,” he says. “So they had to go back in and tack it back down.”
While discussing the plan for surgery with some friends, one of them suggested that Bill should consider KCP for his physical therapy. He called, explained his situation, and they made a plan to start his PT once his post-surgery six-week immobilization period was completed.
“At the first session, we had to see what kind of range of motion I had after all those weeks.” Bill says. We got it to move about six inches. It was so painful, but the goal was to get me back to full mobility. I had to go three times a week – mostly with Joy (Pfuhl) but sometimes with Joyce (Kight).
“Each session, the goal was to get that motion just a little bit further,” he continues. “I have to say it was one of the more painful experiences I’ve had, but they know what they have to do and they are there to support you on the journey. Joy always knew just how far she could push. As painful as it was, it was also kind of fun. They are so good-natured. About the time I was there for that injury (2008-2009) there was a movie out called The Punisher and they were selling t-shirts that said Punisher on them. I got them a couple of Punisher t-shirts. We just had fun with it. And it took about three months, but we finally got there.”
Over the years, Bill has continued to work with KCP for other issues as they have arisen. When he needed rehab for a frozen shoulder and later for sciatic pain, he came back to KCP. “At this point, I know where to go on an as-needed basis,” he says. “Later in life, things get harder and harder, and knowing someone that knows how to deal with these things is very important.”
Bill’s wife also became a client at KCP after she began suffering from inflammation problems and pelvic instability. “It’s a family affair for us,” he says.
“They just really know what they’re doing,” Bill says. “They’ve got all the equipment necessary to treat just about anything. And they have the space to do it. And they’re not only helping with the range of motion issues, they’re also helping to strengthen the muscle groups so that you won’t have issues anymore. Even now, I’ve got several exercises that I do at home to keep strengthening my shoulder. They help you function without pain.”
