How a Yoga Instructor Tackles Knee Pain!
Patient of the Month
Meet Katie! A yoga instructor and outdoor adventurer who put her whole mind, body and spirit into each session. Along with her kind and thoughtful nature, Katie brought the drive and focus of a high level athlete.
Katie Surf Maui
With an unwavering commitment to an active lifestyle, she pushed herself to the limit every time. She trusted the process, and it was exciting to see all of her hard work pay off. We can't wait to see where her next adventure takes her!
In her own words…
Three words to describe me... Caring, Compassionate, Motivated
What Brought you to PT? I have a condition called Plica Syndrome in my right knee, which was causing me pain and discomfort during exercise as well as during regular everyday activities.
How have you benefitted from PT? I have greatly benefitted from coming to Iron Physical Therapy. I had been to other physical therapists in the past for treatment of this same injury, but never had an experience quite like I did at Iron. From the moment I walked in the door, I knew I had finally come to the right place to get the kind of rehabilitation I needed. Not only was the entire staff friendly and upbeat, but Dr. Mayes has created a space where athletes and people with active lifestyles can come and truly get the care they need so that they can continue to thrive once their treatment is over. Dr. Mayes and the Iron Physical Therapy staff truly created a safe and supportive environment in which I could test my limits while strengthening and healing my injury. Dr. Mayes also provided me with tools I can use outside of therapy such as stretching, foam rolling, and targeted strength training exercises to help maintain a healthy and happy knee.
What would you recommend to someone who has the same injury? Try a full course of physical therapy first before opting for surgery. Many orthopedics are quick to prescribe surgery, however, explore the less invasive route first. Commit to the therapy, do the homework Dr. Mayes prescribes you, and push yourself to your limits to see if surgery is needed after all.
What activities are you most excited about getting back to? I am most excited about resuming my yoga and meditation practice. There were many advanced poses that were out of the question before therapy and sitting cross-legged in meditation was downright torturous at times! Since I completed therapy, I have started re-integrating both of these things back into my practice with good results. Dr. Mayes also got me running again (an activity I had avoided for years). I have been running almost daily and am slowly increasing the distance I am able to comfortably run. In the Fall, I look forward to getting back to my West African Dance Class! Thank you Iron Physical Therapy for all your help in getting me here!
Katiehikemaui