Road to recovery: Physical therapy builds strength, boosts confidence
For an athlete recuperating from an injury, an elder suffering from arthritis pain, or anyone needing physical therapy, UT Health Physicians offers state-of-the-art out-patient physical therapy services as a key component of comprehensive patient care and recovery. The clinic treats a variety of conditions including sports-related injuries, general orthopaedic problems, neurological disorders, women’s health and geriatrics issues, and post-surgical cases.
"Some of San Antonio’s elite physical therapists practice right here in our clinic," said Chad Hodges, PT, FAAOMPT, who is trained in advanced manual-manipulation techniques and orthopaedics. A graduate of the UT Health Science Center’s physical therapy (PT) program, Hodges is a clinical faculty member and currently enrolled in the university’s inaugural Transitional Doctorate in Physical Therapy program (t-DPT).
"Combined, our four therapists have more than 70 years of clinical practice experience," he said. "And each of our PTs has completed post-graduate specialization training."
Care that heals, inspires
(Photo right) Physical therapist Chad Hodges engages patient Ashley Garza in exercises to stregthen her core, quadriceps and lower extremities. Garza is a junior at John F. Kennedy High School.
During the first scrimmage of the basketball season against Robert G. Cole High School this past winter, Garza, 16, stole the ball from an opponent and as she passed it to a teammate, she felt a pop and intense pain in her left knee. Garza tore her ACL and had to be carried off the court. Matthew Murray, M.D., performed surgery to repair her injury on Dec. 4, 2012 and the day after, Garza began an intense six-month course of physical therapy at the Medical Arts & Research Center (MARC).
Garza’s mother, Rosita Dominguez, said the care her daughter received at the MARC is outstanding and convenient. "Ashley has gotten everything she needs right here," Dominguez said. "She says she has more muscle and strength, thanks to the physical therapists. And they boosted her confidence. In the beginning, she was scared to take a step. Now she’s ready to play her other favorite sport - volleyball. And she’s talking about plans to study at the Health Science Center in the future to become an anesthesiologist. Not only did they get her back on her two feet, they’ve inspired her to dream bigger. I am so grateful."
UT Medicine Physical Therapy Services staff includes: Sheri Fossler, PT, center director, who is an orthopaedic certified specialist (OCS); Mike Geelhoed, PT, OCS, who is manual therapy certified (MTC) and an associate professor in the Health Science Center’s PT program; and Smita Mehta who specializes in women’s health issues.
Physical therapists are graduate-level trained health care providers who specialize in the neuro-musculoskeletal system. They use various techniques to reduce pain, restore function and promote mobility.
For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call 210-450-9694. The clinic is located on the third floor of the Medical Arts & Research Center (MARC), 8300 Floyd Curl Drive.
Rising to new heights: After surgery, Olympian takes gold
Raised in Van Vleck, Texas, Charles Austin was the youngest of 10 children. As a high school senior searching for the means to attend college, his friends convinced him to try high jumping. He cleared 6 feet on his first try and finished the year with a best of 6 feet 11 inches.
His jumping ability led to an athletic scholarship at Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State University) in San Marcos. During his college career, he shattered school records before being named the nation’s top college high jumper.
Austin believes he tore his patellar tendon during his senior year of college. Despite the knee injury, he won the World Championship in 1991 and was considered a contender to win the 1992 Olympics. Although he made the Olympic team, his injury cost him a medal.
"At that point, two doctors in the United States and two in Europe had told me there was no hope of jumping again," Austin said. "In 1993, I met Dr. (Jesse) DeLee who said he had never seen an injury like mine. He didn’t make me any promises, but he said he would try. Dr. DeLee gave me a chance. He gave me the hope I needed," he said.
On July 7, 1993, Dr. DeLee performed the extensive surgery and closely monitored Austin’s rehabilitation. By December 1993, Austin was jumping again. In 1994, he began his journey back to the top of the high jumping world.
In 1996, he returned to the Olympics. His jump of 7 feet 10 inches earned him a gold medal. Today, Austin, age 45, remains the American and Olympic high jump record holder. He lives in San Marcos with his wife and three sons. Austin owns the So High Sports & Fitness Performance Center and Studio.
"I still do not have any problems with my knee. Dr. DeLee did a fantastic job. I owe a lot of credit to him. He gave me hope when no one else would. I recommend Dr. DeLee and his colleagues to all athletes," he said.