Sue H. Success Story -Avoiding Knee Surgery

Fluid Physio is by far THE BEST Physical Therapy Center that I have ever been to! Gianna Bigliani Cetkowski and her amazing team are definitely experts in their field while at the same time showing compassion, dedication and humor in their holistic approach in caring for their clients. At the age of 72 years old, I have always enjoyed an active life. Doing yoga 3 times a week, kayaking off the coast of Maine during the summer, white water rafting down the Class V rapids of the Kennebec River with my teenage grandson, gardening and doing my own yard work were just some of my passions. I’ve always had a “wonky” right knee with some arthritis in it which it would be stiff in the morning but ease up as the day progressed. It never slowed me down.

Two years ago, I was diagnosed with Lyme disease. Fortunately, it was caught early as I had found the tick and was on the lookout for symptoms. After seeking medical attention from Lyme disease Specialist and completing antibiotic therapy for 4 months, I was back to baseline. My knee hurt just a little more, but it didn’t slow me down until last spring. I developed tendonitis in my left ankle back in April. My ankle was considerably swollen and painful to walk on. I sought out the care of an Orthopedic Surgeon who promptly had me using crutches with no weight bearing on my left leg for 4 weeks. That turned out to be the worst decision ever as the constant weight bearing on my right leg pushed my right knee arthritis over the edge. The pain I was experiencing was so great that I had one cortisone shot that did nothing to alleviate my pain and I was actually scheduled to have a total knee replacement several weeks ago on February 13th. To top it off my ankle had never gotten better.

Around Christmas time I heard wonderful things about Fluid Physio. I figured that I really had nothing to lose and thought I’d give them a try. They offer a complimentary 30-minute evaluation which I immediately took advantage of. It turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. From the moment I walked in I felt welcome and heard. Chrisdina at the front desk is a kind and caring and knowledgeable young lady. I then met Dr. Ayesha who took the time to understand my issues, listen to my goals and help develop a plan to help me to achieve them. Several days later I met with Dr. Easton who took over my care for the next 10 sessions. Easton also took the time to listen to me and understand my goals. His use of manual techniques such as releasing the fascia in my ankle, coupled with giving me exercises to do was such that I could actually feel results just after a couple of sessions. So much so I cancelled my surgery and continued with the therapy.

Today is my 12th session and I am being discharged. Dr. Easton is truly a miracle worker, and I cannot thank him enough for helping me get to my life. I still have periodic discomfort in my knee and ankle, but nothing that I can’t live with. And my ankle hasn’t been swollen in over a month. I am looking forward to spring and summer and resuming the activities that I love. My husband and I attended a wedding back in January, and I was able to dance most of the evening with no problem.

Thank you, Thank you! Easton, for giving me my quality of life back!!! I am not ready to sit still. However, I will miss seeing everyone and the laughs we shared during my therapy sessions!