From "BJ"To
Whom It May Concern:
It is my privilege to provide a testimonial for the services provided by Rick
Spenner and Nancy Crook of PES (Physical Enhancement Services).
I have been working with them for the past 19 months (post surgery from a
spinal cord injury) and they are simply amazing and most importantly
affordable!
I began seeing Rick 6 months post surgery after my insurance limits ended. I
had a cervical injury which caused trauma to the spinal cord. This required a
cervical fusion and titanium plate. The spinal cord trauma caused neurological
damage specific to my right arm and right leg which required strengthening and
neurological / uscular training. As you can imagine not only was I dealing with
the aspects of strengthening and balance, I had a fear of falling when doing
activities such as skiing, snow shoeing, tennis, biking or any other activities
where I may trip and fall. In working with Rick, not only has he brought me to
a new level of strengthening and balance, he as tackled my fears. Today, I can
honestly say I am as strong as ever. We are still addressing some of the
neurological issues but they continue to improve and fears diminish.
To give you an idea, part of my training includes jumping a flight of stairs on
one leg. Now, you may think this is extreme but it makes sense due to how
active I am. And the best thing is “I’m doing it!” I continue to see Rick and
Nancy because I continue to improve. As we accomplish one goal, they set the
bar higher and improvement continues.
Now when I began searching for continued rehabilitation and strengthening, I
can honestly say I never thought about the Kinesiotherapy an alternative. Much
to my surprise, I had come to the realization within days of meeting and
working with Rick that I was receiving the best commitment, care and
determination from this team that I could have ever imagined. Honestly, you
almost want to keep them a secret but what they have to offer is a” second
chance” for everyone. What they have given me is my life back and the best
thing is they or I should say “we” are not done.
If you are looking for a difference and that second chance, give them a call, I
promise you won’t regret it and you won’t keep them a secret either. From "Pat"
Never
say “never” to Pat. Not only
has he overcome incredible hurdles physically, emotionally and functionally
since his accident, he has truly looked at his situation as an opportunity to
help others and to improve the world around him.
Just
four short years ago, Pat was involved in a life-changing motorcycle
accident. He suffered a neck fracture
and is paralyzed from the chest down. 22
years old at the time, he was comatose for nearly two months, spent months in
the hospital followed by what seemed an eternity of intensive therapies. Though his therapies were full of setbacks,
and he was given his list of “nevers”, like “you will never be off that
ventilator, you will never move your arms again” and the like, Patrick did not
give up.
Shortly
after his return from an extended stay at an out-of-state specialty therapy
clinic, Pat was introduced to Rick Spenner, the Kinesiotherapist with
Physical Enhancement Services. Members
of his family had seen other people in wheelchairs working with Rick and had
talked with him about how Kinesiotherapy might benefit Pat.
Pat
was open to the idea, but soon struggled with the seemingly mountainous task of
trying to re-develop muscles in his hands and upper body. He had been a very athletic person and was
used to things coming to him easily. “I
could catch on and go”, he said, “and here, every single exercise was so
slow. I wasn’t seeing progress and that
was frustrating.”
Pat
did not give up. He continued to see
Rick on a weekly basis. Pat had his
sights on specific goals for his therapy, including the use of a manual
wheelchair that he would wheel independently. Reflecting back on his time of
intensive therapy, Pat gives a lot of credit to the expertise of the staff.
Pat
will have you know that he recently completed his first two laps on the track –
alone – in his manual wheelchair and enrolled as a student at Concordia
University, fully participating in their accelerated Business Management degree
program. Pat wants to use his degree
and his experience to consult with businesses across the country on helping
disabled persons to travel more comfortably, to help bar and restaurant owners
to see the functional side of the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), and
help them design, develop and plan so that disabled persons can enjoy their
establishments.
When
the bright, humorous and gifted Pat is not coaching girl’s U-14
fast pitch softball, one might find him getting involved with various fund-raising
efforts and speaking engagements, all geared toward making our world a better
place. He is an inspiration to all.
Did
I mention he’s off of that ventilator, using his computer, blackberry, and
talking with his hands because of the functioning he has regained.
Never give up.