Randy and his physical therapist, Phaeleau Cunneen, giving the thumbs up!
The sudden surge of the Coronavirus has made a lasting impact on many people’s lives. More than ever, we’ve relied to our frontline workers to keep our communities healthy, appropriately naming them “heroes” for bravely stepping up to the plate for the safety of everyone. Randy, a SPEAR patient at our W 44th St clinic, is no exception. An active Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) in New York City, Randy already had a very tasking job, dealing with emergency situations, including life or death situations. With the impact of the virus, he was now battling two wars: protecting the people and himself.
Before seeking treatment at SPEAR, Randy was suffering from limited mobility in his hands, preventing him from doing his job properly, carrying his equipment or providing care for his patients. It was also impacting his personal life, keeping him from his favorite hobbies including cycling, playing football, and hiking. Randy feared he would not be able to get the proper treatment he needed during the pandemic, especially at the cadence he needed. After meeting with his therapists, Phaeleau Cunneen, PT, CHT, OCS, and Karlie Gross, PT, DPT, that quickly changed. He felt a reassuring calmness straight away from their initial meeting, and they were able to quell his worries about his injury. As his treatment progressed, so did their rapport: “The relationship evolved and just became better with every visit, becoming a family-like feeling,” Randy recalls warmly. “Any questions I asked were simply answered, and there was always a positive vibe of teamwork.”
Phaeleau in action treating Randy’s hand injury.
Randy wasn’t exactly sure what his expectations for therapy were, nor was he certain about the extent of his injuries. One of his goals prior to treatment was to improve his performance level for his regular job duties. He also hoped to incorporate more hands-on activities into his work and everyday life. Randy started seeing the impact that therapy was having on his life in a positively profound way. “I realized therapy was working once I finally felt the flexion and the ability to use the function of my hand, having not had any mobility initially and almost no range of motion.” Randy was also happy with the safety protocols in place at the clinic, noting it was “pivotal during this pandemic—they were spot on (with the levels of cleanliness)”.
As Randy continued his treatment, so did his improvement, especially with the encouragement of his therapy team. “My progress has been phenomenal with SPEAR, outstanding to say the least. Definitely over-achieving my expectations!” By the time Randy completed his treatment plan, he was able to return to the activities and job he loves. “The SPEAR group surely relieved my worries and gave me more mobility, as well as educated me, which is the most impressive part.” Even more remarkably, Randy’s drive to get better also helped him to become a better EMT. “Bringing me back to the best I can be has been a great, stress-relieving accomplishment. The treatment by SPEAR has assisted me with my job as an EMT, giving me the potential to be even better and continue making strides to provide better patient care.” Randy, we think you’re an exceptional human being. Thank you for letting us assist you in your journey, and for everything you do for your city!
