After persistent pain in my right shoulder began affecting my actual range of motion, I went to my clinic where I was referred for physical therapy to Institute for Athletic Medicine. After 4-6 weeks of treatment there, my situation had noticeable worsened. Rather than allow the therapist to begin a different approach, I went to a physician at TRIA who hinted that arthroscopic surgery might be in my future. He also suggested that - if I ""had the time"" - he'd prefer trying another avenue of physical therapy first. (I ""preferred"" that, too, never having had ANY prior surgeries!) He specifically and strongly recommended Mike Dixey at Ortho Rehab, saying, ""This is the perfect guy to work on your shoulder. My patients have had tremendous results with him - and he hopefully might enable you to avoid that surgery.""
So I began seeing Mike at Ortho's Eden Prairie office. The difference was like night and day! It's a smaller facility with fewer locations and practitioners than was my prior physical therapy experience - yet I was able to get in for appointments right away and pretty much at my convenience. Patti, their receptionist, was great. Whenever I called, I'd always book thru her, and she always promptly and professionally accommodated my schedule and needs - a real pleasure to deal with - no ""jumping thru hoops.""
Mike himself was awesome! He never simply gave me instructions to do a certain exercise and left me unattended (as had been my experience before.) Instead, he provided me with thorough information about my problem along with comprehensive details on what his treatment would consist of and why. His hands-on treatments were thorough yet gentle - and most of all, effective! He was always careful to inquire about my comfort as he'd work on me so as not to cause any further pain. At every appointment, I always saw him - and often Amber Banwart in addition - equally knowledgeable, professional, and helpful, and totally up-to-speed re: my case. During each appointment, I was constantly monitored (which I had not experienced before), and measurements of my improvement were taken regularly. I was also provided with explicit instructions for home exercises to complement the care I received at their office.
I have no doubt that Mike saved me from surgery, and I've sung his praises to many of my friends. There is a consistency of the best in patient care in their office - as well as in the manner with which that care is provided. It always felt to me like Mike, Amber, and even Patti sincerely cared about me, the condition that brought me to them, and my progress. Theirs is a kind and very personal practice - almost like family. I never got that feeling elsewhere!
Today, thanks to Mike's excellent care and direction, I am TOTALLY pain-free and with my total range of motion restored. It's as if I'd never experienced any problem at all! And now I have the added assurance that - should I ever require further physical therapy for any other reason - I know where the best care is available and would head straight back there in a heartbeat. These folks really are the best!
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