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Physical Therapists to Count On: Michael’s Success Story

May 30, 2023 | Patient Success Stories
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By Allison R. Weder

Foot surgery.

Back pain.

Knee surgery.

Rotator cuff surgery.

Back surgery.

Sciatica pain.

Michael Furdella has had his share of medical issues for years. But he always knows where to turn to feel better. Michael has been going to Phoenix Physical Therapy in the Richland Township – Johnstown, Pennsylvania area for 15 years. “When I came into the clinic for the first time, I had to hop. Doctors told me I would only be able to walk with a cane. After months of therapy at Phoenix, I was able to run up and down the lane the clinic is on.” Michael tried other places, but could tell right away what makes Phoenix different. “They are very professional and even when there is a lot of people in there, they treat you like you are the only one. It’s not like the other PT places where you do your exercises, and you leave. They are constantly writing down your progress and they keep good records.”

Michael’s latest round of therapy is for sciatica. Sciatica, which is very common, is nerve pain from an injury or irritation to the sciatic nerve which originates in the buttock area. The pain can travel all the way down the leg. Michael’s pain is especially bad. “I’ve been to pain clinics. I’ve had injections. I’ve tried medications. I’ve tried everything. The hard part is having to stand for long periods.” Michael’s wife weighs in. “He can’t sit and watch TV either because it hurts. He can’t sit down for long.”

Anthony Damiano, PT, DPT is the Richland Township Clinic Director. He created a treatment plan for Michael that includes strengthening exercises for his core. Michael understands repetition of these exercises will build muscle to support his core, ultimately helping to relieve the pain. “Anthony keeps coming up with new exercises, so I don’t get bored. He’s always trying something different. I sit on the big ball, and I do stretching exercises with that. Then I have a smaller ball that I use to squeeze between my legs. Then I use a band around my legs, and I stretch outward. Then I do the table exercise where I put one hand down and one leg down, and the other hand up and the other leg up.”

Michael is struggling to find complete relief from his pain, but he is confident Anthony will do everything he can to find a solution. “It’s impressive how Anthony tries to help me. He went to a class on core problems. He came back with some new exercises just for me! He actually spent his weekend learning new things and brought them back to me!” Michael is grateful for Anthony and the entire Phoenix team. “Missy (Melissa Ribblett, PT) is good too. She is very professional and down to earth. She is very friendly and congenial. So is (Patient Care Coordinator), Tina (Homyak) and so is Annie (Anne O’Leary, PTA). I’m very thankful to them. They’re so nice. But they’re nice to everybody. It’s not just me. They treat everyone with the same degree of professionalism. They get right down to business, the business of physical therapy. You can’t ask for more than that. I’d recommend them to everyone. If you need physical therapy, try Phoenix at least once. I guarantee you won’t go anywhere else.”

Michael is slowly seeing progress and hopes to one day, be pain-free. “I know everything takes time. My pain isn’t as bad or stabbing as it was at one time. I was able to go work on the public address system at my church. I worked for 2 hours, and there were times I had to sit on the floor and lay on the floor. I couldn’t have done that 3 months ago. I’m sure I’ll continue to see improvements.” Anthony agrees and believes Michael will reach his goals. “During each physical therapy appointment, Mike puts forth great effort and shows that he is motivated to get better. He even goes above and beyond to help motivate and encourage other patients in the clinic; his positivity is contagious.”

Michael wants everyone to know, Phoenix is a comfortable, friendly physical therapy clinic. “I want to go where everybody knows my name, just like ‘Cheers’!”

The entire Phoenix Physical Therapy Team is committed to providing our patients with quality physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy in a safe and healthy clinic environment. We continue to follow the guidance provided by the CDC, WHO and public health officials to update you as new information becomes available. Let’s work together to keep each other safe and healthy.

The safety of our patients, communities and team members remains our top priority. We know you have a choice in your care providers and appreciate your commitment to Phoenix and our qualified clinicians.

Here are the actions we have taken to keep our patients, communities and team healthy & safe:

  • Flexible scheduling allows for social distancing
  • Regular cleaning and sanitation of all clinic surfaces
  • Facemasks must be worn by all Phoenix staff and are recommended for all patients
  • Screening questionnaire and temperature checks prior to entering clinics
  • 6 feet of social distancing throughout the clinics

Keeping Our Clinics Safe

Here are some tips on how we can keep each other safe:

  • Handwashing is your best self-defense against the spread of germs. When soap and water are not available and hands are not visibly dirty, use at least a 60% alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Please stay home if you are not feeling well, especially if you have a fever, are coughing or sneezing, or are experiencing shortness of breath. If a patient shows up with symptoms, the clinic team will work with them to reschedule.
  • Be vigilant. If you have traveled to any of the countries where there are outbreaks of the virus, please follow guidance from the CDC website and our Travel Guidelines.

Here are actions we are taking to keep our clinics clean and safe:

  • Equipment will be wiped down after EVERY use with antibacterial wipes/sprays
  • All surfaces that patients or staff may touch including door handles, countertops, seating, pens at sign-in, bathroom and all other common areas will be disinfected regularly
  • Treatment tables will be 6 feet apart
  • Team members will wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, particularly after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing their nose, coughing or sneezin
  • Clinics will have hand sanitizer available at the front desk and in the treatment areas
  • Any Phoenix team members who are ill will be asked to stay home
  • We will maintain social distancing between patients in the clinic
  • Caregivers that are bringing a patient to the clinic should wait in their car or come back when the appointment has ended unless necessary (i.e. minor requiring a guardian or for assistance needs)
  • When possible, we will treat patients in private rooms to increase social distancing
  • Any patients that have underlying health issues (i.e. diabetes, respiratory problems, etc.) will be given the option to be seen during special clinic hours or can opt to be treated in a private room away from other clinicians and patients
  • All patients should be self-screening before entering the clinic. Our PCCs will perform a secondary screening during the check-in process and before patients enter the clinic including a screening questionnaire and temperature check.
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