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Looking Forward to Life Without Knee Pain: Sherry Brouse’s Success Story

May 2, 2023 | Patient Success Stories
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By, Allison R. Weder

Sherry Brouse, who is in her 40’s, struggled with knee problems for years. “I had been in pain for the last several years, but was told I was too young for (knee replacement) surgery.” Doctors recommend people wait as long as possible to undergo a knee replacement because the artificial joints only last 15 to 20 years. If someone younger gets the procedure, the joint will likely need to be replaced again. Sherry lived her life in pain with only short-term fixes until her doctor decided, despite her age, it was time for total knee replacement.

Knee replacement surgery is a treatment for pain and disability in the knee when other methods of treatment are no longer working well. Metal and plastic parts are used to cap the bones that form the joint, along with the knee cap. Many people who require the surgery are unable to do normal activities that involve bending the knee. Sherry’s life was significantly impacted by her pain, and she looked forward to the surgery so she could get back to the things she loved to do. Her doctor recommended post-surgical rehabilitation, so Sherry chose Phoenix Physical Therapy because it was near her home and in-network with her insurance. “I was pretty helpless after surgery. I couldn’t walk without the assistance of a walker. I couldn’t really even dress myself.”Sherry’s first appointment at the Phoenix Physical Therapy Lewisburg clinic was just a few days after her surgery. Sherry was unsure what to expect. “I had never had physical therapy before. I was very nervous because I was in so much pain. My therapist, Chris Herbster, PT, took it slow with me and helped me to understand what to expect.” Chris is the Clinic Director at the Lewisburg clinic. “Sherry came home the same day that she had her total knee replacement and was in a great deal of pain her first day of therapy, but despite a great deal of struggle, she stuck it out and was able to overcome.”

Sherry’s therapy sessions began slowly. “Most of the exercises, at the beginning, were focused on the mobility of my knee and muscle strengthening.” Chris took cues from her, giving her exercises he knew she could handle while ensuring her recovery was progressing. “It took a week or two until I started seeing real improvement. I had a lot of swelling at the beginning that caused me pain and that made it hard to do a lot of the exercises.” The work in the clinic continued for several more weeks. “(Chris) had me perform prone hangs, straight leg raises, quad and hamstring sets, and I spent time on the bike at the beginning of each session to loosen up.”

Sherry grew to trust Chris and the entire Lewisburg team as she reached milestones in her recovery. “The staff there were amazing. Chris asked me every day how I was feeling and was understanding if I didn’t feel I could handle certain manipulations. He would push me for my own benefit, but would also not cause me any more pain than he had to. Barb was at the front desk and was always very pleasant and accommodating with appointment scheduling. She would even come back and help set things up if Chris was really busy.” Chris was impressed with Sherry’s motivation to recover. “Sherry is the kind of patient we would like to have all the time. She is full of energy, ambition, and has a great attitude.”

Sherry is now back to enjoying life again, doing the things she needs and loves to do. “Because of physical therapy, I can now walk over a mile a day with no assistance. I have no problems doing housework and I am back to enjoying walks with my husband and dog.” She is grateful for the care she received at Phoenix. “I would like to thank Chris for not letting me give up in the really tough times and for the continued encouragement. Thank you for pushing me past the pain so that I could be pain free again.”

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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