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How Physical Therapy Can Help with COVID Recovery – Jimmy Reynolds’ Success Story

October 15, 2021 | Patient Success Stories
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James “Jimmy” Reynolds, a member of the ‘50’s and ‘60’s American doo-wop group, The Edsels, contracted COVID-19 near the end of 2020. He was in the hospital for another issue and was scheduled to be transferred to an inpatient rehabilitation facility. However, after he no longer tested positive for COVID, his family made the tough decision to bring him home instead of admitting him to the rehabilitation facility. At home, his wife and children took care of him 24-hours a day. Jimmy remembers relying on a wheelchair during that time because he wasn’t able take more than a few steps without needing to rest. COVID had taken most of his strength.


In February 2021, Jimmy’s doctor recommended physical therapy. That’s when he found Tracie Yarrison, Physical Therapist and Evan Hall, Physical Therapist Assistant, the in-home team from Phoenix Physical Therapy’s Austintown, Ohio clinic. The plan was to meet with him two times a week. After discussing his rehabilitation goals, the team created a custom home program that was designed to help Jimmy gain strength and increase his mobility. He began with simple standing exercises to improve his strength, as well as sit-to-stand exercises. He even took a few steps. But none of the exercises were easy for Jimmy. “I remember not even being able to make it to my kitchen,” Jimmy said. But with each visit he grew stronger. And with diligence and help from his therapists, in time he was able to walk a little further, eventually allowing him to transition from his wheelchair to a walker.

Jimmy recalls the day he asked Evan if they could walk to the corner store as part of their therapy session. Evan asked, “Do you think you can make it?” Jimmy replied, “I know I will.” And sure enough, they made it to the corner store. Jimmy said at that moment he knew he was well on his way to living his life the way he was used to, spending time with his family and enjoying music.

His four-month journey to get back to feeling like himself was not easy, but Jimmy says it was worth every bit of hard work. He’s now driving his car and enjoying everyday activities like he did prior to having COVID, thanks to his hard work and help from his therapists.

Our expert team of Physical Therapists can help improve your endurance and strength after being diagnosed with COVID-19. Our team will listen to your recovery goals and create a customized treatment plan designed to get you feeling back to your best self.

If you or someone you love is struggling to recover from COVID-19, you are not alone. Phoenix Physical Therapy is here to help you. Find a Phoenix Physical Therapy location near you.

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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