McGovern Physical Therapy Associates - The Personal Care Professionals

PATIENT SUCCESS STORIES

Eileen T. O'Neil – Dance
 
Eileen had been dancing since she was eight and had always planned on majoring in dance in college. In 2005, her senior year of high school she was accepted into the dance program at Dean College in Franklin, MA and was looking forward to graduation when she tore all of the outside ligaments in her right ankle at a dance rehearsal. Doctors put her on crutches and told her to stay off her feet for a couple weeks, never referring her to a physical therapist or giving restrictions when she finally returned to dance six weeks later. Not knowing how weak her injury still was, Eileen returned to her rehearsals without a second thought. Just three weeks later she repeated her injury, this time on her left ankle.

After an MRI, she was told she may never be able to dance again and if she did, she would have to wrap her ankles for the rest of her life and would require double ankle surgery. After a suggestion from her boyfriend to try physical therapy, she wondered into the Beverly McGovern Physical Therapy Office in the Beverly Athletic Club. Kevin did her evaluation and started working with her right away. Six months later Eileen completed treatment and slowly returned to dance. In the Fall of 2007, she was accepted into the Dean College School of Dance for the second time and is currently a second semester sophomore. Her freshman year she performed in four shows and this past summer was accepted into the Alvin Ailey Summer Intensive Program in New York City and performed in their Summer Sizzler show at the end of the program. Not only did she not have to have surgery but has stronger ankles than she ever has had and does not need to wrap them at all.

McGovern Physical Therapy not only restored her strength physically but mentally as well, using specific exercises to help prevent injury and maintain a focused mindset, specific to her dancer's body. The knowledge and attentiveness of the therapists created such a positive environment; allowing her to get the most out of her treatments. In October of 2008, she was accepted into the Independent Study Program at The Ailey School in New York City and plans to start in the Summer of 2009 and remain into the Spring of 2010. Below are links to The Ailey School as well as Dean College where her story has been featured.

"When I first came to PT, I could not turn my head to the left, or lift my right arm any further than my ribs. After 12 weeks at MPTA, I can do all that, plus my daily duties and lift my 6 month old son! The staff is wonderful and they make everyone feel comfortable."

- Charlene, Malden, MA

"With my Achilles injury, just walking was painful. Through your careful evaluations, exercises, stretching and hands-on therapy, my pain has been completely alleviated. I would like to commend the staff on explaining, describing and demonstrating all of the exercises prescribed. The ease at which each one of you interacts with the patients is commendable."

- Mike, Malden, MA

"I injured my knee and was using crutches. I then had complications from the crutches; my posture and walking were suffering. I went to my doctor who said I would definitely need surgery on my knee. I asked him to let me work with MPTA for a while. It was a long road, but the therapists really gave me the confidence to get over the frustration and the strength to not give up. I never ended up having the surgery. I continue to do my at-home exercises and I am now walking fine. MPTA is a very skilled and organized team that works together. They really care about your full recovery. I would recommend them to anyone."

- Karen, Revere, MA

"I was very upset with myself for not going back to the gym. Months went by and they turned into years. What I thought were nagging injuries were really serious problems. I thought I was lazy, but my back and knee had injuries preventing me from performing. I had a consultation with Kevin McGovern, who told me that due to my pronated (flat) feet, my back and knees were out of alignment. After he showed me drawings of skeletons and how my back was out of alignment, I had a lot of fear. I asked him if he thought surgery was necessary. He smiled reassuringly and said, 'No, I can fix your alignment issues with physical therapy.' I was suspicious. However, after two months, my back and knee now feel fantastic, and I have been able to return to the gym. MPTA even fitted me with orthotics that corrected my flatfeet. The therapists at McGovern are amazing, professional, patient and very friendly. I was always made to feel comfortable and at ease. Thanks, McGovern PT. I appreciate your help and am happy to return to my life!"

- S. Miller, Revere, MA

"I am an executive chef for a local catering company. When I came to McGovern Physical Therapy Associates, I could not move my left fingers, wrist or hand. With McGovern's help, attentiveness and extreme professionalism, I was able to regain full mobility and strength in my entire hand with only eight visits! MPTA was able to help me overcome the obstacles that were preventing me from living my normal life. I thank them all so much; they are the icons of physical therapy."

- Troy S., Revere, MA

"Prior to coming to McGovern Physical Therapy Associates, I was struggling with the weakness and leg pains often associated with multiple sclerosis. With the caring help and support of all the staff, I am excited to report that under their guidance and attentive care, I have regained most of the leg strength that I had prior to my MS diagnosis. My doctors are thrilled with my progress. Thanks to everyone here for not only helping me physically, but for the boost your care gave me mentally."

- Lori R., Lynn, MA

"After being hit by a car, I was in intense pain. I started working with McGovern Physical Therapy one month after my accident, and they changed my life in a huge way. Thoroughly attentive, knowledgeable therapists helped me get better. Special thanks to Erin and Karyn, who are without a doubt outstanding at what they do. It was an excellent experience."

- Danielle F., Revere, MA

"Kevin, you are blessed with a wonderful staff, from the receptionists to the therapists. They are courteous and pleasant. When I would come for my sessions, I never felt as though it was all business. Your staff made me feel as though I was the only patient there. I can't thank you all enough for getting me through these past four months. All of you have been so pleasant, humorous and knowledgeable. You certainly love your work, and it shows."

- Linda S., Revere, MA

"The staff always took the time to thoroughly go over my treatment plans, to listen to their patients and to try everything to help improve my overall function levels. First we concentrated on decreasing pain, then increasing my range of motion and then eventually exercising to strengthen my muscles to prevent a re-injury."

- Christine S., Revere, MA

"McGovern has great physical therapists and staff. I came to the program very skeptical and left knowing that my injury was gone. Thank you so much to everyone who assisted me in my recovery."

- Adriana D., Revere, MA

"When I was injured, I thought twice about coming to PT, because I had a bad experience in the past; I went once and never returned. However at McGovern, everyone was so nice and made me feel at ease. I actually enjoyed coming; I met some very nice people."

- Tawnya S., Lynn, MA

"I came to MPTA for an existing pain in my mid and lower back. Since I started here, I have been able to recognize how to deal with my back problems before the pain starts. I want to thank everyone here for getting me back on track."

- Isabella R., Revere, MA

"When I started therapy at McGovern, I was completely disabled and in constant pain. With the care I received, I am now back to work and my pain is manageable. The PT staff was great and made what was a bad situation much better."

- Ray G., Revere, MA

"This was my first experience with PT. It was truly a wonderful experience. From the front-desk staff who are accommodating to the therapists who are knowledgeable and fun to work with. I feel much better physically and feel that the staff really cared about me."

- Joseph H., Malden, MA

"Every therapist at McGovern PT has been sensitive, caring and knowledgeable, which has allowed me to continue my life while healing. It feels great to live life by working with such a supportive crew."

- Edna S., RN - Winthrop, MA

"Everyone here made me feel so comfortable the second I walked in the door. All of the associates are so friendly and easy to talk to. They made me feel better even when I was in pain. They made my situation much easier by showing that they all really cared about me feeling better."

- Andrea C., Revere, MA

"I have to say that my experience at McGovern was great. Not only did the treatment that I received help me, but the attitudes and kindness of the staff made it easier for me to understand my pain and what is going on with my body. I want to thank everyone for their kindness. It was a wonderful experience and I feel good. I would definitely recommend McGovern to anyone."

- Mary I., Revere, MA

"I have come very far from being someone who is left-handed and fell on my left hand and arm to someone who is now free from pain. McGovern PT staff helped me when I was down and reassured me that I was always coming along. I could see and feel the difference in my hand over the course of treatment. The exercises they gave me to do even strengthened my hand. They are always there for you, no matter how many questions you may have."

- Catherine H., Everett, MA ^ back to top