Patient Stories

After multiple knee surgeries, Jeff was looking for the best physical therapy. As a long-time runner, it was important to Jeff to be able to run without knee pain. He chose UPMC Centers for Rehab Services at the UPMC Center for Sports Medicine so that he had access to same state-of-the art resources and expertise as many of our local sports teams. After completing his therapy, Jeff was able to begin running again — safely and comfortably.

“My therapist was great, it was convenient, and I loved the specialized equipment. They kept me motivated by changing things up and challenging me during our sessions. Together we charted my progress and I could see the results. “  

Suzie’s Story

Following her second knee surgery, Suzie chose to do her rehabilitation at UPMC Centers for Rehab Services. As an active person, she was eager to get back to biking, kayaking, and doing yoga, and the South Side location was just down the street. Suzie was newly engaged when she started her therapy, and she was bound and determined not to wear a big knee brace under her wedding gown. After achieving early goals, like being able to drive again, Suzie was able to start doing all of the activities she has always enjoyed — including wearing high heels and no knee brace at her wedding.

 “I always felt like they went above and beyond for me. Everyone took the time to walk me through things, answer my questions, and they didn’t make me feel like I was supposed to understand everything about therapy before I even started.”

Vicki’s Story

In 2010, Vicki fell and injured her shoulder. Two weeks after surgery, she entered physical therapy at the UPMC Centers for Rehab Services location in Allison Park. The location (just a few minutes from her home) was always clean and comfortable, and she appreciated how committed the staff was to helping her schedule convenient appointments. Her therapist helped her to gather the clinical information from her physicians and surgeons, so that they could work together to meet her goals in the safest, most successful way possible.

Vicki and her husband, both faculty members at the University of Pittsburgh, had become active flat-water kayakers, so Vicki even brought her paddle to therapy, where they customized her strength training for the paddling motion.

“Because I had such a good experience, I always recommend CRS when I am talking to friends who are having knee, shoulder, ankle, or other problems. Even after my therapy was over, I continued to do the exercises that my therapist created for me, and now I can do regular strength training with both arms.”

Mary Beth’s Story

As the mother of two young children and a daycare center director, Mary Beth needed to be active and pain-free as soon as possible after injuring the ligaments in her left ankle. When she was referred for physical therapy, she took the suggestions of close friends and family members and selected the UPMC Centers for Rehab Services location in Canonsburg — just five minutes from her home. After six weeks of therapy — two sessions per week — Mary Beth was feeling better, and had to wear a brace only for vigorous walking.

“This was my first serious injury, and I had a lot of concerns related to how successful the therapy would be, insurance copays, and child care. The therapists and employees at Centers for Rehab Services helped address all of my concerns so that I was comfortable and could concentrate on what I needed to do to get my ankle better.