At 46 years old, I have been suffering from a growing list of injuries that began roughly 10 years ago with a ruptured disc in my lower back. Shortly thereafter, I herniated the disc above the ruptured disc. The imbalance in my body then contributed to knee problems (IT Band). In large part, these injuries have shaped the last 10 years of my life; preventing me from doing many things I’ve always wanted to do. Seven years ago, I had registered for the NYC Triathlon and had to withdraw due to back pain. Three years ago, my wife and I joined a tennis club, and until this year, I never played. And this winter, I had planned a ski vacation with my young son in Vail Colorado, and injured my back, yet again, 10 days before the trip.
This is when I began working with Chris.
I told Chris that the trip meant a lot, and I was hoping to be on skis within a week. During our conversation, however, Chris delved much further into my medical and physical background, and asked about my big picture in terms of health and fitness goals. To make a long story short, he got me on my feet (and on my skis). Over the next 4 weeks, Chris got me running again too (something I had struggled with for many years). In the beginning I couldn’t run a single mile without significant pain. Within a few weeks and a clear focus on proper balance and technique, I was running 3, 4, 5 and then 7 miles with lessening pain and then finally no pain at all. From here, I felt strong enough to resurrect my goal of participating in Olympic Triathlons. Chris helped create a fitness recovery plan and training schedule that was tailored to my somewhat insane work schedule (which is often 65-80 hour, 7-day workweeks).
I’m happy to report that the story ends well. I completed my first Triathlon and am already in training for a biathlon in a few weeks. Chris has a tremendous skill set that includes knowledge of physiology, biomechanics, nutrition and the latest advances in fitness training and physical therapy. He’s also a great person with an incredible bedside manner. He treats every patient with respect, empathy and encouragement, and tailors all of his programs around the needs and goals of his patients. After having grappled with 10 years of problems, I can say with total conviction that Chris is the best physical therapist I have ever worked with. I wish I knew him 10 years ago.
Steven Thibodeau,
Chief Digital Officer, Kirshenbaum Bond Senecal+Partners, NYC
