"Before the crash, I was on the go with a wide circle of friends," shares Sandra Huey, a financial analyst and mother of three grown sons. "I went backpacking in the mountains, white water rafting, regularly attended events at the Performing Arts Center downtown, walked on the beach and was learning to play golf."

On a dimly-lit side street near her home, Sandra's active life was altered. A driver in a full-sized van collided with her sports car, crushing the front of her vehicle and both her ankles: a bilateral pylon fracture. Dr. Hiram Carrasquillo, an orthopaedic surgeon who specializes in ankle surgery, treated Sandra in the Emergency Room that night and performed a series of complex surgeries "My ankle bones were powdered, they said," reports Sandra. "Dr. C is a realist. He said he had a 'guarded opinion' about my being able to walk again. I was grateful the car's seat belt and airbag saved my life; but not walking again was not an option!" Following surgery, Sandra was advised not to put any weight on her ankles. She spent six long months confined to a wheelchair; her feet never touched the floor.

Sandy is shown receiving instruction and encouragement from Ron as she continues strengthening her legs.

"I could not drive," she says. "I relied on other people, family, community transportation and my wheelchair. The loss of my independence was devastating beyond description. Sometimes I felt discouraged and wondered 'Will I walk again?'

"Dr. C prescribed physical therapy. When my therapist, Ron Berger, told me we were going to try standing, I started to cry," Sandra confides. "I was terrified my ankles might collapse under my weight, bringing excruciating pain."

Great strides

Ron Berger, PT, ATC, is a respected physical therapist and owner of ATLAS Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine, Inc. in Jacksonville: "Sandra was motivated to regain her independence, but standing up from the wheelchair after six months was a huge step, and she was apprehensive. I told her we would do it together."

Sandra describes that memorable moment: "Ron stood behind me for support, took hold of both my arms, and helped me stand up! I felt the same kind of joy I did when I held each of my babies for the first time. In that instant, I knew I trusted Ron completely; I believed he could help me walk again."

Ron and Sandra continued physical therapy sessions three times a week, and Sandra worked hard at the exercises Ron devised for her to do at home.

"To reduce pain and swelling, we used ice packs, electrical stimulation, ultrasound on the joints and specific massage techniques for edema and freeing up the tissue under the scars where there are sometimes adhesions," explains Ron.

"Both passive and active range of motion exercises were done to increase mobility. She pushed against my hand with her foot, then used a Theraband for resistance strengthening. She moved on to standing calf raises and isokinetic exercises on the Biodex. Walking down steps was difficult for her.

"We continued working together and now Sandra walks on a treadmill, rides a bike, drives her car, goes up and down stairs at work and works out at the gym every week with a personal trainer," Ron affirms. "She's made great gains."

Concludes Sandra, "I'm back on my feet, thanks to the excellent care I've received. Ron is an excellent physical therapist and such an encouraging person; he really cares deeply about what he's doing. Thanks to him and Dr. C my hope was renewed and my independence restored. Every step I take is a precious gift."

Make a note...

The professional staff at ATLAS Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine, Inc. will be happy to answer your questions regarding this article or related topics. The office is located in the Mandarin South Business Center, at 12421 San Jose Blvd., Bldg. 2, Suite B, in Jacksonville. For more information, please call (904) 292-0195

Ronald C. Berger, PT, ATC, is a licensed physical therapist and certified athletic trainer. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy from Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, after earning a degree in Physical Education with an emphasis in athletic training at Samford University, Birmingham.

©2000 Florida Health Care News, Inc. All rights reserved. This article may not be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher.