Multiple techniques improve patient’s strength, tolerance level and walking tolerance.
William Barnwell
William Barnwell began his career working for what was at the time the world’s largest dental supplier. He was drawn to the position by the opportunity to overhaul a wide assortment of dental components and visit many places every day.
Ultimately, he disagreed with the company’s approach to clients and struck out on his own.
“After working corporate for 15 years, I just couldn’t do it anymore,” confides William, 49. “I’m more of a personal, hands-on, build-a-relationship kind of guy, and corporate was veering in a different direction. So, I quit and started my own dental equipment repair company. I’ve been self-employed ever since.”
About six years ago, William injured his back. He doesn’t remember what triggered the problem, only that it caused intense lower back, hip and leg pain that grew worse over time and reached a crescendo late last year.
“On a scale of one to 10, my pain was a 12, as in unbearable,” William laments. “Sitting, I felt fine. But if I tried to do something as simple as walking, the pain was horrible. It was so bad I couldn’t even walk from my front door to the mailbox.
“I love to camp, and one of the things I love to do when I camp is walk around the campgrounds. I obviously couldn’t do that either, so it was pretty debilitating. And believe me, I tried everything I could think of to fix it.
“I tried stretching, chiropractic care, acupuncture, inversion therapy, even steroid shots; nothing helped. Then, my general physician recommended I visit Barr & Associates Physical Therapy.”
“95 Percent Healthy”
At Barr & Associates Physical Therapy in Ormond Beach, William was evaluated and treated by Jacob Barr, PT, DPT, MTC, CEAS, CHT.
“William came to our clinic in December,” Dr. Barr recalls. “His symptoms of chronic low back, left hip and left leg pain were severe and limiting him functionally. He described the leg pain as feeling like someone was ripping a nerve made of barbed wire out of his leg.
“He also experienced throbbing pain in his left buttock at night, and his walking tolerance was limited to a couple of blocks. Occasionally, he would hear a ‘snapping’ in his hip. At times, the pain was so great it brought tears to his eyes.”
Dr. Barr’s therapy plan for William started with cold laser and ultrasound treatments as well as electrical stimulation of his tissues.
“We also used manual therapy, hands-on techniques such as mobilization and massage to calm down inflamed tissue so he could tolerate other treatments. He eventually progressed to range of motion and strengthening exercises.
“After six months, William made a remarkable recovery. Today, he can walk much farther. He was able to go to the Keys on vacation and be active while there. He’s doing exercises on his own to continue his progress, but he’s looking and feeling much better.”
William acknowledges that his pain is almost non-existent.
“Dr. Barr gave me my life back.” he enthuses. “Right now, I’m about 95 percent healthy. I can enjoy my walks around the campgrounds again. My wife and I like to go to St. Augustine on a Friday or Saturday and walk the city. I couldn’t do that for six years. Now I can.
“Dr. Barr is at the top of his field. He has more letters after his name than I’ve ever seen. Being treated by him, I believe he’s earned every one of them. He’s very knowledgeable and a really great guy.”
