Carepartners

Care Partners
Physiotherapy Care Centre Experience Comments
In November 2016, at 46 years old, I fell stepping up a set of stairs and badly injured my left knee. This knee has been problematic since my pre-teen years. My son drove me to the hospital, x-rays were immediately taken and the emergency doctor referred me to Dr. M. Snider. As such, I became a candidate for Total Knee Replacement and following a long wait I received the procedure in March of 2018.
Even with very expensive ($1750) custom bracing and medication, my pain increased daily and my ability to walk, sleep and work became an enormous hurdle. Stairs were horrifying and I would avoid them at all costs.
As I waited, I began to also struggle with my emotional well-being. Feeling very depressed, sad, and everyday more hopeless and less attractive. I gained weight. I was unable to travel with friends on a once in a lifetime trip to Europe as it required so much walking, so I lived her vacation through my friends posts and videos on Facebook. I just wanted to just hide under my blankets and become invisible.
Finally, I had the procedure. My experience at Grand River Hospital was excellent. The efficient nurses, excellent surgeon and cheerful support staff made me feel very cared for and well attended. I truly appreciated the physiotherapists who worked with me at the hospital, showing me the initial exercises, preparing me for the work ahead and providing the information to book follow up physiotherapy at Care Partners on Dutton Drive in Waterloo.
From the initial appointment at Care Partners to beginning therapy, I really began to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I was so truly excited for the opportunity to walk properly and be well again. I really looked forward to coming to the centre to learn more exercises and become stronger. The circuit style approach was so good for my mental well-being, as I was able to share the pain with others experiencing the same, as well as the laughter, support and comradery of the other patients. Every week I would come in, better of body and better of mind.
All the staff at the Care Partners are fabulous. From the smiles at reception to the therapists.
The first time I walked up and down the stairs and Care Partners, one foot after the other, I began to weep. I was so happy. Right up until the moment I actually did it, I had been completely terrified. Cindy saw that and gave me words of encouragement and congratulation. Her words are still singing through my ears every time I now confidently approach a set of stairs.
The true STAR at Care Partners to me is Cindy. Her infectious smile somehow makes it easier to do the physical workouts. Her words of support and her pushing me… just that little bit harder every time, has made me stronger every day. I loved coming into the centre to see Cindy and listen to her positive comments on how much better and far I have come. She quite literally did teach me how to walk properly again, and I feel wonderful.
I am looking forward to a wonderful summer and my future with a “spring in my step” and a new outlook on life.
Thank you, Cindy and Care Partners!

Sincerely,
Elana Gibbs.