Evan is a sophomore at Briarcrest Christian High School, and enjoys singing, cross country and softball. In fact, it's that active lifestyle that Evan was thankful to return to after an injury. She has been a patient of ours twice, and both times she was able to return "pain-free and without medication" to her activities after physical therapy. Despite the time commitment (especially hard for a busy high school student) she said her time at the clinic was definitely worth it. 

She has lived in Memphis her entire life. She is glad it's close to one of her other favorite places...Oxford, MS, where her grandparents live and her favorite college, Ole Miss, is located. Her best friend is her brother, a Senior at Briarcrest, and she is very close to her parents, who she refers to as her "role models." (the girls at the front desk love watching them interact and seeing the love between Evan and her family - it's very evident that the love of Jesus flows freely in that family!). 

When we asked Evan what she likes about The Smith Clinic she replied, "I love how the therapists strive to create a personal bond with each of their patients. I've had many laughs with them and grown to love all of them. I love how they have a prayer box and Christian music playing at the clinic. They also have coffee and really fancy water...haha!" 

It's people like Evan and her Mom that make our jobs so enjoyable and fulfilling! Thanks to Evan for sharing about herself and for being our patient! 

At first when Patty had knee pain she would literally “shake it off.” But after a while, the pain in her left leg was
too much to ignore. Patty could barely walk.
Even standing was painful, which was problematic for a professor who needed to
stand for hours during classes.
Patty walked for exercise, enjoyed taking Zumba classes, and she had a trip to Europe planned. So when she learned that she had osteoarthritis, Patty felt “shocked, depressed, and old.” When an MRI showed degenerative meniscal tears, Patty wondered if she would be able to continue to do the things she loved.

Her doctor recommended physical therapy,
but Patty was skeptical.

“I knew others who had knee arthroscopy for their arthritic knee, I wondered if that was the way to go,” she said. “It could be a ‘quick fix.’ I didn’t understand how physical therapy would help my knee. Soon I learned that not only did I need an effective therapeutic treatment plan, but I needed to
be educated about arthritis.”

​Under the guidance of her physical therapist, Patty was educated about arthritis and worked on leg and hip strengthening and stretching, and on exercises to improve her balance. She continued her weekly cardio routine, making adjustments to be less damaging to her knees.

After 12 sessions, along with her home and gym exercise treatment plan, Patty made considerable progress. She could stand for hours—teaching without a problem—and she observed improvements in her strength, balance, and mobility. A few months later, Patty happily went
on her European vacation, walking as many as 6 miles a day without difficulty.
She also has walked two 5Ks with friends, and has more scheduled. 
Patty continues to improve. Occasionally she feels tightness in her calf, but now she
knows what exercises and stretches to do to relieve it.  
​
“I was a skeptic, but now I am a believer in the benefits of physical therapy,” she said. “In the end, I am glad that I didn’t have the arthroscopic surgery. Now, I have the knowledge I need to keep my knees as healthy and pain free as possible. And if needed, I wouldn’t hesitate to seek out the assistance of skilled physical therapists in the future.”    

Courtesy of moveforwardpt.com

A couple of months after beginning the medications my husband came home from physical therapy and began telling me about a trainer from The Smith Clinic named Angie. When Angie and I talked she made things so simple. She set me up with the initial 30 minute consultation, at which time she gave me her “21 Day Meal Plan”. This was the plan that changed my life.  This plan gave me all the tools I needed to learn how to eat healthy; coupled with a regular exercise program devised specifically for me.  I began to drop the pounds and to feel healthy again. ​

In September 2014 my doctor took me off my meds!  It has been a year and a half since I began the clean eating plan and a regular exercise program.  I have continued to maintain a clean eating diet and my fitness membership at Smith Clinic. I know that there will be times when I slip away from the healthy lifestyle that the plan has taught me, but I also know that the team at Smith Clinic will always be there to get me back on track.  Since that first visit in February 2014, I have completed three of the diet and exercise challenges at The Smith Clinic. The challenge coaches take the time to know you as an individual and work to strengthen each member’s body and mind through positive reinforcement.  I even won first place in the latest challenge and received a $250 gift card to Academy Sports as my prize!  How is that for icing on the cake?  When I went back to my doctor for my annual this year my numbers were great.  No more need for meds! ​ 

I am ecstatic about my new healthy lifestyle that the team at Smith Clinic have helped me to maintain. I am even more grateful for the new lifelong friends I have made during this journey.  Thank you Smith Clinic you truly are a lifesaver!”

Our 6 Week Transformation Challenge starts on August 16th. Register by August 14th (this coming Friday). For more information and to Register go here. 

We are so proud of Latasha and the amazing results she achieved during our last challenge!