Patient Spotlight: Hip Pain

Meet my patient, Ann.

Ann is a retired NICU nurse who first came to The Manual Touch Physical Therapy after seeing my article I shared on Facebook about Hip Hinging. Ann was intrigued by what she read and wanted an alternative to the medication she was taking for the pain in her hips, joints, and buttocks. I recently interviewed Ann to see how she is doing.

What did you like best about being a nurse in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)?

There are so many aspects of being an NICU RN that I loved, it’s difficult to choose just one. I love nursing, infants & teaching. During my NICU career, I was able to use all of the skills I learned & developed as a nurse, my life experiences as a woman & mother, to take care of not only the sick infants but also to care for their entire family during the NICU journey. My faith informed & sustained me throughout my career. In addition, I worked closely with an amazing team of fellow nurses, doctors, therapists, social workers, & clergy to insure the best care for every infant & their family. I still stay in touch with several families whose children I cared for & have been able to watch them grow up. I feel very blessed to have had all these infants & families in my life.

What do you do now that you’re retired?

Now that I am retired, I’ve chosen to participate in more choirs. I belong to two choirs in my church. Most recently I have joined the funeral choir. I thought I would be sad and that I would find it difficult to sing during the funerals (and at times I am deeply moved,) but the experience overall has been positive. I have heard many people’s life stories and have heard much love expressed and shared amongst family and friends. The third choir I joined is part of a Chicago choral organization for older adults 55+ who enjoy choral singing & performing for the community. This group was just started in Chicago a few years ago & I discovered it in Arlington Heights at a library concert. I love to sing so this choir fulfills that need completely. Besides singing, I enjoy many activities most especially reading. I’ve been an avid reader all my life so having time now for a book club has been wonderful. During the warmer weather you can find me at the Chicago Botanic Garden, summer art fairs, & attending community concerts.

Why did you come to The Manual Touch Physical Therapy and how are you feeling today?

I came to Manual Therapy after seeing a Facebook post about hip-hinging. It piqued my interest, so I decide to give it a try. I needed a new approach to my health issues and that’s what I’ve received. I have experienced low back pain and stiffness in my pelvic and leg joints and buttocks for the last four years. I’ve had therapy before, three epidural injections, and strong pain meds, which I’ve stopped using because of their side effects. Denise has definitely provided me with a better, more holistic approach to my issues. After more than three months of therapy, I am more flexible & have less pain in my buttocks and hip and leg joints, than when I started. Now I feel more stable and centered while standing and walking. Now when I am stiff from prolonged sitting or infrequent activity, I have tools to help me like exercises and movements Denise has taught me. These exercises relieve my joint stiffness and pain. And I do practice the hip-hinging daily. I have been getting stronger and look forward to making even more progress.

“I’m very excited because I’m getting stronger, more stable when I’m walking, and more flexible. Yesterday, for the first time in several years, I was able to travel by train downtown and visit the Art Institute. There was lots of walking and sitting, activities which previously caused me to be in pain for several days afterwards. But today, I’m just a little sore. I feel I’ve made very good progress in feeling better, stronger and feel less pain.” – Ann S