I’ve been coming to Bronson for physical therapy for almost 25 years for various reasons - every therapist I’ve worked with has had not only excellent knowledge and skill, but also great bedside manner.

I was having pain that felt like nerve pain in the back of my legs and lower back. Sometimes it even felt like sciatica, so my doctor referred me to physical therapy at Bronson.

I chose Bronson for a number of reasons. First, my primary care physician is part of the Bronson system. Second, I really enjoy using MyChart, which makes managing my care easy. And third, I have a history with physical therapy at Bronson - I’ve been here several times before. They’ve helped me recover from both an ACL repair and a rotator cuff repair, so it really felt like the obvious choice when I needed physical therapy again. I've always had great relationships with the physical therapists here, which made coming back an easy decision.

For me, the most important part of receiving healthcare is not just the competence of the provider or physical therapist, though that’s essential, but also their bedside manner. My physical therapist, Joe, and physical therapist assistant, Matt, were just exceptional. They answered all my questions thoroughly and took the time to explain things in detail. Joe would share the research behind some of the techniques he was using, which I found fascinating. They were both so easy to get along with - it honestly made the experience enjoyable. We always joked around a bit, which made my therapy even more delightful and more effective.

The whole experience of trying to heal the issues I was having with my back and legs started with my primary doctor, who never hesitated to refer me to physical therapy when needed. When I arrived at Bronson, I was already familiar with Matt from past physical therapy sessions, but Joe was new to me, and together, they made an outstanding team.

The conversations Joe and I had about the latest research related to my condition really stood out to me. He was so knowledgeable, and it was clear that he was genuinely invested in helping me understand my treatment and progress.

The physical therapy worked well for me in a number of ways. The nerve-like pain is gone, and although I still have some mild discomfort, the exercises they gave me have made a big difference. I continue doing those exercises at home, and they’ve really helped me maintain a healthier lifestyle. One of the most important things I’ve learned is that you have to do your homework - physical therapy doesn’t stop when the sessions end. The ongoing work you do at home is just as critical to your recovery.

I’ve also appreciated the holistic approach they took with my care. The exercises and therapy didn’t just target the specific problem areas, they also focused on strengthening my core, which supports overall strength. I was dealing with some knee issues while also dealing with the nerve pain in my back and legs, and they gave me exercises to help with that too. I really felt like they looked at me as a whole person, not just someone with nerve pain.

If I could offer any advice to someone dealing with lingering pain, it would be to start by talking to your doctor. If it’s appropriate, get a referral to physical therapy. I’ve been coming to Bronson for physical therapy for almost 25 years for various reasons - every therapist I’ve worked with has had not only excellent knowledge and skill, but also great bedside manner.

Another thing I appreciate about Bronson is how well the physical therapists and physical therapy assistants work together as a team. It makes scheduling easier, and the care is seamless.

I also want to mention how easy it is to build relationships with everyone here. Even those who weren’t directly involved in my care would stop to chat or say hello with a smile. You can tell people enjoy working here, and that positive energy makes a difference for patients too.

You often hear people say that physical therapy is going to be painful - well, what do you expect? But honestly, it’s been an enjoyable experience. They’re helping you feel better, and they do it in a way that’s friendly and supportive. I enjoyed working with Joe and Matt so much that when my wife needed physical therapy, I told her to make sure she saw them too, and she did. Now she feels the same way about them as I do.