From Patient to Employee: Karen's Story Part I

Part 1
By Karen Phillips, Four Pines Physical Therapy

My journey from a hurting and scared patient to an employee at Four Pines Physical Therapy has been nothing short of life-changing. It’s been an experience full of personal growth, learning to navigate the healthcare system, and ultimately, healing—both physically and mentally. But it wasn’t easy, and it took time, effort, and plenty of lessons learned along the way.

Like many, I had no idea what I was in for when I first started experiencing back pain. I spent an entire summer alternating between heat, ice, the couch, and gentle exercise, trying to alleviate the pain in my lumbar spine. But it kept getting worse. I kept reinjuring myself, and by Thanksgiving, I had reached a breaking point. After four and a half months of persistent pain, I could barely walk. Standing upright took several seconds and was excruciating, and I had a noticeable curve in my posture from scoliosis.

I followed what I thought was the proper protocol: I made an appointment with my family doctor, requested an MRI, and waited for a referral to an orthopedist. After over a month of waiting, I finally received a diagnosis: spinal stenosis, three bulging discs, and disc degeneration. The result? I was referred to physical therapy.

But that waiting period could have been avoided. I didn’t realize at the time that most insurances now allow direct access to physical therapy—no prescription needed! Had I known, I could have saved myself weeks of unnecessary pain.

If you’re dealing with chronic pain or a recent injury, don’t wait—reach out to Four Pines Physical Therapy today. You don’t need a referral to start your journey toward healing and strength!

Direct Access to Physical Therapy: What You Need to Know

One of the biggest lessons I learned during my ordeal is that you don’t always need to wait for a referral to start physical therapy. Many insurance providers, including mine, allow for direct access, meaning you can go to a physical therapist first, without a doctor’s referral. It’s something I wish I had known sooner because it could have saved me so much discomfort and allowed me to start the healing process much earlier.

Beginning My Healing Journey at Four Pines Physical Therapy

When I finally arrived at the Four Pines Physical Therapy clinic in Alpine in January, I was exhausted. I was tired of the constant pain, afraid I would always walk with a limp, and fearful that my active lifestyle of hiking and outdoor adventures would be permanently limited.

But from the moment I walked through the doors, I knew I was in good hands. The team at Four Pines was highly recommended, and they quickly lived up to their reputation. They were friendly, knowledgeable, and, most importantly, they understood my fears. I could tell that they were serious about helping me recover and reach my goals.

Over the next three months, I worked with the Four Pines team twice a week to build strength, educate myself on pain management, and confront the fear avoidance that had been holding me back. “Fear avoidance” refers to the natural instinct to avoid movements that might cause pain or reinjury, which can actually hinder the healing process.

Overcoming Fear and Rediscovering Strength

As the weeks passed, I made remarkable progress. Not only was I starting to regain strength, but I was also becoming more confident in my ability to move and exercise again. I began to believe that I could return to the active lifestyle I craved.

Toward the end of my treatment, the clinic staff approached me about joining the team. I was thrilled at the idea of working in such a positive, supportive environment, and after some thought, I accepted the offer. I started working at Four Pines in mid-March, and although the first few weeks were challenging (I hadn’t worked in two years, and I was still attending therapy for my back), I found the work fulfilling.

Nine months later, I’m stronger than ever. I work ten-hour days, maintain an active workout schedule, and my scoliosis has almost disappeared. I even began running—a feat I never thought possible. I started from not being able to squat my own body weight, and now I can squat over 70 pounds and run three miles without pain. It’s been a remarkable transformation.

A New Perspective on Healing and Physical Therapy

Working at Four Pines Physical Therapy has given me a new perspective, not only on my own healing but also on the healing journeys of others. I now understand the challenges and fears that our patients face because I’ve been through it myself. It’s incredibly rewarding to help others navigate the process of recovery and regain their strength, just as I did.

Stepping through the doors of Four Pines as a patient was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. And now, as an employee, I get to be part of a team that makes a real difference in people’s lives. It’s a positive, community-minded, and fun place to work, and I’m grateful every day for the opportunity to help others while continuing my own journey of healing and growth.

I’m getting stronger each day with the help of my friends at Four Pines Physical Therapy! Stay tuned for Part 2, where I’ll dive deeper into the tools and techniques that helped me overcome fear avoidance and get back to doing what I love.

If you’re dealing with chronic pain or a recent injury, don’t wait—reach out to Four Pines Physical Therapy today. You don’t need a referral to start your journey toward healing and strength!