Our Orthopedic Patients Say It Best

Jan 31, 2017 Reporting from Niles, MI

A Dynamic Duo - Larry Willey

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Jan 31, 2017

Jan 31, 2017

SpectrumHealth Lakeland

Orthopedic surgeons are specially trained to help patients manage certain conditions, relieve pain, restore mobility and independence, or return to work and other daily activities. To find an orthopedic surgeon near you, contact us.&nb

A Dynamic Duo - Larry Willey

SpectrumHealth Lakeland

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A Dynamic Duo - Larry Willey

Jan, 2017

Physicians: Shannon Logsdon, PT; Sarah Frantz, PTA

Orthopedic surgeons are specially trained to help patients manage certain conditions, relieve pain, restore mobility and independence, or return to work and other daily activities. To find an orthopedic surgeon near you, contact us. 

When it became too difficult for Larry Willey, of Coloma, to navigate his family’s 18 acre property he knew he needed to find a solution. Larry enjoyed working outside, and it had become apparent that due to the pain in his knees he could no longer traverse the woods and trails like he once did. With some strong encouragement from his wife, he decided to have total knee replacement surgery on both of his knees.

As his surgery date approached, Larry started feeling less pain. He came close to deciding against the surgery, but his wife pushed him to go through with the procedure.

“My wife was my encourager throughout the whole process,” said Larry.

After the surgery was complete, Larry wanted to stay close to home for the physical therapy he would need to make a full recovery. Based on a recommendation from a family friend, Larry decided to seek the help of physical therapists at Lakeland Rehabilitation Services, Coloma.

“Shannon Logsdon, [PT] and Sarah Frantz, [PTA] treated me,” said Larry. “They did an excellent job helping me to feel better and gain my range of motion back. They were easy to get along with and very encouraging. By the end of our time together they had me doing things I never thought I would do again because of my age and the pain I was experiencing.”

Although a success, the recovery process wasn’t always pain-free.

“Shannon and Sarah were amazing, but I won’t say they didn’t cause me pain,” said Larry. “They pushed me just the right amount to get me to where I needed to be.”

When Larry returned for his second knee replacement, his surgeon was impressed with the outcomes and range of motion he had been able to achieve with the help of his physical therapy team. So when it came time for Larry to begin therapy on his second knee, he didn’t hesitate to turn to his favorite duo for treatment once again.

“I chose them for my second recovery because of how awesome they are,” said Larry. “They both always have great attitudes. It’s nice to have people that care enough to help get me back to doing things I didn’t think I could.  My recovery time for the second knee was actually faster than the first one – I was thankful for that.”

Larry says Shannon and Sarah will be happy to know that he is still keeping up with the stretches and exercises they prescribed and he visits the local YMCA three times a week, even while on vacation.

Larry began his total knee replacement journey because it was too difficult to do the everyday tasks needed at his family’s acreage. Now, it is much easier for him to move through his workshop and woods.

Before Larry’s first surgery, his surgeon asked, “What is the one thing you would like to do that you can’t because of your knees in their present condition?”

Larry’s answer? He wanted to improve his golf game and be able to swing the club without feeling any pain.

“After two successful surgeries my golf game is better than it has ever been,” said Larry.