Each month, 3DPT is going to feature a
patient that exemplifies hard work and dedication during their time in physical
therapy. This month we are featuring Katerina Cleaver, who just finished
physical therapy following surgery to her knee.
3DPT - Tell us a little about
yourself…where did you grow up? Where do you go to high school? What do you
like to do for fun?
Kat Cleaver - My name is Katerina Cleaver and I am 14 years old. I have lived in Medford since I was one year old. I graduated from St. Mary of the Lakes, in Medford, last year and now I am a freshman at Shawnee High School. I like cheer, dance, and hanging with friends.
3DPT - Talk a little bit about how you injured your knee?
KC - I fractured my knee cap last summer. I was at the beach and did a handstand and when I landed I chipped a piece of my bone off my knee cap. At first we thought maybe I just twisted it but it became apparent within a short amount of time that something more serious had happened. I went to go see Dr. Gray at Reconstructive Orthopedics and after an MRI it was determined that I would need surgery to give me the best option of getting back to 100%. The surgery was a success and Dr. Gray was very pleased as he was able to repair the bone and tighten some ligaments.
3DPT - Tell us about your recovery after your injury:
KC - I was immobile for about a week or so and then with the help of crutches I started moving around slowly. I was on crutches for about three weeks. I started PT at 3 Dimensional Physical Therapy about three weeks post-surgery. My biggest disappointment at the time was I had made the freshman cheer team and was afraid I wouldn’t be able to participate at all. The work that Jeff and my team of therapists were able to do for me got me to participate in cheer and enjoy my season even though I had some limitations.
3DPT -What was your favorite part about PT?
KC - My favorite part of PT was coming in every time and having such a great support system. Jeff had a plan for me from day one and the individual attention I got each time, I believe, enabled me come so far and be stronger than I was even before my accident. Another thing I have to mention is how everyone at 3DPT welcomed me and became a friend. It was nice to have people to talk to about my frustrations and celebrate my accomplishments
3DPT - What was the hardest part about your therapy?
KC - The hardest part of my therapy was being patient. I learned I needed to trust my team of therapists and they had my best interest at heart. I remember in the beginning just getting my knee to a higher bending degree was an accomplishment and as frustrating as it was sometimes, everyone at 3DPT gave me the encouragement I needed
3DPT -What are you looking forward to getting back to once therapy is over?
KC - I am so looking forward to being able to run around without the fear of injuring myself. I am thrilled to be back in dance and cheer. I am trying out for the dance team at Shawnee and looking forward to being able to jump in with both feet, (or legs in my case). Thank you 3DPT for all the attention and professional knowledge you gave me to get me back to what I love.
Congratulations to Katerina on her hard work and achieving a great
outcome. Also – thanks to Katerina’s family for driving her to her PT
appointments each week and providing great support. We appreciate your time and commitment here at 3DPT!
3 Dimensional Physical Therapy Jeff
Sallade PT, DPT, OCS, SCS
175 Route 70, Suite 19 Ken
Guzzardo PT, DPT, OCS, SCS
Medford, NJ 08055 Andrea
Johnson PT, DPT
(609)714-3378 Ryan
McDevitt PT, DPT
www.3DPT.com
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