I came to physical therapy carrying more than just pain - I came with uncertainty, fear, and very little hope. My body was dealing with a complex and overwhelming set of challenges: myofascial pain, thoracic outlet syndrome, recovery after shoulder and breast cancer surgery, and a severe case of frozen shoulder. After mixed experiences with physical therapy in the past, I honestly wasn’t sure how much improvement was even possible.
At that point, I wasn’t just worried about returning to sports or hobbies. I was worried I wouldn’t regain full use of my right arm at all. So the thought of getting back on the tennis court, a huge part of my physical and mental well-being, felt almost impossible.
Meeting Amanda and the Bodyworks Team
From my very first appointment at Bodyworks Physical Therapy, something felt different. Amanda didn’t rush me. She listened, really listened, to what I was experiencing. She believed me, and she believed in my body’s ability to heal, even when I wasn’t sure it could.
What set Amanda apart right away was her deep understanding of post-cancer and post-surgical rehabilitation. She demonstrated exceptional clinical judgement, strong problem-solving skills, and an ability to adapt treatment based on how my body was actually responding - not just what a protocol said should happen.
For the first time, I felt supported instead of overwhelmed.
A Thoughtful, Patient-Centered Approach
Amanda’s approach to treatment was methodical and thoughtful. She worked through different therapies carefully, always balancing progress with care. I never felt rushed, and I never felt like my pain was dismissed or brushed aside. Each session built on the last, and adjustments were made as my body healed.
Perhaps most importantly, I never felt like what I was experiencing was “all in my head.” Amanda met me where I was, both physically and emotionally, and stayed with me through every stage of recovery.
Rebuilding Strength, Confidence, and Possibility
Over time, something remarkable happened. I didn’t just regain function - I regained strength and confidence. Amanda helped maximize my recovery after shoulder surgery and guided me in building a sustainable strength and weight-training routine that I still use today and expect to rely on for the rest of my life.
Slowly, the impossible started to feel possible again.
Back on the Tennis Court
Before working with Amanda, I truly believed I might never return to tennis. Today, I’m not only back on the court - I’m competing in tournaments and even winning. That still amazes me.
What once felt like a permanent loss has become one of the most meaningful victories of my recovery.
A Message to Others
Most importantly, Amanda helped me move from a place of feeling hopeless to feeling strong and capable again. She is an exceptional physical therapist - highly intelligent, deeply skilled, and fiercely committed to helping patients recover in meaningful, lasting ways.
I am deeply grateful to Amanda and to the entire Bodyworks team. For anyone, especially women navigating complex, post-cancer or multi-layered recovery, know that hope is not lost. The right care can change everything.