Martina Tracy, PT has been in practice for over 30 years and during that time, she has successfully treated countless patients.
With a specialty certification in vestibular rehabilitation, she has helped patients recover from conditions like imbalance and vertigo. Presently, she works at the Concussion Institute at Gwinnett Medical Center-Duluth.
Tracy has been with Gwinnett Medical Center since 1998, first in acute care and then with Gwinnett SportsRehab before moving to the Concussion Institute.
About a year ago, after more than three decades of being the caregiver, Tracy found herself on the other side of the table as a PT patient.
We had a chance to ask Tracy some questions to see what her experience has been like and what sort of insights she gleaned going through the process as a patient.
Pulse: Tell our readers a little bit about your diagnosis. What is the treatment and prognosis for adhesive capsulitis, tendinopathy and mild arthritis?
Tracy: Adhesive Capsulitis is a condition causing the connective tissue of the shoulder to become inflamed and tight, restricting range of motion and causing pain that restricts the use of the shoulder for daily activities.
Symptoms develop gradually and usually take around 12-15 months before full use of the arm is restored.
The inflammatory phase can be extremely painful often disturbing sleep and making simple tasks such as putting on your coat, or closing a car door extremely painful.
Complicating factors such as arthritis and tendon disorders can delay recovery further.
Pulse: What is the treatment plan?
Tracy: Initially, I was able to treat the pain with conservative care, heat, cold and my own exercise routine based on my prior experience treating the condition. Eventually the pain became so severe it was impacting my sleep. I had a lot of help from my co-workers in terms of moral support and informal care. Eventually, with the encouragement of my co-workers I saw an orthopaedic surgeon and enrolled in formal physical therapy. The stretching was extremely painful and progress was slow.
The coordination of care between my Physical Therapist, Colin Sutton of Gwinnett Medical Center-Duluth and my physician was extremely important
In the recovery process, I have had two injections by Dr. Scott Quisling, a GMC-affiliated orthopaedic surgeon, as well as management with medication. I use a TENS unit (electrical stimulation for pain control), and an anti-inflammatory cream. It will be a year in October since the onset, and I still do not have complete use of my arm, despite my twice-daily exercise routine.
Pulse: As a medical professional, how difficult have you found it to be the patient?
Tracy: It was frustrating to be a patient because although intellectually I understand the condition and how long the recovery can take, it was difficult for me to accept initially. I am most appreciative to my physician, physical therapists, and my husband for their constant encouragement even when progress was slow. It has also been difficult to not be able to participate in my favorite sport of swimming because of pain and limited motion.
Pulse: Is it easier for you for your caregiver to treat you the same as they would a layperson, or do you find that it’s easier for you if you discuss your treatment as professional peers?
Tracy: Although my peers treated me, they never lost site of the fact that I was a patient with pain, fear, and frustration. I had constant reminders of how long the process can take. I think it has renewed my appreciation for how lack of sleep and pain can affect a person’s ability to participate in their rehabilitation as well as continue to perform their daily responsibilities.
Pulse: Has working through this diagnosis given you any additional insight into the caregiver/patient dynamic?
Tracy: As medical providers I think we tend sometimes to care for ourselves beyond the point where it is in our best interest. I think we need to be mindful that we have a whole team of professionals available to help us along the way.
