Thanksgiving is a time to pause, reflect, and appreciate the moments and milestones that truly matter. For these three incredible patients at Spooner Ocotillo, their physical therapy journey with Austin Pitchford has been transformative, helping them reconnect with the joys that make life meaningful.
- A child determined to write more clearly finds confidence, leaving frustration behind.
- A teenager works to get back on the soccer field, competing with her club and chasing her dreams.
- A young woman finally finds relief from pain, rediscovering comfort and productivity during her workday.
Each story is unique, but they all share one common thread: gratitude for the ability to reclaim the moments that matter most. This Thanksgiving, we celebrate their strength and determination and the power of physical therapy to bring people back to what they love.
What’s something you’re grateful to be able to do now, thanks to physical therapy, that you couldn’t do before?
Addison: “I’m most grateful for being able to drive and to walk normally.”
Richard: I’m excited about having better handwriting. It feels good to know it’s getting better.”
Alyssa: “Being able to drive again and do things like back up or look over my shoulder has been a huge improvement. Even just being able to be focus at work for longer stretches of time”
How has your physical therapist, Austin, helped you on your journey?
Addison: “Austin has helped me get stronger by giving me a lot of exercises to help me be able to progress faster.”
Richard: “When I first started with Austin, we worked on my handwriting, and it has progressively gotten better. Austin has been helping me very well so far. I really like him because he has probably the best exercises out of all the physical therapists at Spooner.”
Alyssa: “Austin’s been amazing. He’s been just so genuine and supportive, and very thorough. He takes the time to explain everything as he goes through it, and he genuinely cares about me as a patient.”
What is the next big milestone you are looking forward to?
Addison: “I’m looking forward to getting back to running and playing soccer. Probably running and touching a ball.”
Richard: “I’m most excited to get back to doing is probably like having better handwriting and nobody making fun of me.”
Alyssa: “Honestly, I’m really excited about getting back to doing, like, just the little things, like waking up without pain or working the entire day, for eight hours, without feeling like I’ve got a sharp pain in my neck.”
What are you most grateful for on your journey?
Addison: “I’m grateful for everyone who supported me and helped me throughout my journey, and my physical therapist and my friends and family.”
Richard: “I’m grateful for Spooner and how much they helped me with my handwriting. I’m thankful for Austin and the way he has been so patient and kind through the process.”
Alyssa: “I’m just grateful for the fact that I can come here, work on the issues, and not just cover up the pain with a band-aid. Austin really gets to the root of the problem, which makes a big difference.”
What advice would you give to others who want to start physical therapy?
Addison: “Advice I would give to people starting their journey now is to have a strong mindset and persevere. Even if it’s hard, like, currently, it’ll be better in the future when you can do what you want to do.”
Richard: “I would recommend Spooner because they would definitely help you with your handwriting, guaranteed. And they are not super aggressive with your hands. They’re just great in general.”
Alyssa: “I would say that taking the first step is always the hardest, but if you’re in pain or you’re not able to do something without struggling, consider physical therapy. Definitely go to Spooner—they’re far more advanced than any other place I’ve been to.”
This Thanksgiving, these patients show how physical therapy can help bring joy back to everyday life. Whether it’s walking, writing, playing sports, or working without pain, their journeys highlight the power of care and determination. At Spooner, it’s about helping people get back to what matters most.
As you celebrate the holiday, take a moment to ask yourself: What are you most thankful to be able to do everyday?