When I first started NKCH’s Move Plus program, I was one jaded 66-year-old woman. I’ve had back problems for around 40 years. I’ve seen multiple doctors and been to multiple rehab programs. They would work for a time, but one bad move and I was down again. Medication, cortisone shots and ice were my life. Pain was my life. I just accepted it.

In July 2019, my pain was so bad I was having trouble walking, sleeping and functioning. New pictures from yet another MRI showed scoliosis, arthritis and bursitis. I thought, “I will live my life like this.”

I told my pain management doctor that I just wanted to vacuum my house without having to lie down for two hours from the pain. He said, “You are the perfect candidate for a new physical therapy program here at NKCH called Move Plus.” I rolled my eyes, but accepted the therapy. I walked into the first session thinking, “This is just another rehab that won’t work.”

Watch Katey’s story from the spring issue of Your Health.

A Different Ending

After eight weeks, I graduated from the Move Plus program with my life back. I have never felt better in my life.

Katey in studioMy physical therapist, Angie Neperud, was the best thing to happen to me. I was a pain in her side for the first three weeks. I hurt, I didn’t want to move, and I couldn’t believe she was going to make me lift weights. Angie and the other therapists always cheered me on. Most importantly, they understood what I was going through.

Throughout the program, Angie educated me about pain and told me I could choose a better life. She showed me how to do the exercises the right way. She taught me that movement is medicine.

Because of the Move Plus program, I understand where pain comes from and how it works. Do I still have pain? No, my muscles get tight. I know I have not injured myself. I’m just moving my muscles. With the understanding I gained from working with Angie, the book and the program, I will never feel hopeless again. I plan to stay on this path for the rest of my life, and I promise to keep myself active and comfortable.

The Move Plus program changed my life forever.

The post My Comeback From Years of Chronic Back Pain appeared first on True North.

Katey McGuckin-Woolam

Katey was a Kansas City radio personality for more than 25 years. Now, she’s co-owner and chief operating officer of P1 Learning, a training company for media-based organizations. She’s a KC native who grew up in the Northland.
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