From Injury to Recovery: How ROMTech Helped One Veteran Get Back on His Feet
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In 1989, while serving in the Army and Air Force, Robbie Fitzgerald injured his knee jumping out of a helicopter. The injury led to a broken leg that never quite healed properly, ultimately affecting both his knees. Over the years, the pain worsened, disrupting his active lifestyle and passion for hiking. Scheduled for knee replacement surgery just before the COVID-19 lockdowns, Robbie’s surgery was postponed, exacerbating his knee issues. By the time he could get his left knee replaced, both knees needed surgical intervention.
The Veterans Affairs (VA) authorized Robbie to see a civilian doctor for his left knee replacement surgery, which went smoothly. However, the recovery was a different story. The day after his surgery, Robbie was in severe pain and had to rely on narcotics. His leg was weak, and he had to use a strap to lift it. Then, everything changed with the delivery of the ROMTech Rehab System.
ROMTech Rehab System Arrives
“Overnight, everything changed,” Robbie recalls. “The first day using it, I did five therapy sessions on the device and felt great. My pain was gone, and I was able to stop taking narcotics entirely. I haven’t taken any since.”
Robbie continued to use the ROMTech PortableConnect device, completing five therapy sessions daily. His progress was remarkable. When he attended his first outpatient physical therapy appointment, he could perform a full leg lift and all his exercises without any issues. His range of motion was already in place, significantly improving his physical therapy experience.
During his follow-up visit with Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Nicholas Kennedy, Robbie no longer needed a walker or cane. “My doctor was impressed with the results, and so was my physical therapy team,” Robbie shared.
Robbie’s recovery was so successful that he soon hiked a six-mile round trip up a large mountain behind his house in Washington State, pain-free. He attributes his rapid and effective recovery to the ROMTech PortableConnect.
Robbie’s thoughts on ROMTech Rehab System
“If I had to choose just one thing to use for recovery after surgery, I would choose the ROMTech PortableConnect over anything else, including physical therapy. It made the most impact in my post-surgery therapy,” Robbie emphasizes. “There was no pain involved using the machine, and before you know it, you’re sitting there pumping away with no problems. It’s amazing.”
Robbie’s friend, who also had a knee replacement but struggled with a prolonged recovery and narcotic use, wished he had used the ROMTech PortableConnect. Robbie wholeheartedly recommends the device to anyone undergoing knee replacement surgery.
“I would more than 100% recommend it to anyone getting their knee replaced”
-Robbie
Robbie Fitzgerald’s story is a testament to the effectiveness of the ROMTech PortableConnect in enhancing post-surgery recovery, allowing individuals to return to their active lifestyles pain-free and faster than traditional methods. For more information about the PortableConnect® system and ROMTech, please visit our website at www.romtech.com.
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