Glad to be Back in the Game Thanks to Specialized Orthopedics
MyMichigan Cardiovascular Service Line Director, orthopedic patient, wife, mother
“My entire orthopedic team was exceptional. Being a patient here only proved what I already believed, MyMichigan Health delivers excellent care.”
Becky Boyce, 42, is an athlete, nurse and director of cardiovascular services at MyMichigan Health. A rough landing on the softball field led to a knee injury that required care from her own colleagues, including surgery and physical therapy (PT). From her initial urgent care visit to surgical repair and intensive PT, Becky experienced professional, compassionate care that put her on a solid path to recovery. Today, she says she feels even stronger than before.
Becky has always enjoyed playing sports and had never experienced an injury this severe. An MRI revealed she had torn her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus in the left knee. Orthopedic Surgeon Denise Stadelmaier, D.O., a specialist in surgical sports medicine, walked Becky through her options. Together, they decided that surgical reconstruction would give Becky the best chance to return to her active lifestyle without restrictions.
Even as a health care professional, Becky wasn’t sure what to expect as a surgical patient. However, the team at the Riecker Surgery Center on the campus of MyMichigan Medical Center Midland quickly put her at ease.
“From my very first appointment at Riecker, I knew I was in good hands,” Becky shared. “They were kind, informative, professional and caring. They made me feel comfortable and confident moving forward with the surgery. The nurse anesthetist, Dr. Stadelmaier, Tyler Hendershot, P.A.-C., and everyone who cared for me after the procedure were phenomenal.”
At follow-up appointments with Dr. Stadelmaier and Hendershot, Becky was grateful for the specific guidance about what she could and could not do, how to move safely with her brace and when to begin short periods of standing without it. This guidance helped prepare her for the next phase of recovery - physical therapy.
Once cleared, Becky began working with Dave Bearss, D.P.T., C.S.C.S., for physical therapy. “Dave was a godsend,” she said. “He is so knowledgeable and explained not only what to do, but why we were doing it. As a clinical person, that really helped keep me motivated. He reminded me this was a marathon, not a sprint, which kept those small early gains in perspective.”
Becky attended therapy three times a week and followed her exercise program at home. Her goal of returning to recreational sports kept her focused. Even after completing her prescribed therapy, she continues exercising twice a month to maintain her progress.
“I remember Dave telling me, ‘You never regret exercising,’ and that rang true for me,” Becky said. “It helped me feel confident using my leg and pushing myself further. I’m playing pickleball and softball again now and feeling strong. Going through this experience as a patient reinforced what I already believed—MyMichigan Health is an excellent place to receive care.”
Those who would like additional information about the comprehensive musculoskeletal care at MyMichigan Health may visit www.mymichigan.org/msk. Additional information about physical therapy can be found at www.mymichigan.org/rehab.
