Each Month in Our newsletter, we try to highlight a client who has met a goal or seen success since coming to Peak Performance Care in Sonora, CA.
We love to celebrate active adults who take charge of their health to get back to the activities they love
Below are each of the stories that we highlighted in our monthly newsletters.
Bob B
Bob B had been struggling with arthritis pain in his knee, which made his favorite activity—hiking—nearly impossible. After consulting with an orthopedic surgeon, he was referred to Dr. DeMers for a stem cell treatment. However, as it was the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Bob hesitated to proceed with the treatment since it involved drawing blood. Instead, he decided to explore physical therapy as an alternative.
Determined to regain his strength and mobility, Bob began Telehealth visits with Dr. Ellora Maggs. Despite never meeting in person, he committed fully to the exercises prescribed, motivated by his desire to return to hiking without pain. At that time, even a half-mile hike required him to stop and take ibuprofen due to the intense soreness in his knee.
Remarkably, after just two weeks of following Ellora’s guidance, Bob noticed significant improvements! His knee was getting stronger, and he could hike longer distances without as much discomfort. This progress was monumental for Bob, who had once feared that he might lose the ability to walk properly.
Understanding that staying pain-free might make it harder to remain motivated, Bob took a proactive step by joining our training membership. He began strength training with our trainers, starting with Liam and now working with Jonah. Additionally, Bob has incorporated regular activities into his routine, including playing pickleball weekly and leading a hiking group every Monday.
We are thrilled to see Bob achieve the results he was hoping for, and his story is a powerful reminder that movement is medicine.
Keep up the great work, Bob! We’re grateful for your dedication and for recommending our services to others who can benefit from our help.
August - Bob B
Deb L
Deb's journey toward better health began when she faced a series of challenges that pushed her to take control of her strength and balance. Diagnosed with osteoporosis, she started losing her balance and feeling physically weaker. But what really motivated her was the need to help around the farm. “My husband has back issues, and he stopped really wanting to lift the bales of hay for the critters. So if I was going to become the hay bucker, I needed to get strong enough to do that,” Deb explained.
Determined to fight the effects of aging and osteoporosis, Deb turned to strength training. She read that weightlifting could help with bone density and overall health: “Everything I read said weightlifting would help... I didn’t like feeling old and weak, and I didn’t like the idea of osteoporosis.”
Since starting her routine, the results have been remarkable. “I can lift bales of hay and stack them four high now,” she shared with pride. But the most significant milestone has been reversing her osteoporosis. “My osteoporosis has been reversed. I have low bone density, osteopenia, but I am no longer diagnosed with osteoporosis based on my most recent DexA scan.”
Beyond the physical, Deb also noticed an emotional transformation. “Mentally, I’m in a much better place because I feel like control has been returned to me. I felt like I was on a downward spiral, and it was just going to get worse and worse, and that feeling is definitely gone.” She no longer worries about losing her balance or feeling fragile: “I’m not falling over on the hillside anywhere near as frequently as I formerly was.”
However, the road wasn’t without obstacles. Deb had to navigate shoulder and knee issues, including recovering from knee surgery. “I felt like I was in good hands... I got the guidance and feedback I needed to resolve these issues,” she said. She also acknowledged how much the guidance she received played a role in her progress: “I could never accomplish on my own what I’ve accomplished here.”
Deb enjoys training in a group setting, where she feels motivated by the people around her. “I like the camaraderie, I like the other people, and I like the way we all encourage each other,” she shared. She understands that strength training is a significant investment of time and money, and she’s grateful to be in a position where she can prioritize her health. “I know a lot of people don’t have that. I just wish there were more opportunities for people to have that option.”
As she continues her journey, Deb is even considering increasing her training to four days a week. Deb’s journey is far from over, but she’s thrilled with how far she’s come. “I’m delighted with my progress, and I’m motivated to do more. Now, let’s get serious.”
September - Deb L