Empower Physical Therapy & Wellness

Challenge:

Adjusting to a neurologic and/or chronic disease, often includes symptoms that change how people move and live. With a body that doesn’t function the way it did, it is often challenging to do the things they used to do.

Dr. Lindsay Zanghi, PT, DPT, NCS, and founder
of Empower Physical Therapy and Wellness, has noticed her patients’ frustration when they encounter not being able to do something that they used to do easily. She works closely with each patient to identify what will best fill the space left by this change. This is not always easy to do, but Lindsay is discovering new options for people in the Greater Rochester region.

Solution:

Lindsay has created a supportive group style for her PT practice. She meets weekly with patients and a care partner, friend or family member to discuss topics of interest. They explore group bodywork, and share how they are accomplishing everyday activities and challenges.

Lindsay invited RAA to attend one of the meetings to introduce the group to activities they can pursue. As they listened to their choices, something shifted in the air. Family members nudged each other as they listened to the list of opportunities:

• Kayaking and cycling with Erie Canal Boat Company
• Fencing at Ludus Fencing Studio
• A variety of programs at Perinton Recreation and Parks, including pickleball
• Adaptive mountain biking with Victor Parks & Recreation
• Nature observation and birding on trails, boardwalks, and other accessible points on DEC Region 8 lands and with the Genesee Valley Audubon Society.

As the discussion continued, you could hear excitement in the conversation. “You mean me?
I can do that?” “Yes! And what’s more, these are all active things you can do with family members, your kids and grandkids, your friends.”

Partners looked at each other inquisitively, pondering whether they would give some of these activities a try. Clearly, the expectation was that they could keep moving and would be welcomed at all these places. They now had the CHOICE to participate in things they used to do, and maybe things they had never tried before their disability diagnosis.

Lindsay responded to their renewed hope by taking us up on our offer to set up mini-clinics with their group. It was clear that they will soon be meeting on the Erie Canal, or at the fencing studio, or on a pickleball court in the very near future!

In the meantime, Lindsay knows that after working with her patients in the clinic on exercises and functional training that will enhance their ability and strength, that she will be able to realize the ultimate goal of being a physical therapist:

To help empower individuals to achieve optimal mobility and resume leisure activities with confidence while allowing an outlet for physical, social and emotional well-being. In other words, her patients will be able to stay active, doing what they love with whom they love whenever they choose.