Celebrating Strength: Patient Recognition Week at Orthopedic ONE

Patient Recognition Week is in February, and we at Orthopedic ONE are thrilled to celebrate and thank the thousands of patients who trust our team with their orthopedic needs each year. Patient Recognition Week isn’t just a time to share our appreciation; it’s an opportunity to highlight the extraordinary stories of resilience and recovery that occur within our walls every day.

We are proud to acknowledge the significance of each patient’s journey, regardless of where it began or where it has led. These are tales of regained mobility, renewed confidence, and reclaimed lives.

Our Mission in Motion

At the core of Orthopedic ONE lies a commitment to putting patients first in all we do. Our diverse team is dedicated to transforming lives every day through advanced musculoskeletal solutions, from joint replacements to minimally invasive treatments and more. We believe every patient’s story is unique, and we are proud to support patients throughout every step of their orthopedic journeys.

Patient Spotlight: Susie’s Story

Second-grade teacher and avid cyclist Susie Scott faced her greatest hurdle when arthritis of the knee began to affect not only her exercise routine, but her everyday activities. “My whole life, literally, was getting smaller and smaller,” Susie recalls. Teaching became more difficult due to her reduced mobility, and she was unable to cycle without pain hindering her plans to complete an upcoming long-distance ride. That’s when Susie visited us at Orthopedic ONE.

In Her Own Words

When Susie approached our practice for knee replacement surgery, she was filled with a sense of confidence and trust: “By the time I was ready for surgery, I was not afraid. This is a team that is ready, set, go,” she says. From her first consultation to her surgery, Susie knew that she was in capable hands.

The surgery was more than a medical procedure for Susie; it was a gateway to a renewed lease on life. After surgery, she shared, “The knee replacement literally changed my life. Now, I do not manage pain. That’s not what I spend my time doing.” Embracing her newfound mobility, she completed a 26-mile bike ride, a feat that seemed impossible before. “I am riding, and my knees do not hurt,” said Susie, a testament to her strength and to the impact of her journey with us.

Susie later returned to Orthopedic ONE for further treatment. She underwent spinal fusion surgery, left and right hip replacement surgeries, and addressed a wrist injury. Reflecting on this challenging period, Susie remarked, “It was a difficult year, but the physicians, therapists, and staff provided excellent care and support throughout.”

Despite these challenges, Susie is once again back in the classroom, sharing her passion for teaching and back on her bike, enjoying the freedom of movement she thought she might have lost forever. Her journey underscores the importance of comprehensive orthopedic care and the transformative power it can have on one’s life.

Patient Spotlight: Mike Myers’ Road to Recovery

As we highlight our patients—both past and present—we recognize their diverse experiences and applaud their resilience. Mike Myers’ journey with Orthopedic ONE began in 2017 after he sustained a severe shoulder injury while working on his 13-acre farm. “While loading old fence into my truck, something let loose and sent me over the tailgate. I shattered my shoulder socket and suffered a Hill-Sachs fracture,” Mike recounted. His responsibilities towards his family, his land, and his career in law enforcement were driving forces for recovery. Faced with the difficult challenge of rehabilitation, Mike placed his trust in the hands of Orthopedic ONE. “I had 100% faith that Orthopedic ONE would take care of me,” he said.

Life-Changing Results

Mike’s orthopedic team was pivotal in his recovery, as they not only repaired his shoulder but also sparked a deeper transformation within: “It may sound crazy, but I’m actually thankful this happened. It has motivated and empowered me to do better in my life,” Mike shared, expressing gratitude for the unexpected life lessons his injury gave him.

Through Mike’s hard work and his team’s support, his range of motion became even better than before. He credited Orthopedic ONE for both his physical recovery and for inspiring a fresh perspective on life. “My life not only returned, but my quality of life is better. I’m thankful to those individuals at Orthopedic ONE who motivated me to become the person that I am now.”

Susie and Mike’s stories are a powerful reminder of why we do what we do—enabling our patients to return to the lives they love, free from pain and full of possibility.

More Inspiring Stories

• Diana’s Determination: When volleyball standout Diana Brown experienced a torn labrum that required surgery, she refused to let it keep her off the court. Diana embarked on a journey to recovery with Orthopedic ONE and not only regained her strength but excelled beyond expectations. Diana went on to captain the University of Illinois’ D1 volleyball team, exemplifying the power of perseverance—and a solid support system. Reflecting on her time at Orthopedic ONE, Diana says, “It wasn’t ‘let’s get better only today,’ it was ‘let’s get better today and tomorrow.’”
• Anthony’s Comeback: After a motorcycle accident, firefighter and CrossFit enthusiast Anthony Torres faced a tough decision: live with a nonfunctional foot or undergo a below-the-knee amputation. Opting for the latter, Anthony embarked on a daunting yet transformative journey. “They got me from that hospital bed to where I am today; without them I wouldn’t be here,” Anthony says, speaking about the team that helped him regain his active lifestyle. “Orthopedic ONE gave me my life back.” Since then, Anthony has continued to thrive in his work and personal life—being promoted to Captain at the firehouse, celebrating his 10-year wedding anniversary, and building a new home with his family.
• Jen’s Triumph: Jen Ahlfors, a local teacher and active rock climber, experienced a challenging setback when she broke her arm on a Via Ferrata course. After undergoing surgery, Jen began comprehensive physical therapy at Orthopedic ONE—and it wasn’t long before she saw noticeable improvement. “I felt very supported by the team at Orthopedic ONE, just the nonstop feedback that I got from physical therapy, and I could see that growth,” Jen recalls. Now, she’s triumphantly returned to the sport that she loves. “Thanks to Orthopedic ONE, I’m reaching new heights and climbing again.”

This February, we are proud to recognize the courage and determination of each and every individual who walks through our doors, regardless of whether they are a recent visitor or a longtime patient. Reflecting a wide range of ages, interests, and professions, our practice embraces a diverse community of patients, each with unique needs. These stories stand as proof of what can be achieved together through compassion, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to exceptional patient care.