Testimonials

Dear Access Sports Medicine,

I am writing to thank you for your help with scheduling my upcoming appointment. I was pleasantly surprised on Thursday morning when I used the Access Sports Medicine online appointment scheduling system to request an appointment and then received a very prompt call back to schedule my appointment not more than 1 hour after I had submitted my request. You were very professional and patient when you called and I am delighted that I will be able to see Dr Siegel on Tuesday.

I did receive the new patient note and I have printed and filled out all of the forms. I also obtained my prior medical history and faxed that to your office on Thursday evening.

Thank you again. I look forward to working with your office.

~ Lyn

Dear Access Sports Medicine
Just a note to say how lucky I was to have Maura McQuillen as my therapist. Maura obviously is extremely well versed in the art of therapy. Since a back operation in late January, Maura has increased my strength substantially from where I began. Access is lucky to have someone like Maura who always has a smile on her face and is very positive towards the patient. Many thanks to Maura.

~ Robert

Dear Access Sports Medicine,

I am so pleased with Dr. Davis. He was confident in every step through my treatment and recovery and explained exactly what was going to happen and why. He made me and my family feel comfortable about the surgery and the results couldn't have been better.

Less than five months later, I am cleared to play lacrosse with no restrictions. I am so thankful to Dr. Davis for fixing my ankle when no other doctors wanted to do it.

~ Ryan

Dear Access Sports Medicine,

I am writing to tell you how pleased I have been with the services you provide. I have had the opportunity (unfortunately!) to visit three of your four offices multiple times with three out of four of my family members over the last several years! While I live in the Newburyport, MA area, I have continued to seek services through your practice because of the excellent care we have received there. Your employees are a pleasure to deal with from first contact on the phone through the D/C following the wrap up of care. I have found it consistently easy to get an appointment when we need one and have found all the staff flexible and friendly.

Most recently, my son, Spencer, was being seen by Sonya Justus, who cared for him through several broken bones and misdiagnoses. On his first appointment following a ski vacation in Colorado where we received a misdiagnosis, Sonya took the time to sort out my son’s diagnoses and various stages of injury. (He had 2 pre-existing wrist fractures as well!) We spent an extended time in the office, but Sonya and the other staff took the time we needed to sort out a complicated scenario. Throughout the 3 visits Spencer had with Sonya, I was extremely impressed with her thoroughness, but more importantly with her interpersonal skills. She treated both my son and me with immense respect and humor, explaining the situation in terms easily understood by my son. She listened and empowered Spencer to take an active role in caring for his body. Through her interactions she communicated that she valued his input and trusted his judgments with regard to his health. This is a really powerful message for a 14 year old!

Please forward this message on to Sonya, the managing partners and others who would be interested in hearing about a job well done. While I have singled Sonya out for her exemplary care, compliments are due to your entire practice.

With regards and thanks,

~Barb

Dear Access Yoga,

There have been times in my life when I have been introduced to people that have had a very positive impact on me. Carter Siegel is one of those people. After undergoing seven months of rehabilitation for herniated disks, she helped me transition back into my yoga practice in a safe and effective way. Through our sessions I learned techniques to help relieve and manage pain, improving my quality of life. Carter is an incredibly gifted, skilled and knowledgeable yoga practitioner and teacher. She offers a fantastic and energizing environment in which to strengthen one’s body, mind and spirit. Her demonstration of poses and emphasis on alignment create challenge and teach mindfulness. The breathing techniques she teaches prove to be helpful both on and off of the mat. The techniques that I have learned from Carter have assisted me in relaxing, falling asleep and working through my physical therapy exercises. She has also offered suggestions to promote wellness in many aspects of life and to help me grow in my practice of yoga. After each session with Carter, I feel more grounded, balanced and centered. These feelings follow me throughout the day and bring an increased level of mental clarity with a deeper sense of self-awareness.

More recently, Carter started instructing a weekly lunch time class at my office. Participants are of all levels and ages and Carter is capable of assessing and modifying the class to meet everyone’s needs, abilities and goals. She creates a compassionate and supportive atmosphere that encourages everyone to explore the practice of yoga.

I am inspired by her passion for yoga, and her grace and care towards those around her.

~Cindy

Dear Access Yoga,

I am thankful that Carter Siegel was the person to introduce me to Yoga. Her calm and accepting personality embodies the essence of yoga, and she was genuinely dedicated to helping me learn all that yoga could do for me. Carter listened to my needs and introduced me to poses and sequences that addressed my physical issues. Carter is highly knowledgeable and experienced in the practice of yoga and her dedication to the nuances of each pose made me feel confident that I would learn to practice yoga in the most beneficial form. Carter has introduced me to a new form of physical therapy as well as wonderful way to value and honor myself and others in a most beautiful way. Thank you Carter, I look forward to continuing yoga with you !

~Gretchen

Access Sports Medicine,

We took 3rd in the Regionals out of 11 teams..the boys had an amazing time and something they will never forget..The Team was very Thankful for the donation from Access..it helped cut some of the expense down…I want to thank Access for everything that you do for this community..I spent a lot of time in Connecticut with parents and kids that in some way or another had some kind of contact with Access ..whether they were a patient or knew someone that was or came to one of the events we sponsored…and the one thing I learned is that they had nothing but “great” things to say about you all...thx again,

~ Cheryl

To Access Sports Medicine,

Once again, thank you for an easy, affordable way for my son to get his sports physical this year. It's the best $5 I've ever spent! He attended the skills/drills program at Portsmouth High School this summer, which was a great way to get ready for pre-season. He will also complete the concussion program online soon...prior to starting football. Thank you for offering such a wide variety of programs for our student athletes.

Regards,

~ Jeanne

I cannot say enough positive things about my experience of doing yoga under Carter Siegel's guidance. Carter is a compassionate, experienced, skilled yoga practitioner who thinks about her client between sessions, coming to each session prepared to do something tailor-made for her student, being totally willing and capable of changing her entire approach based on where you are that day. Carter's flexibility, attention and individualized focus make all the difference. Although one-on-one sessions could be considered a luxury, they have been a vitally important part of my rehabilitation from spinal cord injury. Beyond that, because yoga is a pratice that addresses emotional, physical and spiritual growth, yoga with Carter has had a positive impact on my entire life. Yoga is not just exercise or physical therapy. The quality time I spend with Carter informs the rest of my day, and even my week, as I take what I gain on the mat off the mat into my life.

Sat Nam!

~ Karen

Dr Zipin,

I'm grateful for having been sent to you and for your good care. I'd go the extra mile again to be treated by an excellent D.O.

~ Jackie

Dear Access Sports Medicine,

I injured my right arm/wrist quite severely about a week ago. I severed just about everything in my arm. I was lucky enough to have Dr.Quitkin on call that day. He performed my surgery and re-attached all my nerves, tendons, and arteries. It was a three-hour surgery. From the moment I met him he showed an un-precedent true care for my well-being and made me feel extremely comfortable. The great treatment did not stop there. Through my numerous follow-ups I had the pleasure of meeting his Assistant Kevin, and Physician Assistant Sonya Justus. They were as great as Dr. Quitkin and made me feel extremely comfortable. I had a couple questions a week later and Dr.Quitkin was unavailable so a message was taken. Even the secretaries were as pleasant as can be. I was quickly followed up with by Sonya and she again showed a true interest in my well-being. I am 25 years old and have never written a testimonial/been treated so well to feel so inclined to share my great expe rience. I am also typing this with one hand. They have made a horrible situation as "painless" as possible. Thank you to the whole Access Sports Medicine staff and a very special thank you to Dr.Quitkin, Sonya Justus, and the assistant in Portsmouth Kevin.

A very satisfied patient,

~ Tom

Dear Access Sports Medicine,

After reading Dr. Bruno's article concerning treatments for Dupuytren's Contracture in the Portsmouth Herald, I was very excited to read that the FDA had just approved Xiaflex as a treatment option. Having had the "traditional" surgical treatment for the contractures on my left hand in 2006, I was extremely familiar with the post surgical therapy that the "traditional" treatment required. That same day, I arranged a consult with Dr. Bruno's office and we agreed upon a Xiaflex treatment program for my right hand. In my particular situation, the treatment required three (3) separate procedures over a period of 3 months. The results have been much better than I could have hoped for and I now can completely open my hand and extend my fingers for the first time in years. Best of all, I had complete use of my right hand after each Xiaflex treatment the next day. This was extremely important to me because I could not afford the loss of productivity associated with "Traditional" surgical option. In summary, the Xiaflex treatment work for me. It was quick, painless, required virtually no physical therapy, and I could be completely productive as soon as I wanted.

~ John

Dear Karen (Kay) and Josh (Dr Siegel),

This is a long overdue thank you for the incredible difference you have made in my life! When I came to see Josh(Dr Siegel) months ago, I hadn't been able to run for months, had been diagnosed by a non-Access doctor with a bone spur and split ankle tendon, and had been told I had to have ankle surgery in order to ever be able to run again. I was in an ankle brace that I had been wearing for a few months, just so I could walk fast, hike and bike. I had pretty much given up on my favorite past time (running) because I hated thinking of surgery.

I came to Josh(Dr Siegel) for a second opinion, and he asked the right questions: what were my long term athletic goals? Did I want to run marathons and lots of races every year, or did I just want to be able to get back to casual running a few days a week with an occasional 5 K? That was all I wanted--just to be able to get back to the sport I had been addicted to for 30 years (which had evidently destroyed my ankles and knees). He said: you do NOT need surgery as it would keep me from running for several more months. He said I needed KAREN! (Karen Kay, Access Acceleration)

Karen(Kay), you did your incredible magic--made me use two huge muscles (rear end!) that I had evidently not been using for years. You somehow discovered that I had been putting all my weight on my knees and ankles; you taught me how to walk again, and then to run. I had to stop coming to you long before I was "ready" because I was going to be out of the country for a month. But I actually kept up with the program, every day! And I was happily jogging lightly on the beach in Puerto Rico in February. And as of today, I have started training for a triathlon (the mini kind--only a 3 mile run) which is in late July. I only run or jog when it doesn't hurt, I use the butt muscles ALL the time now, hiking, biking, walking..not just running. (and, as an added value side benefit: I have more tone in my butt and upper legs than I have since I was 30!).

I turn 60 July 6, and I will happily be swimming, biking, and yes RUNNING, for years to come.

I do need to come back for more help, and need to see you for some inspiration in upper body weight training, but I just wanted to say a sincere and long overdue thank you.

With tons of gratitude, ML
Portsmouth, NH

~ ML Portsmouth, NH

Dr. Siegel,

I wanted to let you know how impressed I was with you and your staff. Everyone was professional, courteous, friendly and very caring. And my shoulder is doing great, too! Thank you and your staff for making my time with you so pleasant.

~ Leslie

Dr. Bear,

We are enclosing 2 photos of Bob driving his 6-dog sled team this winter. It is thanks to you and his new hip that he was able to do so, and to have such a successful season. We have seen your newsletter and the articles about some of the sports figures you have treated. We bet this is the first dog-sled driver you have ever rehabilitated!!! Many, many thanks for making it possible for us to continue our life-long passion – being in the out-of-doors with our dogs.

~ Martha and Bob

Dear Doctor Bruno,

I'm Luke H, your patient for Biceps Tendon Rupture, Distal, surgical repair on 9-15-08. I'm the one that was on the sailboat in Portsmouth harbor. We were heading south to Virginia when I overdid it and injured myself. Your guidance was that, after the operation, all I could do on a boat was to sit around and drink tropical drinks with little umbrellas in them. Well, we didn't have any umbrellas, but, per your admonitions, did get another person to help us get the boat back.

We did indeed get back - as evidenced by the attached picture. We left Portsmouth on 10-2, and arrived in Deltaville VA on 10-12 - with mostly dawn to near dusk days of sailing/motoring. In my non professional opinion, the arm repair has survived well, and healing is progressing.

Thanks so much for the fine work and the quick response to take me into your busy schedule. I really appreciate all that you and the fine folks at Access have done for me. I believe I was very fortunate to have had your expertise and the very professional Access Sports Medicine and Orthopaedics organization available in my time of need. I wish you and the Access group much success going forward. Thanks for all that you did for me.

~ Luke H, S/V Latitudes

Dear Doctor Bruno,

I was first referred to you by Access because at the time you worked out of New England Medical Center. I was told you were the only hope of me being able to have any significant use of my right hand, and that the treatment I would receive there would be "the best there is..." Thanks to your surgery, I was able to retain use of that hand. Shortly after, I began playing the guitar (mostly because of your encouragement) and surprisingly, it has been very successful for me.

Since then you have moved up here to join Access, and the ongoing treatment (and therapy) I've received there is the only reason I am able to continue to play (8 years later). It's been a long road for me and I have seen more than 4 dozen specialists (for other injuries) and many of them have also been touted as the best in their fieds... I wouldn't pretend to know enough to make that comparison, but based on my experience, I can say that it has never been more obvious to me that the care I've received from you and Access is the best there is...

~ unknown

Dear Doctor Siegel,

I just wanted to write and say thank you to you, Maria and all your office staff for taking such great care of my mother during her office visit earlier this week. My parents returned from the appointment feeling that they had received such warm care and attention. While it is disappointing that my mother has apparently developed a significant rotator cuff tear, at least she knows now what is wrong and can engage in some some PT to address it. Thank you again and please send my thanks and greetings to Maria!

~ Stuart

Dear Doctor Bear,

I am writing to express my appreciation for your helping me through a very difficult period. Your consult with Dr. Kleeman and his direct involvement in my case has led to incredible improvement within the past week. Dr. Kleeman indicated that I have advanced stenosis and highly inflamed tissue within my vertebrae. He took me off of opiates and prescribed a cortisone injection. That injection was administered by Dr. Zipin on Wednesday, September 22.

Yesterday I was able to go into a supermarket, walk around, and not have to drape myself over a carriage. I was able to stand for periods of time without having to sit or double over. All is not perfect. I feel discomfort in the area of the injection. However, I have made significant progress within this week. I am scheduled to see Dr. Zipin on October 6 and Dr. Kleeman on October 11. I have no additional appointments with you. You played an important role in helping me gain eventual relief from the problem. Thank you so very much. Best wishes.

~ Thomas

Dear Doctor Siegel,

I hope this summer finds you and your family well. I just wanted to write to let you know that Jodi and I just returned from our trek across the Haute Route in France and Switzerland. We hiked in varied conditions from Chamonix in France to Zermatt in Switzerland, a total of 120 miles and 48,000 vertical feet climbed over 16 days. Some of the days exceeded 6000 feet up and/or down at altitudes from 6,000 - 9,800 feet.

What can I say but thank you, thank you! Without your skillful repair I would never have been able even to attempt this trek. I had virtually no trouble, injury or pain in my knee and I felt strong and confident as I walked. This was unquestionably the most challenging hike Jodi and I have accomplished to date and we are so thrilled to have been fortunate enough to start, enjoy the trip and finish! Again many thanks.

~ Stuart

Dear Doctor Bruno,

I can't thank you enough for the wonderful job you did with the surgery on my right thumb (Right Basel Joint Arthroscopy) on June 1st of this year. As I sat and worked on a cross stitch project this past weekend, I couldn't help but smile at how wonderful it felt to be able to do that again. I had been unable to do any stitching for the past couple of years due to the pain, but now its as though I have a new thumb.

Thanks again to you, and to Diane Langlois, for taking such good care of me during surgery and post op and for your steady hands that now allow me to again do what I love. Especially because I am stitching for a new granddaughter who will arrive in February.

From an extremely happy patient, thanks again!

~ Carol