Patient Testimonials

Dear Access Sports Medicine,

I was always in what I considered to be decent physical shape and tried to maintain an active lifestyle but as I’ve gotten older, my body has changed. I went to Access Sports Medicine late last year to address bilateral shoulder injuries that became worse over time and I completed a physical therapy regimen that included exercises at home and at the gym. My physical therapist provided me with a flyer for a free fitness consultation with Craig Favara at Access Acceleration in response to my desire to build off my PT work to get in better shape overall.

I met with Craig to assess my strengths and areas to work on. We began working together in individual training sessions that worked my entire body. Craig showed me how to use core strengthening exercises and how to work several muscle groups simultaneously, taught methods for exercising and using gym equipment properly and efficiently and developed “off day” workouts for me to use in my own gym and at home. He focused on simple lifestyle changes pertaining to diet and exercise that I easily incorporated into my daily routine. As a result, I started seeing gains immediately and continue to see gains each week. I feel great physically and mentally, I’ve lost 15 lbs. but have become stronger, my core has never been tighter (I have working abs!), I no longer have the nagging aches and pains that I once had, and people tell me how good I look. As an offshoot to our work and to challenge myself further, I began running for the first time in my life and have run some 5K’s and have worked with Craig to increase my running endurance and speed.

Craig Favara and Access Acceleration have provided me with the knowledge, direction, and support to realize my fitness and health goals. I am very grateful to Craig for his guidance and will continue to apply these principles in my daily life and would recommend him to anyone seeking to improve his/her physical and mental health.

Dear Nicole,

Thank you so much for your help in getting Meg in shape for Regionals! Training for Regionals is difficult on its own, but is compounded by an injury.

Your help in getting her conditioned prior to her injury and working with her to get her through it was a key factor in her success. It definitely prevented her from being sidelined.

We can’t thank you enough for getting her physically ready, but also mentally ready. The injury definitely jarred her confidence. You were able to get her to step out of her worry and put her best foot forward. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

There’s a real team approach to the care of the patient, from the initial referral and consultation, right through the physical therapy, and even the receptionist. They all understand what the physician expects and the physician knows what to expect from the team.

Even in surgery, the team all introduced themselves and they explained pretty much what’s going to happen and they reassure you that everything is going to be fine. Post-surgery, I didn’t have to worry about that, all the appointments were set up for me ahead of time.

They’re driving the vehicle and I’m the passenger. It really does put your mind at ease at a time that’s very stressful.

Dear Christie,

I have been undergoing rehabilitation since August of 2014 for a torn ACL and underwent reconstructive surgery the following November under Dr. Siegel’s care. Over the past nine months, I have had the joy of meeting and building relationships with many of your colleagues at Access Sports Medicine.

Access is a fantastic organization led by many skilled and experienced professionals. I enjoyed working with each and every member of the staff. I’d like to recognize some of the stand outs who assisted me throughout this difficult recovery,

As my primary therapist, Andrea Hyrnchuk challenged me to push past mental barriers. There were many times she motivated me to accept a physical challenge, where in the back of my mind I questioned whether or not it was within my ability. Thanks to her experience, knowledge and encouragement I was able to progress at a pace I didn’t think possible. She keeps you focused and doesn’t allow doubt to cross your mind.

Michelle Higgins has a genuine, energetic and approachable way about her, which makes an overwhelming process seem downright fun. Her educational approach to therapy takes you through a digestible explanation of the techniques you are experiencing. This was incredibly helpful in overcoming the fear and uncertainty associated with the therapeutic process. I could always count on Michelle to put me at ease.

Jerry and Courtney are shining examples of what “Exceptioinal Customer Service” is all about. Jerry George has a stellar attitude about everything. His interpersonal skills and work ethic are unmatched. He remembers everyone who comes in the door. Jerry understands their needs and never flinches from making each individual feel as equally comfortable and important as the next. He is a true credit to your organization.

Courtney Baird is the first person I see when I arrive for my early morning PT sessions. Her smile and pleasant disposition always makes me feel welcome and appreciated as a customer. She is kind and thoughtful in accommodating any requests for assistance. I’m amazed at how she handles tough situations with confidence professionalism and always without hesitation.

It’s just an honor to work with people who have a true passion for what they do. I’ll always value the experience that I had with them. Although I’m anxious to return to my normal routine, I will miss seeing all the fine folks at Access every week. With luck I will not have to comeback for any reason short of a social visit. But if I am in need again, I will certainly look to Access for help.

I wanted to send feedback on the wonderful experience I had with Carer Siegel during my four one on one yoga sessions.

A year prior to seeing Carter I had major abdominal surgery which ultimately weakened my core muscles and lead to chronic back pain. I had injections and physical therapy which helped significantly, but I felt I needed something more. I decided to work with Carter on yoga postures to strengthen my core. Much of what happened with each session was relinquishing fear; quieting the stiffness and gaining confidence in my movements which ultimately made me feel stronger.

I am able to manage my discomforts by thought process and connection to what my body is asking for. It is amazing to realize that by engaging certain muscles and breathing deeply I can relieve my painful back.

The awareness and focus in my breathing and movements keeps me more safely grounded when I am doing things. I worked in my yard all day Saturday and felt stronger than I had in a long time. It was a powerful experience.

I was planning on shoveling a lot of snow this past winter…I mean a LOT of snow…had my shovels all tuned up and ready to go. But instead I got to spend my winter with a pretty amazing group of individuals that operate under the title of Access Sports Medicine.

After 63 years of sports, construction, wood working, and a generally active lifestyle, I had this recurring pain in my right shoulder that wouldn’t go away. So I made an appointment with Dr. Joshua Siegel who had fine-tuned my knee two years previously. I met with Dr. Siegel in November 2014 where after my evaluation of my ailing shoulder, he suggested an MRI with the results showing that it would require surgery to repair. Surgery was scheduled for December 15, 2014 at 7:30 am and went without complications, having me back home on my couch (a place I would become quite familiar with for the next couple of months) by 11:00 am that same morning. Next day, it was off to physical therapy where over the next five months I found a home full of caring and compassionate professionals all with the intent of improving people’s lives.

From Gayle and the other friendly ladies who greet you at the front desk, to Lisa and Maria who lead you back to the doctor’s room for evaluation and consultation, it all runs very well with an organized staff of caring and concerned professionals. The MRI process, which was handled in house, ran quickly and smoothly. When I had a question about billing, I received an immediate and personal meeting with Karyn who was able to explain to me how their system works and to help me understand my bill. My excellent physical therapy team of Michelle and Brittany, along with Jerry and Ben, the talented pair of assistants, were all extremely enthusiastic and positive and always concerned with my progress and well being, and made what could have been a long, long cold winter, an amazing transformation.

Now, more than five months from surgery, I am no longer riding the pine and am back to woodworking, house projects and golfing on a regular basis, thanks to all those involved at Access Sports Medicine. The snow shovels have been stored away, but I know when the need arises I will be ready to move some snow around; or better yet, maybe I will call the young neighbor who handled the chore for me last winter as that worked out really well. Either way I am now capable and most appreciative.