Patient Testimonials

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.

I had a meniscus repair done with Dr. Siegel about six weeks ago.

For the last month I have been having PT twice a week with Michelle. I have to say that Michelle has been fantastic. She kept things interesting, challenged me, explained things, and kept things light with a good sense of humor.

But my real reason for writing this letter is to compliment Jerry, the PT aid. Jerry was the one who would get me started on the bike and finish up my visit with the application of the icing machine. Jerry’s demeanor is amazing. He is upbeat, funny and polite, with a caring nature that really show through. I really felt that he cared that I was having a good experience, and was prepared to do whatever he could if I wasn’t. He was constantly moving, helping someone, cleaning up, putting something away, looking to see who needs help, etc. I never saw him sitting around.

He seemed to have a good rapport with all of the therapists and seemed to know all of the patients by name, which he used when greeting them, joking with them or just helping them with a therapy they were engaged in.

I found myself looking forward to PT, because the environment was so pleasant, in that everyone seemed to work as a team.

Thanks so much for running a well oiled machine.

Dear Dr. Siegel,

I wanted to send a note of thanks to you and your team at Access Sports. Your office is run professionally and efficiently by staff who are courteous, caring and just really great at what they do. From the front office group, to x-ray and PT, everyone always greeted me with a smile and made a visit to the orthopaedics a positive experience.

Over the weeks of my recovery, I had many appointments, both in the Exeter office and also for PT; and for all of these visits I was seen on time for every single one. This is quite a feat for an office that is obviously very busy! You run a tight ship and it shows.

Special thanks to your PT group in Portsmouth. They are a fabulous team, very caring, knowledgeable and patient. Tyler was terrific, helping me work through what I needed to do to get better. Brittany and Jen were also great to work with.

In short, I wanted to give some positive feedback and say thanks for getting me back in the saddle!