David Tuck
59, Technologist in Financial Services
Always active and involved in sports, in 2010 things got rough for David Tuck. He’d been on prescription anti-inflammatories for almost 8 years due to a congenital condition that made his neck and upper body mostly inflexible. Now, his lower vertebrae, doing all of the work, were deteriorating, literally. He lost control of his left leg and the pills were no longer managing the pain. His orthopedist told him to seek out an Active Release Technique practicing physical therapist or get fusion surgery. That’s how David found Physiofitness and changed his life. Spoiler alert: He climbed Mount Kilimanjaro this past spring.
How is Physiofitness different?
Physiofitness listens. The physical therapists and personal trainers really listen. It’s not just about your symptoms. It’s about your life. They’ll ask about the barbecue I went to and if I threw a football. They’ll ask how did it feel? They fit what you say into the therapy and tweak accordingly. I’ve worked with physical therapists since I was 10 years old and that true listening is unique to Physiofitness.
Was it hard?
Oh, yes, but I’ve been well rewarded for the work. I was almost pain free after a few months working with the team. But I destroyed another vertebrae shoveling snow in 2016. I had about ¾ inch of a vertebrae sticking into my nerve and lost control of my right leg. I returned to Physiofitness. Three months later, I was pain free! Then, I started personal training at Physiofitness. Even the little residual pain remaining in my left leg was gone. I lived with that discomfort for more than two decades.
What advice do you have for new patients?
Embrace how much your physical therapists and trainers teach you. Through dialogue with the entire team, Physiofitness taught me to listen to my body. I understand my body and the therapeutic process much more than five years ago.
What was your “aha” moment?
There are too many to list. I’ve had so many significant moments. I’ve improved far more than I ever expected.
What’s personal training like?
Working with a trainer, I achieve five times more than I thought possible. Sometimes I’m scared. I just don’t think I can handle it, but I do. They know exactly how hard to push me. They also know my body. We don’t just follow a generic exercise plan.
What’s your biggest surprise?
Besides being pain free? Working out with James. He’s a great coach – motivating, good listener and knowledgeable. That’s a lot. I train Fridays at 7pm and all I really want to do is go home, drink two Coronas and sleep. I don’t want to talk to anyone. I get to Physiofitness and 10 minutes later I’m chatting, laughing and working hard.
What’s your next goal/challenge?
I just climbed Mount Kilimanjaro. It was a goal I set after my shoveling injury. Climbing was hard. I probably should have skipped the final ascent, but I made it. Now I’m thinking of going on hiking and biking adventures.