Patient Testimonial: Andy’s Path to Recovery at OrthoRehab Specialists

At OrthoRehab Specialists, our mission is to help patients recover full function, reduce pain, and return to the activities they love most. With convenient locations in Minneapolis and Edina, we offer direct access physical therapy, advanced manual therapy, specialized sports rehabilitation, women’s health services, cancer rehabilitation, and Pilates for wellness. Our therapist owned and operated practice ensures that clinical decisions prioritize your outcomes over quotas. Below, Andy shares his experience working with Andy Masis, PT and the OrthoRehab team.

What was your favorite part about your experience at OrthoRehab?

The most rewarding part of my journey was the dramatic improvement I experienced in my ankle function. I had been struggling with a persistent ankle injury for about a year. During that time I saw four different physical therapists and received a variety of treatments, but saw very little lasting progress. When I began my care with Andy Masis at OrthoRehab Specialists, everything changed.

My initial evaluation was thorough and reassuring. Andy and his team conducted a detailed assessment that included a functional movement screen, gait analysis, and strength testing. They identified weaknesses in my peroneal muscles and instability in my subtalar joint. Instead of offering cookie cutter exercises, they crafted a personalized program that incorporated targeted strengthening, proprioceptive training, and foot and ankle care techniques.

At each visit, I felt like my progress mattered. I used to lean heavily on my ankle brace just to walk across the room. Within a few weeks of starting my home exercise plan—which included resisted ankle dorsiflexion, single leg balance drills, and gentle joint mobilizations—I felt more secure standing without the brace. Each small victory reinforced my confidence and motivation.

The clinic environment was welcoming and professional. From the front desk staff who greeted me by name to the therapy assistants who guided me through my exercises, every interaction was positive. I never felt rushed during sessions. Andy took the time to answer my questions about body mechanics, explain why certain movements were important, and show me how to perform each exercise correctly. That level of attention and encouragement is what made me excited to come back for appointments.

With respect to your injury, how has the OrthoRehab team impacted your life?

The impact of my treatment at OrthoRehab goes far beyond simply reducing pain. Andy and his colleagues helped me understand the underlying causes of my ankle instability and how it affected my overall movement patterns. They explained how weaknesses in one area of the body can create compensations elsewhere, leading to recurring injuries. This holistic approach—that mirrors the principles of functional movement assessment—gave me a deeper understanding of my own body.

As I progressed into the strength and stability phase of rehab, the team introduced advanced exercises such as single leg Romanian deadlifts, resisted hip external rotation drills, and dynamic balance challenges on foam pads and balance boards. These exercises not only targeted my ankle but also engaged my hip and core muscles to create a stable kinetic chain.

One of the most transformative moments was when Andy incorporated Pilates-based movements on the CoreAlign equipment. By using controlled, low load movements with elastic resistance, I was able to refine my posture, improve my neuromuscular control, and reinforce proper alignment through my entire lower extremity. This mind-body connection is something I had never experienced in traditional rehab settings.

Off the treatment table, the OrthoRehab team empowered me to become an active participant in my own recovery. They provided a comprehensive home exercise plan with clear video demonstrations and written instructions. Each week I recorded my progress in a therapy journal, noting improvements in range of motion, strength, and balance. This accountability kept me motivated on days when progress felt slow.

Today I walk without an ankle brace, navigate uneven terrain confidently, and even jog short distances without discomfort. Returning to light running was once a distant goal, but under their guidance I have begun a gradual return to jogging and agility drills. I feel more prepared to advance safely into full sport participation.

If you were to recommend your physical therapist to a friend, what would you say?

I would wholeheartedly recommend Andy Masis and the entire OrthoRehab team to anyone dealing with musculoskeletal injuries. They combine deep clinical expertise with genuine compassion and a patient centered philosophy. When you work with them, you gain access to:

• Advanced Expertise in manual therapy, sports rehabilitation, foot and ankle pathology, and Pilates for wellness.
• Custom Treatment Plans tailored to your specific needs, goals, and lifestyle.
• State of the Art Equipment including CoreAlign, reformers, balance systems, and blood flow restriction therapy to accelerate results.
• Collaborative Care that coordinates with surgeons, primary care providers, and other specialists when needed.
• Direct Access under Minnesota law—no physician referral required for your first 90 days of care.

From the moment you schedule your initial evaluation—either online or by calling our front desk—to the final session when you achieve your goals, OrthoRehab Specialists delivers a seamless, supportive experience. If you want to improve your function and return to the activities you love—whether that is running, hiking, tennis, or just playing with your kids—schedule an appointment today on our contact page.

Next Steps and Ongoing Support

Recovery does not end when formal therapy sessions conclude. Our team provides ongoing guidance through periodic check–ins, advanced home exercise modifications, and access to our online educational resources. Explore our blog and patient resources sections to learn more about injury prevention, healthy movement, and long term wellness strategies.

We also invite you to join our monthly workshops and seminars where our therapists demonstrate self–care techniques, discuss the latest research, and answer your questions in a group setting. These events foster community support and keep you engaged in your ongoing health journey.

If you ever experience setbacks or new injuries, our team is just a phone call away. Return visits are simple to arrange and often covered by insurance. We believe in life–long partnerships with our patients, helping you adapt your plan as your activity level and lifestyle evolve.