Herniated Discs |
This summer I herniated two discs in my lower back, which caused severe, debilitating sciatica in my right leg. I was very restricted in my ability to walk and simply get out of bed while suffering from level 10 pain throughout most of the day. At the recommendation of Dr. David Matusz I went to Chris for consultation.
Chris worked with me for approximately four months during which time I was able to regain full motion without pain to the point that I experience little to no ill effects from the back injury. Chris’s approach involved calming the affected nerves while addressing the underlying causes of the problem, which led to the injury in the first place. Through Chris’s approach of balance training, postural realignment, manual techniques, and various unconventional exercises designed by Chris, I was able to completely recover in a relatively short period of time. I am extremely pleased with the treatment, approach and advice Chris has given me. I would not hesitate to return to Chris in the event of a relapse or other injury that required physical therapy. His practice is highly professional while also being directly personal in understanding the nature and root causes of injury. I really enjoyed working with Chris and will continue to recommend Chris to friends and colleagues who are in need of physical therapy. James M | New York City, NY |
Turning an Injury into a Kona Slot
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I came to Chris with bilateral knee pain that prevented training and racing for over a year. After working with Chris through his compassionate, organized and evidence based approach I was able to return stronger and faster than ever before. My first race back was Ironman Texas this past Spring and included a 30 min PR and my first time qualifying for the Ironman World Championships in Kona. If you are an injured (endurance) athlete and are unwilling to settle for nothing but the best, Chris is the obvious choice to put you on the path to recovery while positioning to you to reach you personal best.
Dewayne Bradley | Seattle, WA |
Former College Wrestler
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As a former college wrestler, head college wrestling coach, and current physical education teacher, I have had my share of injuries. Chris is by far the finest physical therapist I have ever had treat me. I often tell my colleagues that if you want the best possible therapist to treat your injury, educate you concerning future injury prevention, and carefully plan your rehabilitation program, Chris Johnson is your answer.
Bob Gaudenzi | New York City, NY Former Head Wrestling Coach, Hunter College |
From Rehab to Racing
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At 46 years old, I have been suffering from a growing list of injuries that began roughly 10 years ago with a ruptured disc in my lower back. Shortly thereafter, I herniated the disc above the ruptured disc. The imbalance in my body then contributed to knee problems (IT Band). In large part, these injuries have shaped the last 10 years of my life; preventing me from doing many things I’ve always wanted to do. Seven years ago, I had registered for the NYC Triathlon and had to withdraw due to back pain. Three years ago, my wife and I joined a tennis club, and until this year, I never played. And this winter, I had planned a ski vacation with my young son in Vail Colorado, and injured my back, yet again, 10 days before the trip.
This is when I began working with Chris. I told Chris that the trip meant a lot, and I was hoping to be on skis within a week. During our conversation, however, Chris delved much further into my medical and physical background, and asked about my big picture in terms of health and fitness goals. To make a long story short, he got me on my feet (and on my skis). Over the next 4 weeks, Chris got me running again too (something I had struggled with for many years). In the beginning I couldn’t run a single mile without significant pain. Within a few weeks and a clear focus on proper balance and technique, I was running 3, 4, 5 and then 7 miles with lessening pain and then finally no pain at all. From here, I felt strong enough to resurrect my goal of participating in Olympic Triathlons. Chris helped create a fitness recovery plan and training schedule that was tailored to my somewhat insane work schedule (which is often 65-80 hour, 7-day workweeks). I’m happy to report that the story ends well. I completed my first Triathlon and am already in training for a biathlon in a few weeks. Chris has a tremendous skill set that includes knowledge of physiology, biomechanics, nutrition and the latest advances in fitness training and physical therapy. He’s also a great person with an incredible bedside manner. He treats every patient with respect, empathy and encouragement, and tailors all of his programs around the needs and goals of his patients. After having grappled with 10 years of problems, I can say with total conviction that Chris is the best physical therapist I have ever worked with. I wish I knew him 10 years ago. Steven Thibodeau | New York City, NY Partner, Wide Open |
Nagging IT Band & Running Technique
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I run marathons and ultras, and my IT band was bothering me after my last race. A friend of mine suggested that I visit Chris for physical therapy, and I ended up going to four physical therapy sessions. Not only did I recover quickly from my nagging ITB issue, the fundamental concepts that Chris taught me have improved my running technique. Chris provided me with a very clear and simple ‘path of recovery’ plan that I was able to implement, and I always left the sessions with useful tid-bits of athletic/training knowledge. Moreover, Chris was a pleasure to visit – he had a very open mind about training styles and therapy approaches, and was always exceptionally thoughtful with his suggestions, and not pushy at all, which I found very comforting. Since my sessions with Chris, I’ve not only been running pain-free while ramping up my weekly mileage, I’ve seen improvements in my speed and endurance, and recently won the 2011 North Face Endurance Challenge 50km trail race with relatively little training. Now that my IT band is healed, I am looking forward to working with Chris on my running technique, and seeing how fast I can really be!!
Patricia Bissett | New York City, NY |
Tennis Teaching Professional
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Chris Johnson was a well-conditioned, dedicated, outstanding, Division I tennis player, who made the easy transition to being an exceptional physical therapist. His excellent people skills and rehab knowledge are unmatched and will motivate you to get back in the game. I am proud to have been his coach and hope that anyone who is in need of physical therapy has the opportunity to work with Chris.
Whitney Synder | Pittsburgh, PA Tennis teaching professional and high school coach |
Spinal Fusion Surgery
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At 53 I had a spinal fusion surgery done between L-4 and L-5 by Dr. David Matusz. I play to an 8 handicap in golf and I used to be a runner – not like Ironman Chris – and before the surgery I had 2 weeks earlier finished my 8th Century Bicycle ride (100 miles in a day). Biking relieved the stenosis pressure on my lower spine. I was able to ride 100 miles – forget golf and running – and I couldn’t walk down the block without pain and numbness in my legs.
As soon as I woke up after the procedure – five titanium screws, four of which are holding two titanium posts in place, a carbon fiber disc and a bone graft which blanketed the posterior of L-4 and L-5, I immediately knew I was alright. I was literally on my feet less than 24 hours after the procedure. I stood up out of my hospital bed – catheter and IV’s in place – and shook hands with David Matusz when he made his rounds the next morning. Shoulda seen his face. “Now what doc?” “Go see Chris Johnson and get back into it.” After about two weeks of recuperation I started going to Chris twice a week for the next two and then three times a week for the next four. Chris focuses on your core strength which comes from the abdomen. Inner strength. That makes everything strong. He knows this from being a Triathlete and an Ironman. Six months later my wife and I rode the Erie Canal Bike Trail. We rode 401 miles over 8 days. I credit David for great surgery and Chris for getting me back on my feet so quickly after this major operation. Just do what he says when you’re in PT with him and it works. I lost a little money on the golf course last weekend to my buddies but it wasn’t his fault. I had the low round but I gave away too many strokes in handicapping. I was not discounted by my friends even though I’d just ridden my bike 110 miles through the Hudson Valley a week earlier. Oh, I’ll get the dollars back, trust me. Thanks David and Chris! John McIntosh | New York City, NY Editor, Remedy Magazine |
Inoperable Spinal Stenosis & Severe Muscle Spasms
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My husband was 90 years old when Chris came into his life. Herb had inoperable spinal stenosis and severe muscle spasms. Walking was a struggle and getting worse. Pain interfered with his concentration. His sleep was interrupted by muscle cramps. Chris understood both the medical diagnosis and my husband’s musculoskeletal age. His therapeutic approach kept my husband out of a wheel chair. He regained his ability to concentrate for hours at a time. He was reading scientific books and journals. He wrote an award winning paper. His sleep was no longer interrupted by muscle cramps. Our lives were transformed. Herb died peacefully in our bed at age 95. Because of Chris, our last five years were amazing, independent, and wonderful.
Mrs. Herbert Spiegel | New York City, NY |
Restricted Movement and Chronic Pain
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Chris Johnson saved me from a life of restricted movement and chronic pain.I was injured by an enthusiastic trainer at a well known gym and developed excruciating pain that ran from my back down my leg. My internist prescribed physical therapy but cautioned me this condition would be a life long recurring problem. Chris’s approach was magical in its simplicity, pragmatic because of his ability to make a correct diagnosis and assess my capacity; brilliant because he knows the body so well. I have been free of sciatica for over 5 years. When I was scheduled for rotator cuff surgery 2 years ago, Chris was the only physical therapist I would go to. He was also my surgeon’s choice. The surgeon said: “He makes me look good!” I recovered with more comfort and mobility in my shoulder than I had thirty years ago.I am forever grateful.
Marcia Greenleaf. PhD Assist. Clinical Professor Albert Einstein College of Medicine New York City, NY |
Owner of Pildes Optical
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Yesterday, while doing my martial arts workout, I injured my leg. In addition to heading straight to the emergency room for immediate attention, I contacted Chris Johnson my amazing Physical Therapist. He helped rehab my torn rotator cuff a few years ago. He did an amazing job. His advice and knowledge of sports related injuries is priceless.
New York City, NY |
Owners of Focus Integrated Fitness
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Chris Johnson is one of the most experienced and research-driven professionals practicing today. Whether it’s training around injuries, assisting our clients in “post-rehabilitation” from surgery, or simply being available to answer questions from our staff, Chris has availed himself to us in the most affable, capable and professional manner possible. As a competitive athlete himself, Chris also brings a unique frame of reference to his work as he understands firsthand what his patients are going through physically. As strength and conditioning professionals, we recognize that this awards him a great advantage in his ability to treat people effectively.
Chris is also a dedicated and tireless educator who is passionate about his industry and the standards with which his peers and other professionals offer their services and treatments. As someone who has presented to our staff for the last 6 years, he has given numerous lectures and presentations that have made a tangible difference in how we go about providing our services and helping our own clients. Chris’ thorough understanding of complex subject matter, coupled with his gift for teaching and presenting, affords him the ability to communicate with his patients and industry professionals in a meaningful and insightful manner. It is no wonder that he has established himself as one of the most respected and successful physical therapists in New York City. Joe Masiello and Gabe Valencia New York City, NY |
Emmy Award Winner
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For over ten years, Chris Johnson has guided me through a number of seemingly intractable injuries – knees – neck – back – shoulders. His wisdom is as deep and sharp as his hands on therapy is knowing and effective. He always manages to select the best technique for each injury and for each person he treats. Chris is a magic combination of smarts, tenderness, understanding, pragmatism and his home exercises are designed for each person individually. I consider myself so lucky that he came into my life as a physiotherapist and friend.
New York City, NY |