Wonderful doctor. We discussed options before and after surgery. Took the time to explain the procedures, also went through the MRI images of my left shoulder, pre and post-surgery. There might be additional work to be done, but I think I should be good for right now. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ It has been almost a year now that I first met Meliza Barillo,PT on a zoom call for initial consultation on my left shoulder. I fell down the steps in late March 2020 and landed on my left shoulder. After an initial x-ray and consultation with Dr. Fleeter, it was determined that I start physical therapy to help with the injury. A month and a half of virtual PT, did not quite help, in fact the pain got worst, especially at night. I would wake up in excruciating pain, along with spasms. MRI was ordered and the images indicated that I had a full thickness total rotator cuff tear and my best option was surgery, done August 2020. The procedure went well, an outpatient procedure with no complications. My recovery has been slow but progressed quite well, thanks to the therapy I have received at the Centreville clinic. I worked with a number of therapists in that center, but it was John Buttari, PT who had the patience to work with me with various exercise combinations to maximize function of my shoulder. There was always a constant reminder that the healing will take time. The team has been good at trying to encourage me through this process. Kris DeSousa PT assistant has been great at keeping me on tract. This team has helped me tremendously. Sometimes, it is also good to give credit to those who do the hands-on rehabilitation after the MD does the treatment. Six months of working with Physical Therapy, I feel that I have to give credit where credit id due. It has now been over 6 months after the surgery. I have been informed that I have maximized the extent that physical therapy will be able to help with my healing. I had moved on and gain as much function and strength of my left shoulder/arm. I am working with a trainer to achieve this goal.
Maria N.