Athens Therapeutics

Below you will find patients' stories about their experiences at Athens Therapeutics. These testimonials include treatment of the following problems:

Osteoarthritis

I was in bad shape when I came to Athens Therapeutics and that tells a lot about the very significant results that I gained from their services after a relatively short time. When I got the Osteoarthritis, I could not bathe myself, tie my shoes, reach up into a cupboard, drive a car and I was in constant pain 24 hours a day and without any sleep. My wrists were in pain and my fingers curled into a stiff arc and made it difficult to use the computer or otherwise use my hands. A Rheumatologist in Lawrenceville , GA diagnosed my Osteoarthritis (late in 2004) after taking X-rays, making blood test and examining me. She wanted to put me on anti-inflammatory drugs which I refused to do. After all, Vioxx put me in the hospital once with severe hemorrhaging and bleeding from my esophagus to my intestines. After just three visits to Athens Therapeutics , I was almost pain free and could sleep for the first time in weeks.

A great many people who I have talked to believe that once they have arthritis that very little can be done to get rid of it and that they must take pain killer drugs for the rest of their life. I have proven that belief is not true. Last summer, in a one week period, I took two of my grandchildren on a rigorous adventure. We went horse back riding through the North Georgia mountains, tubing down the Chattahoochee River , hiking to Anna Ruby and Dukes Creek water falls, climbed Chimney Rock mountain in North Carolina along the entire ridgeline to Hickory Nut falls, and rafted down the class four Chattooga river and successfully went over the highest fall without capsizing.

I just complete another month long adventure to the Fiji Islands , Australia , Tasmania , New Zealand , and Tahiti . I was on 15 different aircraft during that trip. I climbed the largest steel arch bridge in the world located in Sydney harbor and that required over 3 hours and did it at night. I hiked through numerous rain forest, snorkeled on the great barrier reef, hiked through the outback where it was over 120 degrees F., went to the glaciers at the top of Mount Cook, just to mention a few of the many things that I did requiring much stamina and energy.

During all of this time, I have not taken any anti-inflammatory drugs or pain killers. I am relatively pain free although carrying a lot of heavy luggage on my last trip did cause some soreness in my back but that has now essentially gone away after about three visits to your office.

I told the Rheumatologist that I had gone to Athens Therapeutics and that they had gotten rid of my pain. She was interested in this experience. In a follow-up visit to her office, she told me she had sent seven of her patients to Athens Therapeutics and all of them had experienced great if not total relief of pain. Many doctors may wonder if they are doing the right thing by referring someone to an unconventional or alternative treatment center. All I can say is that it has worked for me, it has worked for at least eight other people I personally know, and for patients that the rheumatologist has sent to Athens Therapeutics . I have absolutely no idea of how or why their therapy works, I only know that it has worked for many situations I know about.

I am feeling very well and want to thank the staff for all they have done for me. You can see that I am able to enjoy life and do some rigorous travel from time-to-time. That is amazing when you look back and see how incapacitated I was when I first came to Athens Therapeutics .

Jerry Koenigshof
Adventurer
Watkinsville, GA

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Chronic Pain

I was a patient at Athens Therapeutics for several weeks and I highly recommend them to others that have pain. My doctors sent me to another place but after the first time I realized that he had sent me to the wrong place. A different neurologist then referred me to Athens Therapeutics. I am happy to say that they have been able to make me feel better, even though my condition is chronic. I get relief and the pain is less severe.

The entire staff here is fantastic. They have at least 5 therapists and they rotated me to each of them. I do believe that all of them are very good and that other persons may find that a certain one helps them the most.

My visits were very pleasant, all of them are people persons and that you are not just a number but they give you the very best treatment and encouragement that helps your body, mind, and spirit. They give their patients their very best. My sincere thanks to all of them. They are like family to me. I send my love to all of them.

Vincent Elster
Athens, GA

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Arthritis

I’ve found a place for physical therapy, it’s Athens Therapeutics. The people who work there are the best I have ever seen. They are professionals who know this job and do it well. They are all gentle with their patients, take their time to ask questions and with your breathing exercises, standing. They will help with every need you have. I’ve gone through the program and it helped me tremendously. They helped me with arthritis in my shoulder and back. When I went there I couldn’t lift my arms or walk straight until now. There are several more there to help you I would recommend. If you need help call Athens Therapeutics; I think you will be glad you did.

Audrey A. Morris
Athens, GA

I wish to thank my individual therapists, Henry, Maggie and Amy, as well as the whole group, for their care and service. Working with these therapists has been a pleasant experience. When I began therapy I was experiencing pain and body stress. The therapy here brought me renewed vitality and health and the self-help techniques I've been taught will help me maintain and enjoy life to the fullest.

Jonell Cash, EdD
Prof., Counseling & Psychology (Ret.)
Athens, GA

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Fibromyalgia

From my first visit you made me feel welcome and gave me hope. You quite literally gave me back my life. When I first came to you my extreme fibromyalgia pain was 24/7. You taught me how to help myself through meditation, imagery, and breathing exercises. The gentle massage relaxed and realigned my muscles and organs. When I came to you I could barely walk across the room; now I live a normal life. Although I still have pain, it is not constant. When it does come, I know what to do to alleviate it. The pleasant surroundings and the friendly attitudes of everyone there are quite above that usually found in a medical office. The thing that comes through most especially is that everyone really cares. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Beatsy Ryan
Athens, GA

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Bell's Palsy

My name is Ana Anest. I am an artist and I live in Watkinsville, Ga. I have been receiving treatments at Athens Therapeutics for facial paralysis caused by Bell's Palsy. I am almost completely recovered and am pain free.

Athens Therapeutics has addressed the physical problems of my paralysis as well as helping me cope with the emotional and spiritual aspects of the problem. The type of therapy they use - Integrative Manual Therapy - is non-invasive, painless, and works to help the body recover on all levels.

The clinical atmosphere is pleasant and cheerful, soothing music is played during treatment and I always leave feeling good. I have never had conventional physical therapy, but can't imagine that it could achieve the level of healing that I have experienced with Athens Therapeutics. I have recommended them to my friends and I recommend them to you.

Ana Anest
Artist
Watkinsville, GA

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Stroke

Since 1993, the year of my first stroke, I have had, let me count- 10 physical therapists. Henry is the best that I have ever worked with. Your therapy rooms are pleasant and clean; the staff, congenial. I am pleased-absolutely. Your office made a point of scheduling me according to my needs. Finally, I enjoyed your lending library; I found 2 books that proved very valuable to me.

Richard Schroeder
Hull, GA

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Low Back Pain

My name is Mitch King. I am forty-eight years old, I'm a teacher, and I came to Athens Therapeutics for relief of severe back pain due to arthritis in my lower back. Physically, I couldn't stand up for more than ten or fifteen minutes without experiencing strong and building pain all across my lower back. I have been suffering with this for several years, and it was getting worse.

Before visiting Athens Therapeutic, I underwent treatments on my back in the past two years called facet blocks. This involved electricity being run through needles inserted into my vertebrae to deaden nerves. It would help for a while, but inevitably the pain returned.

I tried Athens Therapeutics almost as a last resort. I don't want to take pain pills, and I don't want surgery. Not knowing that much about IMT, I was concerned it was going to be some kind of New Age touchy-feely deal with maybe a little massage thrown in. I couldn't have been more wrong. To my surprise, the treatments did not involve any stress on me physically. I saw results almost immediately. My pain has been greatly reduced. Joe, Amy, and Henry have all treated me at different times. They are all knowledgeable, professional, and dedicated to their patients.

IMT has been a blessing, I can honestly say it's made a positive difference in my life. I highly recommend you give them a try.

Mitch King
Teacher
Winder, GA

This was a positive experience. I was mainly interested in acquiring the knowledge needed to keep my lower back in good condition so that the likelihood of future injury would be reduced. I feel like the exercises and the habits that I have been shown will accomplish that.

James McCook
Danielsville, GA

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Sciatica

I can’t sing the praises of Athens Therapeutics enough. My entire family has been treated for various things over the years, always with excellent results. I have referred at least 10 or 20 friends and extended family members to the office, all being as enthusiastic about this new type of treatment as I.

My first visit to the office was to get relief from severe sciatic pain which began on a chiropractor’s table and lasted almost 2 years. I had been to traditional physical therapy, 3 different chiropractors, a kinesiologist, rolfing, biofeedback, acupuncture, a shaman, several massage therapists, and a hypnotist- all with little or no relief. After my second visit to Joe I was in a movie theatre with my husband, sitting in a padded chair (which I hadn’t been able to do for over a year) and I kept interrupting my husband’s movie every few minutes to rejoice over the absence of my severe pain! The severe pain never returned and within a few months I was pain free and have remained so for the last several years.

Teresa Fromm
Watkinsville, GA

I came to Athens Therapeutics seeking relief of Sciatic Nerve Pain. I had been doing traditional physical therapy for some time, due to an automobile accident that left me with a moderately severe spinal cord injury. While engaged in a weight lifting program to increase strength I developed some sciatic nerve pain that would not abate no matter what I tried. My neurosurgeon was not much help. More surgery was not an option. I was at my wits end. That’s when Amy Price suggested that I try IMT. She said it was different. What an understatement.

I was evaluated by Henry Pursner and Joe Avolio, and was assured they could help my sciatic nerve pain as well as my balance problems. A treatment plan was set up and the very competent staff has been treating me for 3 months. The sciatic nerve pain was completely gone after six sessions. Overall stability and balance is much better. I could not be more pleased with the results. The entire staff: Joe, Henry, Maggie, and Amy are very knowledgeable, professional and very supportive of their patients.

Ernie Stephens
Hoschton, GA

I was referred to Athens Therapeutics by one of my physicians (I was suffering with sciatica and had exhausted almost all resources which have included: surgery, pain management, and medication). The personnel at Athens Therapeutics were very professional and friendly and appointments ran on time. I was a little “leery” because the “treatment” was so “subtle”. But found out later that it worked. I enjoyed not having machines, exercises, etc. I believe every therapist worked with me. Something worked! I am almost pain free to this date!

Maudell Johnson
Danielsville, GA

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Shoulder Pain

I had a great experience with Athens Therapeutics. Everyone at the front office was always friendly and smiling. All the therapists were outstanding! I came there with a very painful shoulder and left pain free. I spent many sessions with the therapists and I was really impressed with their knowledge and ability to use so many different approaches to relieve my pain. I really appreciate the time and effort they took to help me. Thank you for everything you have done

Kelly Channell
Athens, GA

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Hip Pain

As a therapist myself, I appreciate your clinic’s consideration of the patient as a whole, and not just a specific area of concern. I was referred for hip pain, but during the course of treatment, all areas of pain (back, knees, etc.) were addressed as well as my need for gluten free- allergy free diet. It helped to have caring professionals to discuss my overall health needs with. I have previously worked at an outpatient rehab clinic, and I will say that your clinic’s treatment approach is somewhat different from what I have seen other PT’s do.

I was a little skeptical at first, but I am a believer now. The gentle manual therapy that Joe and Tania provided was very beneficial and prepared me well for the more intensive therapeutic exercise approach. I feel that the specific, targeted exercises will help me to remain pain free. They explained the exercises and their rationales well and made sure that I was doing them correctly so that I would gain the most benefit from them. Overall, I would say that I am very happy with the care I received and will recommend your clinic to friends of my who are in need of PT services.

Stephanie Crouch
Athens, GA

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Cerebral Palsy

I want to tell you about our son Brian and the wonderful care he has received from Athens Therapeutics. Brian was born with underdeveloped lungs and bleeding on the brain, this left him with Cerebral Palsy and seizures. Although he was receiving standard physical therapy it wasn't until we started going to Athens Therapeutics that his margin of improvement has increased.

The personnel at Athens Therapeutics, from the office manager, to the head therapist, show their concern for you the minute you walk into the door. The hands on therapy includes every aspect of the body, not just the initial problem.

This type of therapy is a little hard to explain to family and friends, but one thing I don't have trouble with is telling them about the great progress Brian has made since we began going to Athens Therapeutics. Brian has gone from not knowing if he could walk or talk, to a strong, smart eight year old boy who takes regular physical education at school. Thanks to the care he is receiving at Athens Therapeutics there's no dream to big for Brian to conquer. He has already proven this.

Beverly Johnson
A Grateful Mom
Danielsville, GA

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Colic

My son was a colicky baby with reflux. I spent much of his first months feeling helpless and frustrated wondering how I could help my crying baby. He was given a prescription for Zantac but I knew this was only a part of the solution. I wanted a complimentary method that would consider Arlo's entire well being and be gentle on his tiny system. That is why my husband and I are so grateful for the treatment Arlo receives at Athens Therapeutics. He is getting relief of his symptoms as well as a boost for his overall health.

For Arlo to be free of pain, crying less because of that pain, has brought peace to all of our lives. I feel empowered by the knowledge and tools we are given from the therapist at each session. I believe the approach used at Athens Therapeutics is the future of health care.

Autumn Fowells
A More Rested Mother
Athens, GA

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Headaches

I am so pleased with my therapy and its affect on my headaches. In my most optimistic hopes, I never expected to go 3 months with only one headache! And the headache that I did have was very small and short-lived.

The treatments were incredibly effective in relaxing the tight painful muscles in my back, hips and neck. I felt wonderful after the treatments. I appreciated how informative the therapists were during the sessions too.

The exercises to loosen my shoulder girdle and upper back seem to really help maintain the relaxation and sense of openness on a day-to-day basis. I’ll miss how I feel after each treatment, but hopefully the exercises will maintain me. I think the best thing about the treatments is that for the first time in 30 years I feel my headaches are controlled without medication. That they are controlled by exercises I can do myself is very empowering. I haven’t taken headache medicine in 2 months. I hope it lasts!!

Carolyn Holmes
Athens, GA

The therapists are very good at making my headaches go away. The therapists I work with are very understanding. The front office is very helpful with scheduling needs.

Jamaica Miller
Athens, GA

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General Comments

The clinic was great. The front office was pleasant and made me feel relaxed. My insurance was processed correctly and in a timely fashion. My copays were collected efficiently and receipts were given.

All the therapists were great. Very good mannered, very encouraging. Joe was awesome at making me relax. Henry was very polite too. I had a good experience over-all. My physical therapy really helped me get back to being an active participant in my life.

I loved the low key, low pressure approach. It’s a relief to see physical therapists taking a whole body approach that doesn’t involve a lot of medication.

Kristina Summers
Statham, GA

Even though I’m not presently a patient at Athens Therapeutics, I still consider myself to be a member of the Athens Therapeutics family. I like the openness of communication among the therapists and patient’s as well as the soothing and peaceful atmosphere. Everyone is always so welcoming and helpful from the office staff to the therapists. The therapists styles are very complimentary and you always have their full attention.

Sybil Langford
Athens, GA

The patient care and concern was excellent. I felt like I’d known each of you forever. My treatments were just what I needed. I got the strength back working with the “Gator Guy”. Maggie was fabulous. I was totally relaxed and relieved. Henry was excellent also, I loved talking with him. Joe, you are really great too. You have a great staff. I will always remember my experience there and hope to come back soon!

Melissa, what can I say about you in such a short space? You are fabulous. You are the kind of person every medical office needs. You are always thoughtful and loving to patients and understanding in every area of a patient’s treatment and payment!

Athens Therapeutics, in my opinion, you all can’t be beat! I applaud all of you and feel so blessed that my friend told me about you. Thanks again and my prayers always for you. GO DAWGS!

Sheila Ellsworth
Monroe, GA

I was very pleased with all therapists while under their care. Everyone was polite, courteous, and very concerned for me. I would not hesitate to recommend my friends to your group. Everyone was wonderful from the moment I walked in until the moment I left.

Polly Doane
Watkinsville, GA

I think of my appointments with Athens Therapeutics very often and with pleasure. The most outstanding and constant atmosphere I encountered there can not be expressed more adequately and accurately than by this one word: LOVE. There were smiles, warmth and friendliness all the way through-from the receptionist Melissa to Joe, the manager, and several others whose names skip me at the moment. In all, a relaxing, healing atmosphere.

Sally Walker
Watkinsville, GA

Very professional, pleasant, and comfortable all around. Good feedback and exercise plan provided.

Chris Novey
Athens, GA

All the therapists do a treat job. I have been helped so much that I continue to recommend Athens Therapeutics to friends who need physical therapy.

Elizabeth Sheerer
Winterville, GA

A wonderful, secure, trusting environment to start a new chapter of physical and mental well-being.

Dan Miller
Athens, GA

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