“I have never been to a place where people care as much as they do at Sitrin,” says Patricia Hall.

Pat has been an outpatient at Sitrin’s Medical Rehabilitation Center since last November. She experienced a myriad of life-limiting symptoms both before and after her lupus diagnosis, including severe tremors/involuntary movements, vertigo, falling, difficulty speaking and conveying her thoughts, pain and weakness. After a great deal of research, Pat’s daughter determined that Pat’s symptoms were being made worse by the very medications that were prescribed to help her.

After numerous visits to her primary care physician, hematologist, rheumatologist and neurologist, Pat was referred to a neurologist in Albany who specialized in movement disorders. The specialist thought that Pat would benefit from aquatic therapy, which is why she came to Sitrin.

Sitrin is the only facility in the area with specially trained physical and occupational therapists who can work with patients in two heated pools, which significantly eases movement for patients.

“It was such a relief for my body,” Pat says. “I could actually move in the warm water – it felt so good.” After months of aquatic therapy, Pat’s physical therapist, Kristen Murphy, DPT, felt that it was time to work on land-based exercises.

Kristen said being a physical therapist is not only having expert knowledge on how the body works, but it’s also being a coach and a cheerleader to patients who are experiencing pain and discomfort.

“Sometimes, physical therapy is uncomfortable for the patient. We have to encourage them to work through the discomfort so that they can gain strength and greater ease of movement … and in many cases, get their life back,” she says.

“She gets me,” Pat says gratefully.

“Pat has been a trooper. Her symptoms parallel functional neurologic disorder,” Kristen said. “She has responded very well to weighted exercises and has improved significantly in walking distance, overall stability and control of movements.”

Kristen and Pat have worked together twice a week for almost a year, and Pat’s neurologist in Albany is very impressed with Pat’s progress. In fact, at Pat’s last visit, her doctor gave Pat a hug and told her how proud she was of how far she has come.

The specialist said it’s possible that the medications may have created a neuro short circuit between Pat’s brain and her body. Until she began therapy, she felt that the condition was getting worse and worse. Slowly but surely, things are looking up.

While she still has bad days, Pat is very grateful that she found her way to Sitrin.

“I haven’t met a person at Sitrin that I wouldn’t love to spend time with,” Pat says. “I just can’t say enough about Kristen and the whole staff here. They really care about how I am.”