Success Stories

Margaret, October 2011

Jason,

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you and tell you how much your care has helped me to get
back into life.

As you know I had a total knee replacement in Nov. ‘10 and although the surgery itself went very well, the recuperation/PT did not.

The care I received at Hruska was the turning point, for me, with my knee. After 12 wk’s of traditional Physical Therapy the flexion and extension of my knee was severely limited, not to mention the excruciating pain that I experienced especially during my therapy. As you know, I had my surgery in New York, for reasons that I had no control over. After the insurance company ended payment for the therapy sessions my knee had very limited range of motion, it hampered my walking, sitting, sleeping and limited my ability to do simple things, like cooking, cleaning, watching television etc. Just prior to my return to Nebraska, my daughter, who works for a law enforcement agency in Virginia, called me to ask me if I had ever heard of the Hruska Clinic in Lincoln, Nebraska, I said no. I inquired, as to why she was interested. She said that two of her colleagues, who had had severe injuries and had gone through the traditional Physical Therapy but were still severely limited. On the recommendation of friends they travelled to Lincoln Nebraska and went through a three month program at Hruska Clinic. They left to go back to Virginia, feeling as good as new and able to return to work and full duty.
After the return of the first the second individual decided to go to Lincoln too. They too participated in the program and returned able to return to work. After hearing these two stories I decided to see what Hruska was all about.

I looked up Hruska Clinic on the internet and read their webpage. It sounded very different but after all the traditional physical therapy I had had and I was still so limited I decided that when I returned to Nebraska I was going to schedule a consult.

It was amazing the progress that I have made since starting with Hruska Clinic. The excruciating pain that I had been experiencing slowly but surely has gotten better. The extension in my knee is full now and the flexion has improved immensely. When I returned to the Orthopedic physician, he was totally shocked by the amount of improvement that I had made. He sincerely could not believe it. He asked me what the difference was. I told him about the Hruska Clinic and their approach to physical therapy and he was very supportive and told me to continue. He also mentioned he wished that there was a clinic like that in his area.

As I mentioned the extension and flexion of my knee were severely limited along with my walking with a limp and being in pain constantly. The exercises that I learned at Hruska have helped to decrease the pain to a more bearable level. I no longer walk with a limp. I have full extension and the flexion of the knee has greatly improved. I can actually walk my dog, which I had not done in over a year. Thereby getting some much needed exercise. I shudder to think of how it would be if I had not sought out the care from Hruska Clinic.

I want to take this opportunity to say a heartfelt thank you to you, for your time, attention and helping me to improve my quality of life with your knowledgeable and compassionate guidance.

You and the clinic are a well kept secret that needs get out!!!!

Sincerely,
Margaret

Kaitie Turner

My daughter Kaitlynne (Kaitie) was injured in a car accident and was prone to having severe pain in her lower back - pain that prevented her from functioning in daily life. Any silly movement would basically “throw” her back out and the pain would be so intense. She literally would sneeze and all the months of PT would be gone. We saw numerous back specialists, several regular chiropractors and did many procedures to find her lasting comfort and relief. None of these worked - temporary relief was gained but a simple wrong step would set her back. We took our Kaitie to Ron Hruska as honestly a last ditch effort to help regain some of her life. Through just a few visits and some hard core exercises done at home, our Kaitie was back competing in High School sports and all the great teenage girl things. Isolating muscles and working hard to regain her strength has allowed Kaitie to do everything her heart desires. We are just so thankful to Ron and his staff for their care, their concern and their knowledge. Literally we walked in and Ron said, when did you break your foot? -----not when was the car accident that you broke a vertabrae but when did you break your foot....wow just blew my mind---we had forgotten about that injury years ago and who knew that it could be impeding her healing all these years later. Thank you can never be enough for the time you spent on our little girl- her smile is so rewarding to us and anyone around her. You truly work miracles and we are forever grateful for your ability to restore her life to her. The ability to touch your toes--who knew that it would mean so much and be so attainable with some concentrated stretches. Kaitie committed to your workout and strived to return to her life and with your guidance she has done just that...thank you will never be enough. Traci and Brian Turner and our Kaitie

Steve Friesen – Professional Golfer, PGA Nationwide Tour

Well, my history with Ron Hruska dates back to the year 2000. One day out of the blue, my lower left back hurt. By two weeks later, I could not even swing a club due to severe pain. I was referred to Ron Hruska by a local golf pro. I quickly made progress, but as I now know, I did not fully rehabilitate what I needed to. Over the years, I have managed the pain and dysfunction through “conventional” stretching. But yet I was constantly tight!! Something was wrong. So with nowhere to turn, I came back to see Ron this winter. This time we clicked.
I KNOW I am on the right path to be being both healthier and a better golfer, and that is everything in terms of committing to do the work. The beauty of his exercises is that when strengthening a weak muscle, he puts you in a position that does not allow you to “cheat”. You are forced to use the weak muscle to do the exercise. Thru specific exercises, Ron taught me to breathe correctly from my diaphragm. What was most difficult for me to grasp but what has been THE most important factor towards my healing, is correct, deep breathing from the diaphragm while doing his exercises. I am 100% confident in Ron. If I can help encourage someone with pain or muscle tightness to seek his help and become healthy, that would be a great thing.

Hannah Wampler and Her Dad, David

Hannah:
I love Jen. She’s an amazing woman to work with, she’s patient, understanding, and knows what she is doing. Before I went to Hruska Clinic and met Jen, I went to a different physical therapy group which did not specialize in sports injuries. Jen welcomed me right away and since she’s experienced and has worked with other athletes like me, she understood what I was going through and the stretches I needed to work on to become stronger. Not only did Jen and I build a relationship inside the enclosed walls of Hruska but also outside. I am 16 years old and play high school and club soccer. Jen came to 2 of my high school soccer games to see my progress. When I first pulled my groin, I thought my injury would stick with me forever. Then I was told about Hruska and Jen and I progressed and I got stronger in no time. We have a great friendship that she even sent me a birthday card and sent me a congratulations, way to work after the high school season card. I feel so lucky to have been able to have met Jen and I’m sure that we’ll be working on me getting stronger and stronger in the future.

David:
After six to eight months of physical therapy with zero results my wife and I were told about Hruska physical therapy by another soccer Mom. My wife and I thought that my 15 year old daughter was going to either have to quit playing soccer or ignore the pain. After the first session with Jen, my daughter seemed to be not having as much pain, with in a few days she was pain free, and has not had any pain since. Jen was able to give my daughter exercises to do that would strengthen the muscles she used playing soccer. Hruska Clinic physical therapy has allowed my daughter to play soccer again at the highest level pain free. I can’t tell you how much we appreciate and Hruska physical therapy.

Jeff K., Kansas City

Wow and Thanks! That is what first comes to mind about today. Wow, because it was so “simple” yet the time with you has the ability to change my life!! Seriously!! I was getting worried that this was going to be an issue for the rest of my life and now I have an opportunity to do something about it! I practiced touching my arch every time I walked and did the exercises you taught me. Even the simple task of sitting in the car and strengthening my leg took a change in my thought process, but it is working. As I write this tonight, I can already tell a difference in my hip. Amazing!! And thanks, because of your generosity of time and sharing of your knowledge and expertise. I am so impressed!!

Ann Ringlein - Manager, Lincoln Running Company

“Under all the hats I wear….. running store manager, coach, marathon class instructor and runner myself ….. I find the Hruska Clinic is the perfect fit in the circle of staying healthy as a runner. There is so much more to running than just the act of running. In fact that is the easy part – the running. So many times runners forget about all the little things that keep you healthy and then the problems arise. I know right away, when talking to various injured runners, to refer them to The Hruska Clinic. I want the runners I work with to run forever and I feel that is where The Hruska Clinic comes in. The therapists there don’t just put a “bandage” on the problem and send you off, they fix the problem and send you home with exercises you can do and should do forever! They understand runners and the urgency sometimes felt by this type of athlete and deal with them accordingly.
If you are a runner and have experienced chronic injuries I strongly recommend The Hruska Clinic to get you on the road to running healthy forever!”

Diane Mendenhall - Executive Director, Nebraska Alumni Association

“Ron’s thorough understanding of the body never ceases to amaze me or the many people I’ve referred to his clinic. Whether it be a violin instructor, homemaker, CEO, little leaguer, All-American or Olympian, after the first visit I always seem to get the same response: “he is Magic.” Ron restores hope in his clients with his brilliant approach through Postural Restoration. Every person I’ve sent to Ron has been able to compete again and live pain free without surgery.

Personally Ron has treated my daughter who was a high school three sport athlete and now a college athlete. He has both helped her avoid potential injury and recover from periodic injury; ultimately raising her level of performance. (Nine time state track medalist and state volleyball champion). Ron’s understanding of the mechanics of the human body is world renowned. What sets Ron apart is not only his genius mentality but his ability to convey to his patients a thorough understanding of their treatment plan allowing them to embrace and understand the “why” of their prescribed postural restoration program.

I truly believe there is not one person that would not benefit from Ron’s cutting edge approach. Whether they are dealing with an injury, have some aches and pains or feel they are biomechanically sound; Ron can take them to that next level. He helped me through postural restoration and improved my golf game along the way!”

Karla Curran - Coach, Wahoo Cross Country

“I cannot say enough about the quality of care and personal attention you receive when you visit Hruska Clinic. From the moment you walk through the door, you are treated professionally. Both my son and daughter are receiving treatment through Hruska Clinic; my son due to a catastrophic hip fracture, and my daughter because of significant muscular imbalances. I am happy to report that they are both doing very well competing in cross country this fall. We have been to other physical therapists, but without a doubt, Hruska Clinic is by far the best. They don’t just treat the problem, they determine why it happened in the first place, and through specific strengthening exercises, correct it.

I trust Hruska Clinic’s judgment completely, that is why I have recently begun treatment at the Clinic, and have recommended them to several of my athletes. As a coach, I can rest assured that my athletes will be taken care of, and back on the course in no time. Thank you, Lori, and all the crew at Hruska Clinic. You are truly a blessing!”

Cathy

I had seen numerous doctors and physical therapists and had gone through countless tests in an effort to find the source of my lower back pain with no success. It was to the point that I could hardly function – driving 30 minutes to work was becoming nearly impossible, and my quality of life was extremely diminished.

I can’t begin to find the words to thank Ron Hruska for everything he has done for me. He literally gave me back my life. He was the one and only person that even offered me the slightest bit of hope. I knew from the first time I talked to him on the phone that he was going to make a difference in my life.

Ron Hruska has an exceptional knowledge of the human body and its physiology and biomechanics. He cares so much about his patient’s return to health. I have seen great results with his individualized Postural Restoration approach to patient care. The excruciating lower back pain I had been experiencing permanently disappeared.

Ron Hruska is professional, kind, sensitive, intuitive, and very knowledgeable. He is a unique physical therapist in today’s difficult work of healthcare. It’s hard to put into words exactly what he can do for you and what a difference he can make in your life until you meet him and start following his individualized therapy exercise plan. While all the doctors and other physical therapists I had seen seemed focused on my symptoms, Ron was able to pinpoint and address the cause of my pain.

He is an amazing physical therapist and anyone who is lucky enough to be in his care is truly blessed. I thank God daily for bringing him into my life. I don’t know that I could ever thank him enough for caring so much and for taking such good care of me.

My relationship with the Hruska Clinic also includes Becky Fisher. She has been with Ron for almost twenty years and was a wonderful asset to me – she assisted me with scheduling and making sure my appointments accommodated my travel from across the state and worked with my ever demanding work schedule. She is an inspiration - always full of hope and enthusiasm for the work they do at the Clinic.

I can’t say enough positive about these two individuals who made such a dramatic difference in my life – I will be forever grateful.

Corey O’Shaughnessy

“My daughter was 9 years old when she began experiencing pain in her right knee while playing soccer. We did what parents typically do when their child is in pain. For eighteen months we saw doctors and physical therapists for patellar tendonitis and Osgood-Schlattter disease. We iced and stretched and hoped that she would be pain free again. Finally, a friend said they had gotten wonderful results from the Hruska Clinic and we should check it out. I went on the website and read articles about the Husker Volleyball team blowing up balloons and other exercises I’d never heard of before, but we were intrigued and a little desperate so we made an appointment and went anyway.

In the initial consultation we learned so much about our daughter and why she was experiencing knee pain. They took time to answer our questions and educate us, and demonstrated the difference between her positions and good positions. We left with exercises and faith that things were going to get better. Within two weeks there was a significant reduction in her knee pain and within one month she was pain free! Additionally, she was able to breathe so much better and her stamina improved dramatically. We continued seeing Lori until she felt Sydney was ready to continue on her own.

Although my daughter has continued to be very active in club soccer and volleyball she has remained pain free for over two years now. We have referred several friends to Hruska Clinic with similar results and we will always be advocates for the tremendous work they do.”

Christy Peterson, PT - Valley County Health System, Ord, NE

“I have utilized Postural Restoration techniques for both myself and my patients for several years. I have practiced for 23 years and now consider this approach to be my most valuable tool for effective patient treatment. The philosophy of decreasing unwanted muscle tone by total isolation of others offers extremely rapid results.

Initially I had a difficult time believing an obers test could be negative following a few simple exercises, however, now that I truly understand Ron’s philosophies, I am observing this occurrence on a regular basis.

The entire philosophy of improving diaphragm function and developing normal respiratory patterns to assist with normalized movements of the trunk is crucial. Patients that I believe would normally be sent to a pain clinic are improving.

I have had a personal history of headache pain and sacroiliac and scapular instability. Normal strengthening and stability programs were not effective. Ron assisted me with exercise and referred me to Dr. Michael Hoefs, a TMJ and cranial facial pain specialist. He fit me with a night and day splint that seemed to be the missing link in relaxing my headache pain. I had considerable limitation in right shoulder internal rotation for 20 years that had not responded to stretching. In 1 week my rotation was completely normal and my neck tension relieved. This is effective therapy! I still need to exercise and watch my position; however I can now choose to be pain free. As for my sacroiliac dysfunction, I can now run more comfortably at 48 years old than I did 25 years ago.

The integration of systems I see performed at Hruska Clinic including respiration, vision, dental and musculoskeletal seem to create a unique opportunity for rapid tone changes, improved postural balance and subsequent pain relief. My previous skepticism has been negated by amazed patients who are witnessing major changes in functional ability and pain reduction.

For example, I brought an extremely involved patient to see Ron after an orthopedic surgeon classified her as a symptom magnifier. She originally had been diagnosed with a spondylisthesis and subsequently fell prone in a waterskiing accident resulting in extreme hyperextension of her low back and a black eye. She reported tingling and pain in all four extremities as well as low back, neck and thoracic pain. Ron questioned possible head trauma as she also had 2 other head insults previously. After assessing that her peripheral vision was lacking on one side, he placed tape on each lens of her eye glasses to force her to focus peripherally. Following walking 3-4 minutes, she reported immediate relaxation of her low back. She was then able to return to the plinth to find she could lie flat comfortably – the first time in 2 years. Ron felt her vision had kept her locked in the sagital plane. My patient is a living example of restoration of function as we began exercises, incorporating all planes of movement with her glasses and tape in place. She is now functioning well with minimal discomfort although we continue to see her intermittently for manual therapeutic techniques and progressive exercise.

My son has undergone vision therapy and I certainly understand the strong correlations between vision and posture, which was reinforced by the above example.

Diagnoses that used to be very difficult to treat are now fun to tackle including hip bursitis, thoracic pain, headache pain and TMJ dysfunction. Our clinic of PRI therapists sees low back pain for an average of 4 – 6 visits. It only makes sense to me that we were created with a body designed to function integrally with all its systems dependent on each other. I commend Ron for stepping out in the forefront to help us begin to understand this process. ”

Erin - Patient

After searching for the cause of my health problems for six months with four different doctors, it took Lori Thomsen ten minutes to figure out what was wrong with me. Who would have thought that constant nausea, diarrhea, and stabbing pain in my abdomen would be caused by an out of alignment pelvic bone? Although my gastroenterologist had run every test possible, I had received no answers and was incredibly frustrated. spent ten minutes actually listening to my symptoms and observing my posture. She was able to diagnose me just by looking at me. After a few posture tests, Lori realized that I had not been using the muscles on the left side of my body to walk, sit, stand or even ride a bike. After three visits and completing simple exercises in my home, I was able to eat for the first time in six months. The constant nausea and stabbing pain disappeared. Lori worked with me to re-learn how to use the left side of my body and strengthen those muscles. She worked with me for three months to teach me the skills I needed to maintain a balanced posture. I have been nausea and pain free for six months now and am enjoying living my life again. I am truly grateful for the knowledge, skills, and caring attitude found at the Hruska Clinic. Thank you!

Randy Moore - Patient

“Over twenty years of facial pain and a year of debilitating back pain left me with nowhere to turn. I won’t take the time with limited space to describe all the various symptoms and pain I suffered from during this time frame. I had reached a point where simple daily tasks were becoming major obstacles. I was uncomfortable walking up and down stairs, walking a block to work, riding in a vehicle for any length of time or simply sitting in a chair.

Traditional medicine and physical therapy had attempted to treat the symptoms with no lasting success. I was referred to a Physiatrist who specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation. After a ten-minute consultation she identified my postural imbalances and referred me to the Hruska Clinic for treatment. I was very skeptical of any further attempts to treat the pain in my back and various other symptoms I was suffering from, however, I didn’t know where else to turn. The following Monday I went in for my appointment.

My wife drove me to my appointment with . Jason called me the “poster child” for the type of patients they typically see. He explained how many years of improper postural use of my body resulted in the strengthening of some muscles and the atrophy of other offsetting muscles. I understood the muscle groups he was talking about but I must confess I had no idea where he was going with the therapy he began to outline. He said we must strengthen the weak, atrophied muscles in order to regain proper balance for the rest of the muscle groups. I expected to dive into a routine of physical therapy right there and then. Instead he demonstrated several simple strengthening exercises and sent me home to do the work myself.

My back pain was the first area of noticeable improvement and every other week Jason demonstrated progressively more difficult and challenging home exercises. As each muscle group was getting stronger my posture began to improve and the many symptoms I suffered from also began to improve or disappear. I first saw Jason in early March of 2007 and in early June he announced I would be finished with him later that month. During my last visit he showed me some maintenance exercises and at this writing I have been doing these through January 2008. These maintenance exercises will be a part of my weekly routine for the foreseeable future.

My back pain is completely gone. All the muscle groups are relating to each other much better resulting in the ability to run three miles four or five times per week. My overall posture has improved immeasurably and I continue to experience changes for the better.

I am so thankful! I would enthusiastically recommend Hruska Clinic and Jason Masek to anyone with muscle and skeletal issues.”

Barb Drevo - Patient

“After countless doctor appointments, physical therapy, and chiropractic care – which all offered temporary pain relief at best – I was referred to Hruska Clinic. After my first session, the first thing that struck me was I could actually BREATHE better, then, I realized I didn’t hurt anymore. I cried tears of relief! Hruska Clinic has given me a permanent solution to my pain through one-on-one sessions with a physical therapist and simple, highly effective exercises I can do at home. There aren’t words to describe my sincere gratitude to and Hruska Clinic.”

Rae Ann - Patient

“I went to great therapists, doctors, and even pain management before being referred to the Hruska Clinic. Needless to say I was pretty discouraged and worn out from chronic back pain and the frustration with frequent relapses. I started therapy with and it has made a world of difference! She has provided the direction, encouragement and support for me to decrease my pain, increase mobility and maintain them both. Lori is enthusiastic and passionate about the PRI approach which instills in me the strength and desire to continue my daily exercise program. She makes every effort to answer my questions and concerns both during and in between appointments so that I keep on track. The PRI approach has been a major influence in my overall well-being. I would not be where I am today without the help of Lori, the staff at the clinic and their use of the PRI principles. I am deeply grateful for their positive influence on my life!”

Hruska Clinic Restorative Physical Therapy Services
5241 R Street, Lincoln, Nebraska 68504
Phone: (402) 467-4545 | Contact Us

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