Working with Sophia via telehealth was such a gift. Having visits in my home where I can have privacy and comfort was easy. Sophia was able to guide my movements and give me cues for hand placements and body positions so that I was able to eliminate my tightness after my mastectomy. She is also great to have on my team as questions about osteoporosis prevention and joint pain come up. Her positive attitude and reassurance helped me feel strong and energized. I highly recommend Mindset Movement and Wellness. 

Sophia Pelton was my Physical Therapist following a mastectomy. Two weeks following surgery I developed severe pain in my shoulder and the left side of my chest at the surgery site. I was unable to raise my left arm above 45 degrees.  I was diagnosed with cording and neuropathy.  

The first thing I learned from Sophia is that physical therapy is a 50/50 partnership. We began by setting goals.  We talked about what activities I enjoy doing and what activities or movementsI find difficult.

Sophia developed an exercise program to work on at home that had five exercises. She helped me with technique, slow movements and how to breathe properly.  I also worked my arms one at a time.  I began with two sets of ten reps the first week.The second week I increased to two sets of fifteen.  Sophia always printed the directions for each exercise along with pictures for me to have at home.  As the weeks progressed and the movements became less difficult, she would add new exercises.  I began working with bands and continued to use the pulley. My; left arm was a great measure of the success of the routines because I could raise my arm almost vertical in just a few weeks.  

I have several other chronic health issues that Sophia was aware of,one of which is rheumatoid arthritis.  There were some days that the RA was screaming so Sophia would adjust the routine or shorten the number of reps.  She would often come up with a different exercise that I could accomplish.  

Cancer is not easy and does not end with the surgery.  I thought that once the cancer was removed, life would return to normal. When I think of cancer recovery, Sophia comes to mind.  She helped me mentally and physically.  Sophia helped me return to daily living with less pain and hope for the future. She made me realize that movement is a lifestyle and I no longer worry about what comes next. Sophia and the things she introduced me to in PT are my backup.  I am grateful for the time we worked together during this difficult time in my life.