Dancing for Joy: Rehab team gets patient back to health, back to life

Anthony Dockery has a new lease on life thanks to receiving two total knee replacements and rehabilitation at Nash UNC Health Care. Dockery was barely able to walk or stand prior to the procedures, but now he can move with ease. And while Dockery is thankful for his improved mobility, he is just as thankful for the care he received during his knee replacement journey.

“Every single person involved in my care was excellent and top notch. From Dr. Kemker performing the surgery and his staff always being so kind, to the surgical staff at Nash UNC, the fourth floor team for my recovery care, and the great rehabilitation team at Nash Day – I couldn’t be more pleased,” Dockery said.

Dockery’s wife, Sandy Dockery, also said her experience as a family member was fantastic from start to finish thanks to all of the team members involved.

“Not only did they show Anthony a lot of love, they showed me a lot of love as well. They were so great and were like angels to both of us. They were so quick to help us both and answer any questions we had,” she stated.

And while there were many people who played a part in Dockery’s success story, he spent a lot of time with the team at Nash Day Rehabilitation after his surgeries, and was thankful for the connections he made with multiple team members.

Allison Boone, a physical therapy assistant, was one of those staff members who connected with him.

“During Anthony’s recovery, he lost his brother. Allison was so good about checking up on him and making sure he was okay, not just physically, but emotionally as well. She always went above and beyond in that way,” Sandy Dockery said.

Her husband echoed those thoughts.

“Allison was always so sweet and kind. She not only helped me with my physical therapy, but she cared about me as a person. And she is great at what she does. My mobility improved so much thanks to her and the rehab team,” he explained.

But if you ask Boone, she says she is just doing her job and is passionate about physical therapy and making a difference in the lives of patients

“I love being a physical therapy assistant because it allows me to help patients restore function and ultimately improve their quality of life. I love guiding patients through the rehab and recovery process, providing direction and encouragement to get through the challenging parts. When our body functions normally, we often take it for granted. What may seem to be a small movement for us, is monumental for our patients,” Boone explained.

Dockery also identified all of his nurses on the fourth floor and physical therapist Marcia Ratcliff as being an instrumental part of why he did so well.

“After my surgery, every single one of my nurses were great. They really helped me to heal. And Marcia, my physical therapist, was amazing. I can’t say enough good things about my nurses and her,” he stated.

Ratcliff said she’s just happy to see how an entire team worked together to help provide a life-changing result for a patient.

“It was truly amazing to see Mr. Dockery’s life change, including his mobility, outlook, and posture. He went from a man in severe pain who was always looking for the next chair, to dancing in therapy. I am really honored to be a part of the great team that was able to help him.”

Boone added that she is also thankful to be a part of Mr. Dockery’s story, and hopes his success will encourage and inspire others.

“It feels amazing to be a part of Mr. Dockery’s story. He worked so hard in therapy and at home to regain range of motion and strength in his knees. He kept thanking us in rehab, but he really did all the hard work to restore function of both of his knees. Hopefully his story will encourage and inspire those currently having physical therapy for a knee replacement, or someone thinking of doing it in the future.”

And that’s just what Dockery hopes to do as well – inspire others in similar situations to do what they need to in order to turn their health and life around.

“I know situations like mine can be scary, and some people are fearful of having the surgery or getting the care they need. I just hope I can help ease other people’s fears about doing that,” he said.

Dockery also reminds others that he found life-changing care, right here at home.

“There is such great care right here in Rocky Mount. Everyone is so wonderful and will provide you with the best care and experience, right here in your backyard.”