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Physical Therapy is Something to Sing About
Posted October 18, 2016
Richard Ho`opi`i, one of Maui's very talented and beloved musicians, recently put entertaining on pause due to knee surgery on his left knee. After returning home to Maui from Oahu, where his knee surgery was done, his dear friend and long time volunteer of Hale Makua, Mary Drayer, helped Richard navigate through the medical process to get him on the road to recovery. Mary recommended Richard do his physical therapy at Rehab by Hale Makua, and the service and care he received is definitely worth singing about.
Because of Richard's loss of mobility after his surgery, he has started doing outpatient rehabilitation at Rehab by Hale Makua. He goes physical therapy twice a week. "It is a painful process," says Richard about his physical therapy sessions, but he knows hard work will get him to walk without pain. He works very hard and although it seemed to him that his progress was slow, his knee got stronger quickly enough for his physician to approve knee replacement surgery on his right knee only one month after his first surgery, which is almost unheard of.
Physical Therapist Kelli Ganiko, pictured above, worked with Richard and said "he is a good participant. He is motivated and compliant with all of his exercises during his rehab sessions and even at home. The best thing, though, is that he always has a smile on his face." Often times, Richard will serenade the staff and other clients and residents that are receiving rehab services at the same time. In the above photo, Uncle Richard joyfully takes direction from Kelli on exercises to strengthen his knee.
His recent health issues hindered Richard from performing in the community. Now, his determination and hard work has helped him to improve his health and strengthen his knees so that he is able to travel to Las Vegas in December where he will perform again. His music has given him many great opportunities to meet people and travel to distant lands. But receiving care at Rehab by Hale Makua, where he is able to visit with our kupuna warms his heart. He plans to return the goodness that has been shown to him by sharing his musical talents with our residents in the future.
October is National Physical Therapy month. Mahalo to our physical therapists who are dedicated to helping our residents and clients to safely manage pain and live healthier lives.