Physical Therapy Helped Woman Reach Her Powerlifting Goal

Marri Fairbanks is always looking for her next challenge.

Fairbanks, who is 55 years old, took up Crossfit 15 years ago, with no prior weight lifting experience. When her gym began offering a new class on powerlifting a year and a half ago, she gave it a try.

But, just six weeks from her first powerlifting meet, Fairbanks began experiencing a dull, aching pain in her left shoulder that left the joint feeling tight and weak.

“I had put so much effort into preparing for the meet. I was really nervous that I wouldn’t be able to do it,” Fairbanks said.

A seamless process

With limited time before the meet, Fairbanks was able to use Direct Access, a new service offered through the Hartford HealthCare Bone & Joint Institute that allows patients like her to visit a physical therapist without waiting for a referral from another healthcare provider.
“It was easy – I didn’t waste any time going to my primary care physician to get an exam and referral. It was seamless,” Fairbanks said.

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A diagnosis and a plan

At Hartford HealthCare’s Bone & Joint Institute, Fairbanks was evaluated by Stefanie Bourassa, the sports medicine clinical program director and Bone & Joint Institute rehab director. Bourassa found indications of rotator cuff tendopathy as well as limitations in the middle of her spine.

To read more visit Hartford HealthCare Health News Hub.